Pakistan
From Prison, Imran Khan Writes an Article in Time Magazine
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan writes an article in Time Magazine from prison reminding the world to pay attention to Pakistan.
Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has written an article for Time Magazine from prison. As the leader of Pakistan’s largest political party, he has been unjustly incarcerated since August 2023 and faces over 200 politically motivated cases at the behest of the country’s military. In November 2022, he also survived an assassination attempt.
In February 2025, a year after the Pakistani military blatantly stole the people’s mandate and imposed a corrupt coalition—comprising the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and a dozen other parties—Imran Khan has written an article in Time Magazine to remind the world to pay attention to Pakistan.
Here are some of the key messages by Imran Khan in Time Article:
As we settle into 2025, I reflect on what has been one of the most tumultuous and testing periods in Pakistan’s history. From my confinement in a solitary cell, I witness the heartbreaking reality of a nation gripped by authoritarian rule. Yet, despite everything, I remain steadfast in my belief in the resilience of the Pakistani people and their unwavering commitment to justice,
The politically motivated charges against me are nothing more than an attempt to silence my fight for democracy. But this struggle is not about me alone. The erosion of democracy in Pakistan has far-reaching consequences. A destabilized Pakistan threatens regional security, disrupts trade, and weakens global democratic values. The world must recognize the urgency of this crisis—not just for Pakistan’s future, but for the stability of South Asia and beyond.
This past year has brought unprecedented oppression. The brutal crackdown on my political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and its supporters has shocked the world…To date, 103 PTI workers and office bearers have been convicted in these [military] courts—a blatant violation of Pakistan’s commitments under international human rights conventions, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or ICCPR.
The world must also pay attention because, as democracy is eroded internally in Pakistan, terrorism has surged in regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. This has not happened by accident, nor is it simply chance.
Rather than addressing these critical security threats, the Pakistani military’s resources have been diverted to a campaign of vengeance against political opponents such as PTI.
The judiciary, instead of being a bulwark for justice, has been reduced to what I view as a tool of political persecution. Anti-terrorism courts are now filled with PTI supporters facing absurd charges.
Homes have been raided, families have been terrorised, and even women and children have not been spared from this brutal repression. Our social media volunteers, supporters in the diaspora, and activists have had their families harassed and abducted, all in an effort to silence dissent. My party has documented 12 supporters killed by security services during anti-government protests in Islamabad in late November.
Despite my concerns about the country’s leadership, I authorised PTI’s leadership to engage in talks with the current government to prevent further violence and human rights abuses.
Our agenda was clear: a judicial commission to investigate attacks on PTI party workers and unarmed protesters. We also demanded the release of all political prisoners.
In response, I was offered house arrest in exchange for ambiguous “political space” for PTI, but I rejected this outright.
Parliament has been reduced to what me and my party view as a rubber stamp for authoritarian policies.
Legislation aimed at curbing judicial independence, suppressing free speech, and criminalising dissent has been pushed through without debate.
Political disagreement is now labelled as “anti-state” activity, punishable by forced disappearances and draconian anti-terror laws.
The last vestiges of democracy in Pakistan have been all but erased.
It is also imperative that Pakistan’s Army Chief Syed Asim Munir acknowledges and respects the constitutional boundaries of the military. Only by doing so can Pakistan thrive under a true democratic system—one that is chosen by the people, for the people.
History has shown that dictatorships in Pakistan are fleeting, but the damage they inflict lingers for generations. The future of our nation depends on upholding democracy, not suppressing it.
Despite these dark times, the people of Pakistan have never been more awake or aware. They see through the lies, and their determination gives me hope.
The fight for justice and dignity is not an easy one, but it is one worth waging. I firmly believe that truth will prevail.
As we move forward, I remain resolute in my vision for Pakistan—a nation built on justice, opportunity, and equality.
The road ahead will be difficult, but I have no doubt that the people of Pakistan, united in their resolve, will overcome these challenges.
Together, we will build a brighter future for generations to come.”
In July 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention noted that Imran Khan has been arbitrarily detained and called on the Pakistani authorities to release him immediately. In September 2024, Amnesty International also deemed Imran Khan’s detention as arbitrary and called for his immediate release.
