Pakistan has a long history of military dominance that has repeatedly constrained democracy. For nearly 78 years, the country’s civilian leaders have faced pressure, intimidation, and removal by the powerful military establishment. Today, former Prime Minister Imran Khan is jailed, while his sister Aleema Khan faces threats and harassment for speaking out. Their struggle mirrors the experiences of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his sister Fatima Jinnah, who also resisted military control in Pakistan’s early decades. The recurring “Minus-One Plan”—targeting the most popular civilian leaders—has become a recurring pattern in Pakistan’s political landscape, showing how entrenched the military’s influence remains.
Aleema Khan has shown remarkable courage by continuing her activism despite threats. After visiting her brother in jail, she said, “Even if they give me a sentence of ten, twelve, or fifty years, it won’t make a difference because the public has now seen their true face.” Her words reflect both personal bravery and a commitment to a larger cause: the fight for civilian rule and justice. For decades, Pakistan’s political system has seen leaders who challenge military power subjected to character attacks, legal harassment, and imprisonment. Aleema’s defiance recalls Fatima Jinnah’s struggle against General Ayub Khan in 1965, where the state used propaganda and harassment to block her challenge. The pattern is strikingly similar today, showing that Pakistan’s “Minus-One Plan” continues to remove or silence leaders who threaten the military’s control.
This struggle is not just about the Khan family; it is about the future of Pakistan’s democracy. The judiciary is increasingly perceived as biased, political opposition is intimidated, and women speaking out face added risks. Aleema Khan stated, “Either the judge will fall ill or flee—this is my prediction,” highlighting the manipulation of legal processes to serve political ends. The suppression of dissent and manipulation of institutions has created a civil-military tension not seen since the 1971 war, raising questions about the country’s democratic health.
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Imran Khan frames his struggle as more than a personal fight. He describes it as a battle against oppression and injustice, citing the saying of Hazrat Ali: “The system of disbelief can survive, but the system of oppression cannot.” His imprisonment has become a rallying point, while Aleema Khan works to transmit his message to the people, refusing to let fear or exile silence her. This persistence emphasizes that the fight for justice in Pakistan has always required courage, and it continues to demand the same today.
The international community must understand the stakes. Pakistan is at a critical juncture, where unaccountable power and criminalization of dissent threaten democracy. The removal of popular civilian leaders under the “Minus-One Plan” sends a clear message about the limitations of freedom and political expression. History shows that when military influence dominates governance, reforms, and citizen participation are suppressed. Without accountability, the country risks repeating the mistakes of the past, with long-term consequences for governance and social stability.
Aleema Khan’s actions are significant because they connect past struggles with present challenges. Fatima Jinnah’s challenge in the 1960s was crushed, shaping Pakistan’s political path for decades. Today, Aleema and Imran Khan’s stand is not just about resistance; it is about preserving the possibility of a fair, civilian-led political system. Their courage symbolizes a broader hope that the arc of history, though repeatedly bent by tyranny, still strives toward justice.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s ongoing political crisis illustrates the enduring struggle between military power and civilian leadership. The “Minus-One Plan” is not a new tactic—it reflects a longstanding strategy to retain control over national politics. Aleema Khan’s fearless activism and Imran Khan’s imprisonment are reminders that resistance against oppression is possible, even in highly constrained circumstances. The fight for civilian rule, transparency, and justice in Pakistan is not only a domestic concern but also a matter of international interest, highlighting the dangers of unchecked military influence and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles.
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