ISLAMABAD:
After being ousted from office, PTI chairman Imran Khan claimed that the coalition government was involved in a foreign conspiracy against him. Over the months, PTI’s narrative gained momentum and Khan gathered massive public support. The ISPR investigated Khan’s accusations revealing that there was no truth to his claims. Yet the PTI continued propagating its narrative which intensified propaganda and attacks against state institutions, the federal government and the media.
To further his narrative, Khan launched the ‘Haqeeqi Azaadi March’ to ‘win freedom’ from the involvement of other countries, particularly the US in Pakistan’s internal affairs. The manifesto of the march was to not compromise Pakistan’s dignity and sovereignty. Across the country, people in large numbers came to PTI’s processions to show their support.
In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Khan backtracked from his allegations of a US conspiracy and expressed his desire to mend ties with the US if he’s re-elected. Now that Khan has stepped back from his initial agenda, one cannot help but wonder what is the purpose of the ‘Haqeeqi Azaadi March’? If the US has nothing to do with his ouster, why is the march still going ahead? Perhaps, Khan should end the march and focus on negotiating with the government.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2022.
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