Former PM Imran Khan open letter to the Army Chief, expressing her concerns about the overall situation in Pakistan.
“The army is mine, and the country is mine too!”
Our soldiers are sacrificing their lives for Pakistan. To win the war against terrorism, it is essential for the nation to stand united behind the army.
However, it is unfortunate that due to the policies of the establishment, the gap between the army and the public is growing wider every day.
There are several reasons for this growing divide, and it is crucial for the establishment to revisit its policies to reduce this distance and restore the army’s reputation. Below are the key reasons that need immediate attention:
1. Electoral Fraud in the 2024 Elections:
The most significant reason is the historic rigging in the 2024 elections and the blatant theft of the public’s mandate.
The involvement of agencies in pre-poll rigging and manipulating results through political engineering has severely damaged the nation’s trust. A party that won only 17 seats was brought into power, imposing an “artificial government” on the country.
2. The 26th Constitutional Amendment:
The 26th Constitutional Amendment has been used to undermine the judiciary and violate the Constitution and the rule of law.
The Pakistani public is deeply angered by this. My cases have been delayed and manipulated, with “pocket judges” being appointed to ensure favorable rulings.
The ongoing “court packing” aims to suppress justice, violate human rights, and cover up electoral fraud.
3. The Draconian PECA Law:
The government has already taken control of electronic media, and now, through the PECA law, it is imposing restrictions on social media and the internet.
This has put Pakistan’s GSP Plus status at risk and caused a loss of over $1.72 billion to the IT industry. The careers of countless young people are being destroyed due to these internet disruptions.
4. State-Sponsored Terrorism Against PTI:
The state has launched a campaign of terror against Pakistan’s largest and most popular political party, PTI.
Over 100,000 raids have been conducted, more than 20,000 workers and supporters have been arrested or abducted, and families have been harassed. This continuous violation of human rights has deeply hurt public sentiments.
5. Economic Instability:
Political instability has crippled the economy, forcing people to leave Pakistan with their capital. The growth rate is zero, and investment in the country is almost nonexistent.
Without the rule of law and justice, no country can attract investment. Fear of terrorism further discourages investors. Investment only comes when a government truly represents the people’s aspirations.
6. Institutions Overstepping Their Roles:
All institutions have abandoned their duties and are instead focused on crushing PTI for political revenge.
Even mid-level officers are disregarding court orders, undermining the judiciary, and tarnishing the army’s image. Recently, despite a court order allowing my wife to appear for investigation, unseen forces sabotaged the process.
Conclusion: A Call for Change:
As a former Prime Minister, it is my duty to highlight these issues (in Imran Khan Open Letter) for the betterment of the nation. The army’s reputation is suffering, and the growing divide between the public and the army is a serious threat to national security.
The only way to bridge this gap is for the army to return to its constitutional role, stay out of politics, and focus on its defined responsibilities. This is something the army must do itself. If this divide continues to grow, it will become a fault line in national security.
“The army is mine, and the country is mine too. Let us work together to restore trust, stability, and peace in Pakistan.”