All time cricket hero, legendary philanthropist, and politician, the leader of PTI completed his two years in prison. A year back, President Zardari sarcastically remarked about Imran Khan that let’s see if the incarcerated leader would be able to persist in jail for this long.
The friend and foes were shocked that Imran Khan completed two years in Adiala Jail and not a single day he asked for any mercy. And surprisingly, the followers of Imran Khan who were considered weak to face hardship, were instead courageous and thousands of PTI workers have been arrested, and have gotten punishment from military and Anti-Terrorism Courts.
More importantly, the women of the elite class faced the harsh reality of prison, particularly, 74-year-old cancer survivor Yasmeen Rashid who stood firmly against the state. Even though, she was the one who gave permission to Nawaz Sharif to get release on health basis.
A significant question is this, will PTI survive in future after the ruthless treatment of the leadership and workers alike?
This is the first time, the leader of the opposition in National Assembly, Omar Ayub and opposition leader in Senate, Shibli Farz have gotten ten years of conviction and are being restrained legally from entering the Parliament.
Amidst the above-mentioned circumstances, the question arises that Pakistan has become a hybrid regime and the real power lies with the establishment who want to bring the 27th Amendment through which Field Marshall will get further power and a legal status. There is little hope from PML-N which is the product of the establishment but the party of shaheed Bhuttos also gave the umbrella to this measure. Even if PPP gives assent to 27th amendment, considering their past, this shouldn’t raise eyebrows.
But one thing that goes in favour of this regime despite anti-democratic machinations, the regional and international situation is helping to strengthen the present government, particularly, the Trump administration which is not only ignoring but also patronising the hybrid regime.
In recent turn of events, President Trump invited Field Marshall to White House which gave a clear message that America accepts military implicit intervention in politics. This was done for America’s own national interest. This isn’t something outlandish as America patronsied the military dictator General Zia ul Haq, previously. Last but not the least, the biggest question is this that can PTI weather the storm and Imran Khan can continue to remain in jail without reaching a deal with the establishment and would the party then survive? The weakness of PTI, despite its sacrifices, is that it caters to the middle class, mainly.
It cannot not be after all denied and is accepted by political pundits that the popularity of the kaptaan remains intact and this would haunt the regime sitting in Islamabad in the present and future as well.
