Imran Khan, the imprisoned former Prime Minister of Pakistan, addressed Army Chief Gen Asim Munir in an open letter on Sunday, criticizing the military’s illegal actions and political involvement, while urging a return to constitutional boundaries.
Posted on X, the letter details allegations of mistreatment during his incarceration, including 20 days in solitary confinement within a death-row cell, devoid of sunlight and electricity.
Khan has spent over a year in Adiala Jail, with this letter following an earlier correspondence on February 3, where he called on the military to reassess its stance regarding national security and governance. After the initial letter, security sources stated the military had not acknowledged it and dismissed media reports about it.
In his recent communication, Khan described the military’s response to his first letter as “dismissive and irresponsible” and expressed concern over the military’s reputation and the widening divide between it and the public.
Khan lamented the dire political instability and how the “might is right” mentality has destabilized the economy, pointing out that his party, the largest in Pakistan, is being targeted while state institutions are used for political manipulation and retribution.
He asserted that, in a public referendum on the six points he raised, he believes around 90% of Pakistanis would support them. Khan emphasized that the actions of the military not only undermine public sentiment but also contribute to the growing divide with the army.
For the sake of Pakistan’s stability, he insisted it is crucial for the military to rein in its political engagements and adhere to its constitutional role. The letter follows the arrest of several leaders from Khan’s party on February 8, designated as ‘Black Day’ to protest alleged election rigging.
Khan described the military as a vital institution but pointed out that a few individuals within it are damaging its reputation. He accused a military officer at Adiala Jail of orchestrating harassment and violations of his rights, claiming this officer acts like an ‘occupying’ force, ignoring court orders.
Detailing his treatment in jail, Khan stated he was kept in complete isolation, without sunlight for 20 days, experienced prolonged darkness due to power cuts, and had his personal items confiscated. He asserted that his communication with family was heavily restricted, and court mandates for meetings with his wife, Bushra Bibi, were disregarded.
Khan claimed his convictions were politically motivated, with judges allegedly coerced into delivering predetermined verdicts, and described instances of brutal crackdowns on peaceful PTI supporters on two dates in 2023 and 2024.
He highlighted the widespread targeting of female family members of politicians as unprecedented and shameful, warning this fuels rising resentment towards the military. He cautioned that unless urgent reforms are enacted, the consequences for both the military and the nation could be dire.
Khan wrapped up his letter by emphasizing the sacrifices made by soldiers for Pakistan and the importance of public support for military success in counter-terrorism efforts. He condemned the establishment’s policies and unlawful actions for increasing public resentment towards the military, warning that this could create a perilous divide in national security if left unaddressed.