Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again penned an article for a foreign publication, calling for global attention on Pakistan to ensure regional and global security.
Ostensibly written from his prison cell, the Time magazine article, “Imran Khan Writes From Prison: Why the World Must Pay Attention To Pakistan,” marks another attempt by the incarcerated leader to attract global attention to his plight. He had earlier penned similar missives for The Economist and The Telegraph, withPTI leaders saying the former was written with the aid of A.I.
Claiming to be writing from solitary confinement, Khan’s latest article emphasizes the global need for a stable Pakistan, warning instability in the country threatens regional security and trade linkages, and weaken global democratic values.
Portraying his imprisonment as emblematic of “authoritarian rule,” he reiterates claims that all charges against him are politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissent. He also highlights the economic repercussions of the current political climate, cautioning that Pakistan risks losing its preferential trade status with the European Union, severely hampering its economy.
In a direct reference to Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir, the former prime minister reiterates a demand for the military to respect its constitutional boundaries. This, he writes, is the only way for Pakistan to thrive under a “true democratic system.”
The article also takes pains to congratulate U.S. President Donald Trump on his second inauguration, expressing hope for a renewed commitment to democratic principles and human rights under the new administration.
Offering little that has not been said elsewhere, the letter seems a continuation of the PTI’s strategy to engage with international audiences through prominent publications. Khan was similarly featured on the cover of Time magazine in April 2023, with an article discussing his political journey and future aspirations in an exclusive interview. He has also given interviews to The Guardian and other international publications in a bid to retain the world’s attention on his incarceration, which the PTI describes as illegal and unjustified.
The most notable difference between the latest article and previous such writings is a more urgent tone, reflecting Khan’s recent conviction and escalating political tensions in Pakistan. Earlier pieces tended to focus on his political journey and aspirations for the country, while this article is a direct appeal to the international community, emphasizing the potential risks to global stability and economic interests if Pakistan cannot achieve political stability.
The Time magazine missive also follows recent moves by Khan to appeal directly to key figures in Pakistan. He has penned multiple “open” letters to the Army chief, criticizing military policies and seeking a reevaluation to restore public trust. He has similarly written to Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and his party recently launched a movement encouraging supporters to mount letter-writing campaigns.
Despite these concerted efforts, it remains unclear if Khan’s writings will have any tangible impact on Pakistan’s political dynamics. While such articles and letters raise public awareness about Khan’s incarceration and the pressure on the PTI, they have thus far failed to dislodge the entrenched positions of the military establishment and the current government regarding the PTI and its leader.