Continued confrontation with the state by PTI especially when founder Imran Khan is facing jail time and legal challenges often leads to more instability, both for the individual and the country. In Imran Khan’s case, since his ouster in 2022, he has consistently framed the political system as unjust and has not accepted its legitimacy. While this defiance appeals to his base, it carries heavy risks because everyone is against him. His all actions to fight the state organs tantamount to escalating tension with state institutions (military, judiciary, bureaucracy).He must keep in mind the consequences of 26 November 2024 while entering in D Chowk. He should also keep in mind frequent crackdowns on his party and supporters which is decreasing due to his rigidity and workers still in jail on account of 9 May mayhem. Loss of political capital if public sympathy wanes or law fare becomes more intense means more problems. Protesting and holding meetings itself is a democratic right, and calling for it after Eid is not inherently wrong. The issue is how it’s done and what are the goals and objectives. If the protest turns into violent confrontation that always happen or destabilize the government entirely seeks violent clashes to, it can lead to an extreme steps. Government has many options to exercise.
Potential martial law-like responses or emergency powers being invoked. So, while protest is legitimate, a better strategy is often strategic negotiation and alliance-building rather going out for confrontation and moving towards dead end. No individual can sustainably fight the full power of the state especially one with entrenched institutions like the military and judiciary. History across many countries shows that lone confrontational leaders either end up imprisoned, exiled, or marginalized. Change only happens when there is political consensus, legal reform, or pressure from civil society. What are the other options for Imran Khan? Political Dialogue and Negotiation. He can authorize his party leaders to open channels with rival parties and institutions. If direct reconciliation isn’t possible, confidence-building measures (like distancing from inflammatory rhetoric) and filth on social media be stopped immediately could help to ease the situation. While exercising Strategy focus should be on strong legal defense, appeal processes. Frame the struggle as one for due process and civil liberties, not just personal power. For his party Institutionally encourage internal democracy within PTI. Prepare for future elections by strengthening local leadership rather than relying solely on charisma. Engaging Civil Society and International Voices. Promote alliances with journalists, activists, and neutral civil society organizations. Avoid isolation and get moral support from democratic institutions abroad. Symbolic Leadership from jail other historical figures (e.g., Nelson Mandela, Lula da Silva), he could adopt a non-violent, dignified stance while in prison and focus on restoring democracy, not power. However it may be added from jail, IK has maintained his narrative of injustice and resistance. Protests while incarcerated can pose strategic and legal risks , particularly if they result in violence or instability. It is widely believed that the establishment currently supports the present government. In Pakistani politics, this support often determines a government’s durability.
Confrontation for its own sake – especially in a heavily militarized and fragile democratic setup – can be destructive. IK is well advised he should shift from confrontation to proper strategy, rather than direct confrontation, focus on legal and parliamentary pressure. Even otherwise confrontation without establishment backing often leads to political isolation or crackdown., as Pakistan’s history shows. Need to position PTI as the peaceful advocate for electoral reforms and transparency. He should strengthen his second line of leadership and ensure trusted party members (like Gohar or Asad Umar) maintain the party’s image in his absence. Engage with the establishment quietly because channels of communications must stay open. History is full of examples. Past successful leaders have often regained footing through negotiated reentry in to the system rather than defiance. Any protest that descends into chaos will harm his cause more than help. It shows maturity and may help restore long-term political stability. IK A statesman-like pivot from confrontation to reconciliation doesn’t signal weakness needs to pivot from emotional mobilization to strategic recalibration. The world may sympathize with his claims, but without institutional support, especially from the judiciary and establishment, he risks isolation. Patience clear leadership grooming, legal persistence, and public engagement without violence are his best long term tools.
