Key points
- Former PM Imran Khan, jailed since August 2023, accused Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir of imposing a “dictatorship,” saying democracy has been “trampled” and moral-Islamic principles ignored.
- Khan alleged sustained mistreatment in prison, restricted family/legal access, and pressure tactics including alleged intimidation of relatives and solitary confinement of his wife, Bushra Bibi.
- He taunted that “there is no hybrid system, only Asim Munir’s rule,” quipping that Munir should have called himself “king” after elevation to Field Marshal.
- Khan linked Munir to the May 9, 2023 saga, claiming it is being used as an “insurance policy” against him and PTI.
- The remarks came via social media and statements relayed by his sister, amid an ongoing power struggle shaping Pakistan’s politics.
New Delhi: Imran Khan called Gen. Asim Munir a “power-hungry” figure who has imposed the “worst kind of dictatorship,” declaring that Pakistan’s democracy exists “in name only” as real power is centralized in one person, according to his social-media statement circulated publicly. He argued there is “no hybrid system,” only Munir’s rule, and suggested the symbolism of power was evident in international outreach dynamics using a provocative comparison to underscore his point.
On May 9 and political crackdown
Khan reiterated that the May 9, 2023 episode is being instrumentalized to suppress PTI and justify the crackdown, alleging Munir’s role and asserting it now functions as an “insurance policy” against him. He maintained that narratives around May 9 and selective leaks or missing footage are part of a broader effort to delegitimize him, a claim he and PTI have raised repeatedly in recent months.
Jail conditions and pressure claims
The PTI founder alleged prolonged solitary confinement, sharply limited access to family and lawyers, and psychological pressure tactics, describing a sustained effort to “break” him. He claimed certain apolitical relatives faced harassment or abductions, and said his wife, Bushra Bibi, has been kept in solitary for months and pressured while stressing she continues to “stand firm” by him.
The ‘King’ barb after Field Marshal rank
Reviving an earlier jibe after Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal, Khan said the title “king” would have been more fitting, arguing Pakistan is under “jungle law” where there is “only one king.” He linked the promotion to a broader consolidation of power following heightened regional tensions, positioning his critique as a defense of rule of law and morality.
How the message surfaced
Khan’s latest remarks emerged via posts attributed to him and public statements relayed by his sister Aleema Khan after permitted jail meetings, as mainstream access remains restricted. The communications reflect PTI’s continued attempts to shape the public narrative and challenge the military establishment’s role in governance and legal processes.
Political backdrop
The Khan–Munir confrontation has become a defining fault line of Pakistan’s current politics, with the army chief’s stature reinforced by institutional backing while PTI alleges systemic suppression. Commentary highlights how the feud spans back to Munir’s intelligence tenure and has escalated with legal cases against Khan and Bushra Bibi, fueling a cycle of charges and counter-charges.
