Imran Khan’s troubles deepen in jail as Pakistani lawmakers voice support for the army

Karachi (The Uttam Hindu): Political tensions in Pakistan continue to intensify, and the situation of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan appears to be worsening. Several opposition leaders and lawmakers have openly expressed support for the army and accused Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), of making anti-state remarks.

According to Dawn newspaper, opposition leaders claim that PTI is attempting to discredit state institutions and promote an anti-national narrative. Their reaction came after PTI objected to a press briefing by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in which the spokesperson described Imran Khan as “narcissistic and mentally unstable.” The ISPR spokesperson also warned that by targeting the army, Imran Khan was posing a threat to national security.

Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on social media platform ‘X’ that Imran Khan’s statements encourage irresponsible and dangerous tendencies that aim to weaken the economy and state institutions. He added that such rhetoric harms national unity and undermines public trust in the army, which plays a vital role in defending the nation’s borders.

According to Dawn, the top leadership of MQM-P has also strongly criticized PTI. MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said PTI is choosing street protests over constitutional and institutional processes, thereby spreading instability in the country. He stated that by continuing the politics of accusations, PTI has drifted away from democratic principles.