Media Coverage | 24-08-2026
Pakistan’s politics is taking a new turn; there is talk of ‘Imran in and Shehbaz out’
There is an old saying that time belongs to no one; it follows its own course. No one can say when someone’s fortunes might turn upside down or take a turn for the better! Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s enemies always maintained that Khan Sahab would now rot in jail for the rest of his life. At times, rumours even spread rapidly that he had passed away. But now, his enemies are in a state of panic. There is intense speculation that Khan Sahab’s fortunes are about to change soon.
A sudden turn of events took place last week. The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered that Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, be admitted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment. The Shehbaz Sharif government filed a review petition against this order, arguing that a convicted prisoner can only receive treatment at a government hospital. The Supreme Court dismissed the review petition on technical grounds. Following this, Imran was taken to Shifa International Hospital for treatment, but he was not admitted and was sent back to jail. In fact, Shehbaz Sharif is haunted by the fear that something is brewing between Imran and Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir! Perhaps he is reminded of the time when Imran Khan was Prime Minister and Nawaz Sharif was convicted on corruption charges. At that time, Nawaz received bail on medical grounds and fled to London! He too was a convicted prisoner, yet he was given the opportunity to escape on the pretext of receiving medical treatment at a private hospital abroad. What if Imran gets that very opportunity?
However, Shehbaz knows that Imran is not going to flee abroad. He was a fast bowler and is a fighter by nature. Shehbaz senses that General Asim Munir no longer needs him, having far surpassed him in the power game. Trump now invites only Munir to lunch and dinner. Shehbaz has realised that Munir is looking for a new face to project as a front, allowing Munir to retain the reins of power. Shehbaz understands why Munir’s brother-in-law and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi is constantly attacking his own government. In fact, it makes no difference to Munir who the Prime Minister is, as he has effectively made himself a Field Marshal for life. On the other hand, Imran’s priority is to get out of prison by any means. He, too, has realised that there is no point in locking horns with the army. No matter how prominent a politician may be in Pakistan, it is the army that runs the government.
There is currently much talk about back-channel negotiations between Munir and Imran. While the terms of any potential agreement are difficult to ascertain, it appears that groundwork is being laid ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled before February 2029. If Imran is cleared of charges through Munir’s intervention, the political landscape in Pakistan could shift dramatically. Some statements confirm this possibility too. Zulfikar Bukhari, the spokesperson for Imran’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), clearly stated that if Imran Khan is released, he will not pursue a path of confrontation with the army or General Asim Munir. Instead, he will work for the national interest. He also made it clear that the current military leadership has the full authority to de-escalate political tensions and release the prisoners. In other words, it clearly appears that Khan Sahab’s fortunes could turn around. Munir is currently closely assessing the situation!
Who is holding up Tarique’s flight?
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India was nearly finalised. Had everything gone well, Tarique would have been in Delhi this week. However, the visit was postponed even before it was officially announced. Ostensibly, Bangladesh has stated that a conducive atmosphere for talks between the prime ministers of the two countries has not been created. In reality, Bangladesh wants India to hand over Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death there. Incidentally, Sheikh Hasina herself has expressed a desire to return to Bangladesh. Her announcement has deeply unsettled those nations that wanted to erase every trace of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. These countries never want relations between Bangladesh and India to improve. But the real question is: What does Bangladesh want? Tarique has visited China but not India. What is his message? If we need a relationship with them, they need us even more. They need to understand this!
Did he say anything new?
US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited Kashmir last week. He sang praises of Kashmir’s beauty, which is only natural. He described Kashmir as an integral part of India. This sent Pakistan into a frenzy; it summoned US embassy officials to register its protest! How strange! Sergio Gor didn’t say anything new at all! He merely stated what is true and what the entire world knows. Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India! The ruling elites of Pakistan, don’t get all worked up! If ‘Uncle’ got upset, you’ll be in deep trouble! Look at the prices of essentials back home, and consider the consequences of the uprising in the part of Kashmir you have occupied and are oppressing! Don’t even dare flex your muscles!
The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.
vijaydarda@lokmat.com
