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Imran Khan Writes From Prison: Why the World Must Pay Attention To Pakistan
As we settle into 2025, I reflect on what has been one of the most tumultuous and testing periods in Pakistan’s history. From my confinement in a solitary cell, I witness the heartbreaking reality of a nation gripped by authoritarian rule. Yet, despite everything, I remain steadfast in my belief in the resilience of the Pakistani people and their unwavering commitment to justice.
The politically motivated charges against me are nothing more than an attempt to silence my fight for democracy. But this struggle is not about me alone. The erosion of democracy in Pakistan has far-reaching consequences. A destabilized Pakistan threatens regional security, disrupts trade, and weakens global democratic values. The world must recognize the urgency of this crisis—not just for Pakistan’s future, but for the stability of South Asia and beyond.
The suppression of democratic voices in a country as pivotal to regional and indeed global security as Pakistan sets a dangerous precedent, one that should concern all who believe in free and fair governance.
This past year has brought unprecedented oppression. The brutal crackdown on my political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and its supporters has shocked the world. International rights groups and the U.N. have documented arbitrary detentions, and politically driven trials in military courts. To date, 103 PTI workers and office bearers have been convicted in these courts—a blatant violation of Pakistan’s commitments under international human rights conventions, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or ICCPR. The international community, including the EU, U.K., and U.S., has voiced concerns over these trials.
These issues affect ordinary Pakistanis. Pakistan risks losing its preferential trade status with the EU, a move that would devastate our economy, particularly the textile sector. Yet, those in power in Pakistan continue down their reckless path, jeopardising Pakistan’s standing with fabricated narratives and baseless propaganda about me and my fellow PTI party workers.
The world must also pay attention because, as democracy is eroded internally in Pakistan, terrorism has surged in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This has not happened by accident, nor is it simply chance.
Rather than addressing these critical security threats, the Pakistani military’s resources have been diverted to a campaign of vengeance against political opponents such as PTI. The judiciary, instead of being a bulwark for justice, has been reduced to what I view as a tool of political persecution. Anti-terrorism courts are now filled with PTI supporters facing absurd charges.
Homes have been raided, families have been terrorised, and even women and children have not been spared from this brutal repression. Our social media volunteers, supporters in the diaspora, and activists have had their families harassed and abducted, all in an effort to silence dissent. My party has documented 12 supporters killed by security services during anti-government protests in Islamabad in late November.
Despite my concerns about the country’s leadership, including about the allegations of fraud in the election that brought it to power, I authorised PTI’s leadership to engage in talks with the current government to prevent further violence and human rights abuses.
Our agenda was clear: a judicial commission to investigate attacks on PTI party workers and unarmed protesters. We also demanded the release of all political prisoners.
Sabir Shakir is renowned TV anchor journalist and columnist with more than 34 years of experience in print and electronic media.
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