Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan broke his silence on the political turmoil that led to his ousting and subsequent imprisonment in a rare and revealing interview with Mehdi Hassan. Despite the constraints of his current incarceration in Adiala Jail, Khan’s answers, provided through written correspondence, shed light on his turbulent experiences and deep-seated grievances.
Mehdi Hassan, known for his hard-hitting journalism, clarified the unusual nature of the interview. “I could only submit written questions to Mr. Khan. There was no opportunity for a direct dialogue or follow-up queries,” Hassan explained, underscoring the limitations imposed by Khan’s imprisonment.
Khan’s reflections on his prison experience revealed the psychological warfare he claims to endure. “They employ psychological tactics to break my spirit,” Khan stated, “but my heart, fortified by faith in Allah, remains strong.” His words conveyed a sense of resilience and unwavering faith amid adversity.
When questioned about who he blamed for the collapse of his government in 2022, Khan was unequivocal. “After 11 months in prison, I am certain that this ordeal was orchestrated solely by General Bajwa. I hold no one else responsible,” he asserted. His indictment of former Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa was scathing, accusing him of deceit and manipulation. “He meticulously planned and executed this scheme, presenting himself as a deceitful figure, creating lies and false narratives to cause both national and international chaos – all to secure his extension,” Khan elaborated.
Khan accused Bajwa of painting him as anti-American, fueling tensions to serve his own ambitions. “God knows what other lies he disseminated to various countries,” Khan lamented, reflecting on what he described as an insidious campaign against him.
Despite his strong words for Bajwa, Khan notably refrained from mentioning the current Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, hinting at a strategic silence or possible political calculations.
Criticism of the ruling government was equally harsh. “This government lacks legitimacy. The PML-N barely won 17 seats in Parliament. The violence, torture, and pre-poll rigging were evident. After the elections, it took them nearly two days to alter the results,” Khan charged, alleging widespread electoral fraud.
In his closing remarks, Khan issued a rallying cry to the Pakistani people. “There has been an attack on democracy and the right to self-determination of 250 million people,” he proclaimed, condemning the February 8 general elections as a sham. According to Khan, these events have only deepened the trust deficit between the populace and the ruling elite, perpetuating a cycle of uncertainty and instability.