Crisis for Imran Khan: Will Pakistani Army Take Over The Control?

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will address a public gathering on Sunday, according to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Javed Khan, according to ANI.

In a tweet, Faisal Javed Khan stated that the public gathering at Islamabad’s Parade Avenue will begin at 3 p.m. Imran Khan is scheduled to speak to the historical gathering around 4 p.m. This comes as the no-confidence motion, which was submitted on March 8, approaches.

Rumors abound that the Prime Minister may either bid the country farewell before the no-confidence vote against his administration or appoint a new Army Chief, both of which would be seismic changes in Pakistani politics. While tensions between Imran Khan and the Army establishment became obvious when the former snubbed Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa in a profanity-laced statement on March 10, tensions between the two can be dated back to October 2021.

Imran Khan openly attacked the Pakistan Army on March 10 after the latter gave him a tremendous jolt by refusing to back his administration just days after the announcement of a no-confidence motion. In a viral statement, Pakistan’s Prime Minister slammed the Pakistan Army’s ‘neutrality’ and choice to stay out of politics, comparing the army to animals.

“While Khan protested to Bajwa about his “neutrality,” the army general is believed to have told him to respect the Constitution and act properly,” according to a source familiar with the discussion.

Imran Khan’s decision to stand up to Bajwa—and to assure General Hameed’s selection as army chief when the position becomes vacant in November—crossed a key red line. In Pakistan’s post-Zia politics, the ouster of prime ministers who attempted to intervene in the military domain has been a recurring theme.

It remains to be seen whether Imran Khan can maintain the PTI’s slender 155-member Assembly majority.

#WATCH "Only animals are NEUTRAL. Good human beings pick a side & stand with truth." – Prime Minister of #Pakistan Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/i5izKw2WUA

— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) March 11, 2022

Imran Khan Bajwa Face-off

Khan was elected in 2018 after an election marred by intimidation of his opponents, abuse of the criminal justice system, and plain cheating. According to the theory, Khan’s devastating stewardship of the country rendered his position untenable, even to his patrons.

The choice of Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the new Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had reportedly generated problems between Imran Khan and the influential Army leader 

The choice of Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the new Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had reportedly generated problems between Imran Khan and the influential Army leader  Gen Faiz Hameed stepped down as ISI chief after being invited to take over as Peshawar Corps Commander in the first week of October. 

Following his transfer, however, decisions on the new spy head are said to have caused friction between Khan and Bajwa. Sources revealed that the PM had yet to send the notification for Anjum’s appointment, about a week after his name was finalized, sparking speculation of a rift between the two sides.

Three years ago, the Pakistani army or military establishment rigged elections to put Imran Khan in charge of the “hybrid” state. The army generals, however, have realized that “Project Imran” has failed terribly and have chosen to “dump” him.

The 22nd Pakistani Prime Minister appears to be losing favour with the Pakistani Army, which is notorious for calling the shots in the country’s power struggle.