Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has recently been featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, dubbed as the "most popular politician of Pakistan." In an exclusive interview with TIME, Khan shared his plan to return to power and his vision for a new social contract that would vest power in political institutions, rather than the military.
Khan was overthrown in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence a year ago and has since been demanding snap polls with the pressure he exerts on the incumbent government via power shows with thousands of followers in attendance across the country. In a bid to persuade the government into early elections, Khan took out two long marches last year, one of which saw an assassination attempt on him in November.
Despite the attempt on his life, Khan remains a popular politician in the country, with thousands of diehard supporters willing to take to the streets at his call. He asserts that a completely new social contract is required to enshrine power in political institutions, rather than the military.
Khan reiterated his idea of the State of Madina while speaking about his plan to turn the country into an Islamic welfare state. He also highlighted the country's economic woes and argued that political stability is the starting point for economic recovery.
Khan faces resistance from the incumbent government, with raids involving the use of tear gas by Punjab police in riot gear at his Lahore residence. In the interview, he claimed that the crackdown has never taken place in Pakistan and questioned if it was even as bad under martial law.
Despite being disqualified by the election commission and facing over a hundred cases involving allegations of corruption, sedition, blasphemy, and terrorism, Khan remains the most popular politician in the country. He accuses his opponents, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, of being behind the assassination attempt on him and alleges that another attempt was waiting for him outside the Islamabad Judicial Complex.
In conclusion, Imran Khan remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, with thousands of supporters rallying behind him. He continues to demand snap polls and calls for a new social contract that vests power in political institutions, rather than the military. With the ongoing political turmoil in the country, only time will tell if Khan's vision for a new Pakistan will come to fruition.
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