In a scathing attack on Pakistan’s current military and political leadership, jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday took a direct swipe at Army Chief General Asim Munir, who was recently elevated to the rare and prestigious rank of Field Marshal. Speaking through a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Khan mocked the promotion and said, “MashaAllah, General Asim Munir has been made Field Marshal. Though frankly, it might have been more fitting to give him the title of 'King' instead, because right now, the country is ruled by the law of the jungle. And in the jungle, there is only one king.”
The former premier’s comments come days after General Munir became only the second military officer in Pakistan’s history to be promoted to Field Marshal, following former president Ayub Khan who awarded himself the title in 1959 after taking power through a coup.
Drawing parallels with the authoritarian past, Khan said, “Ayub Khan seized power and then promoted himself to Field Marshal. Now we are witnessing a similar pattern — a glorification of might over mandate.”
Khan, who has been behind bars since August 2023 in multiple cases, also dismissed speculations about any behind-the-scenes negotiation with the military establishment. “No deal has taken place, nor is any dialogue underway. These are baseless lies,” he said, while extending an olive branch for dialogue if “the establishment truly cares about the nation’s future.”
In a sharp critique of the current civilian government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said the justice system in Pakistan had been hijacked by the powerful. “The country is facing external threats, a surge in terrorism, and an economic crisis. We must unite. I have never asked for anything for myself before, nor will I now.”
He continued: “When you send the message that the bigger the thief, the higher the office they’ll hold — you bury justice.” Citing cases against powerful figures, he pointed to ongoing allegations against President Asif Zardari’s sister, who is reportedly abroad despite corruption charges. He also referred to the PKR 22-billion money laundering case against Shehbaz Sharif, claiming it was brushed aside once he became PM.
Khan further warned of a potential escalation with India, cautioning the government to be prepared. “The country is unprepared for another Indian attack. The real threats are being ignored while political vendettas continue,” he said.
Khan concluded by lamenting the deterioration of democratic values in Pakistan over the last three years. “The moral and constitutional framework of this country has been shattered. Rule of law has collapsed. And the people see clearly now — the law exists only for the weak, never the powerful.”
