The jailing of Imran Khan heralds a period of tighter military control
Mr Khan denies wrongdoing and has unsuccessfully appealed the conviction. He says the charges are politically motivated, which the government denies. The conviction, which comes with a five-year ban from politics, is the culmination of a campaign by Pakistan’s powerful army to remove Mr Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf , from the political fray. It also heralds a period of more active involvement in politics by the generals.
The case has exposed a taste for cash and bling that is at odds with Mr Khan’s idea of himself as a pious anti-corruption crusader. Yet the nature of the conviction, for violating electoral laws that are rarely enforced, hints at the former prime minister’s true crime: challenging Pakistan’s army. Like many Pakistani politicians before him, Mr Khan started out as a general’s favourite.
Unlike some of his predecessors, Mr Khan refused to go quietly, attacking the generals in a series of rallies across the country and claiming that they tried to assassinate him last November. After he was briefly arrested in early May, his supporters smashed up military installations. The army, unused to and enraged by such displays of defiance, dismantled his party and rounded up his supporters. Eventually, Mr Khan was nabbed for good.
Mr Khan’s forced exit from politics heralds more ambitious plans. Assisted by the outgoing prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and a pliant parliament, the army has rearranged Pakistan’s hybrid system decisively in its favour. Among the scores of laws tweaked or introduced before parliament’s lights were switched off, several granted sweeping new powers to the armed forces and intelligence agencies, alarming civil-rights groups.
Yet Mr Sharif may be tempting fate. Nine months into the job, newly victorious in his battle with Mr Khan and his supporters, General Asim Munir, who heads the armed forces, is growing assertive. He is spearheading a new economic council and is busy touting Pakistan’s investment potential to Gulf states that have grown tired of doling out cash to Pakistan. More than their money, he may be eyeing their political support.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
With Imran Khan Sent to Jail, Pakistan Faces the AbyssPakistan’s generals have always called the shots. After Imran Khan’s sentencing, this might change, writes Farzana Shaikh.
Weiterlesen »
Pakistan: Imran Khan barred from politics for five yearsThe ruling means Pakistan's former prime minister will not be able to run in the November's election.
Weiterlesen »
Imran Khan Seeks Transfer From ‘Tiny, Dirty’ Prison CellImran Khan said he’s been kept in a jail cell meant for terrorists and is seeking a court order to be moved to upgraded facilities
Weiterlesen »
Sadiq Khan urges Londoners to avoid Oxford Street today amid social media 'nonsense' over 'crime opportunities'The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has appealed to people not to head to Oxford Street to participate in the 'nonsense' circulating on social media.
Weiterlesen »
Pakistan: Election delayed in latest political crisisA pending election may be delayed till 2024, even as Imran Khan is in jail and barred from politics.
Weiterlesen »
Government funding agreement did not force Sadiq Khan to extend ULEZ to cover all of Greater London - Full FactA letter sent by Grant Shapps to Sadiq Khan in 2020 is being used to claim the upcoming ULEZ expansion was ordered by the government. But the expansion of ULEZ to cover all of Greater London was not part of the funding agreement set out in this letter.
Weiterlesen »