Imran writes another op-ed from behind bars

KARACHI: In an op-ed published in TIME Magazine on February 28 -- titled ‘Imran Khan Writes From Prison: Why the World Must Pay Attention To Pakistan’ -- former prime minister Imran Khan has painted a stark picture of Pakistan’s political landscape, with an ominous warning that “a destabilized Pakistan threatens regional security, disrupts trade, and weakens global democratic values”.

Writing from behind bars, Imran describes his imprisonment as “solitary confinement” amidst “authoritarian rule”. He has also denounced the charges against him as politically motivated and argued that his legal battles were part of a larger effort to suppress democratic dissent in Pakistan.

In his oped, the PTI leader emphasises the economic repercussions of the current political climate, warning that Pakistan risks losing its preferential trade status with the European Union -- a move that would severely impact its economy, particularly the textile industry.

Imran has also criticised the military and the judiciary, and asked for respect for “constitutional boundaries”.

Writing that he authorised his party leadership to negotiate with the current government to curb violence and human rights abuses, Imran then claims that these efforts were met with political manipulation, stating, “I was offered house arrest in exchange for ambiguous ‘political space’ for PTI, but I rejected this outright”.

At the end of his oped, the former PM takes a rather notable international pivot and congratulates US President Donald J Trump on his second inauguration, saying that Trump’s “remarkable political comeback is a testament to resilience and the will of the people”.

Again referring to the current White House incumbent, Imran then adds: “As he settles into office again, we look forward to his administration reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law -- particularly in regions where authoritarianism threatens to undermine these values”.