LAHORE: Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has given an exclusive interview to Time magazine in which he emphasizes the need for a new social contract to empower political institutions rather than the military.
The ousted prime minister, who was overthrown in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence a year ago, has been demanding snap polls and exerting pressure on the incumbent government through power shows with thousands of followers in attendance across the country.
He has even taken out two long marches last year, one of which saw an assassination attempt on him in November. Despite facing resistance from the government, Khan remains the most popular politician in the country with thousands of diehards willing to take to streets on his one call.
The PTI chief believes that a new social contract is required to enshrine power in political institutions, rather than the military, to bring political stability and economic recovery to the country. However, Khan also asks the government if they have a plan to steer the country out of the ongoing crisis, which he says has resulted in the worst economic indicators in Pakistan’s history.
The TIME released the first look of the magazine on their official Twitter account.
Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and a one-time cricket icon, has become a controversial figure in Pakistani politics. After being wounded in an attack by a lone gunman at a rally, Khan has used his diehard support base to demand snap elections, claiming he was unfairly toppled by a US-sponsored plot.
Since then, Khan has accused various rival politicians of pulling the strings. The country’s political instability comes amid devastating floods, runaway inflation, and resurgent cross-border terrorist attacks from neighboring Afghanistan, which threaten the nation’s economy and security.
The situation has driven Pakistan deeper into China’s orbit, and Khan’s close relationships with autocrats and extremists have put off the West.
Imran Khan rose to power in 2018 on a wave of populist sentiment, promising to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and reform the political system.
However, Khan’s tenure has been marred by controversies and setbacks. His government has been criticized for its handling of the economy, which has led to widespread protests and strikes.
Additionally, his administration has been accused of stifling press freedom and human rights, with journalists and activists facing persecution and harassment.
Khan’s recent ouster has only added to the political chaos in the country. His supporters have taken to the streets, demanding new elections and alleging that his removal was orchestrated by the military and foreign powers. The government, meanwhile, has accused Khan of inciting violence and sedition and has arrested hundreds of his supporters.
