Imran Khan’s Political Legacy Continues Amid Struggle Back in Hometown

Imran Khan, the admired world leader, and former cricketing wonder of Pakistan has been suppressed in his ethnic hometown of Mianwali. However, this did not stop him from gaining immense popularity among his constituents. However, the political flags and posters dotting the streets there do not depict his image nor do they bear the colors of his party. The political maneuverings said to be driven by Pakistan’s influential military has led to Imran Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), being practically eliminated from the campaign prior to a key election.

Possible Election Interference

PTI participants are met with intimidation while threats against figures like 61-year-old Jamal Ahsan Khan, representing the PTI in Mianwali, have been reported. Khan pointed out that he had never experienced an election as tense and nerve-wracking as this one.

Imran Khan, facing various legal challenges and currently in prison, is prohibited from engaging in the elections scheduled for February 8 due to a conviction regarding corruption of which he believes is politically motivated.

PTI’s Struggles

Across the wide landscapes of Pakistan, the PTI party found hurdles in their path to conduct rallies. They have been forced to shift their campaign mainly to the digital realm due to a highly regulated and censored media that restricts opposition coverage. This resulted in the rejection of dozens of nomination papers by the electoral commission, nationwide.

Like several candidates from his party, Ahsan Khan confines himself away from public attention, not being able to distribute leaflets or conduct meetings. He expressed his sadness about not being able to campaign effectively as a candidate from Pakistan’s leading political party.

Lack of Familiar Campaign Fervor

With a short window of two weeks until the election, the typical enthusiasm and hype surrounding an election seems to be lacking in Pakistan, a nation of over 240 million individuals.

‘The Hero’

Three times elected as an MP, Khan made Mianwali the center of his political endeavors and his victorious national campaign in 2018, which focused on ending corruption and family dynasties made him the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

In Mianwali, where he constructed a hospital and a university, Khan at 71 isn’t just a political figure but a local hero, as pointed out by Rana Amjad Iqbal, chief-editor of the local newspaper, Nawa-e-Sharar, or the Daily Spark.

However, the journalist states that Khan’s steadfast resistance to the establishment is the key reason for his sustained political relevance. There are widespread beliefs of Khan being backed by the military during his ascension but his growing audacity during his leadership caused him to stand against the commanding generals, eventually leading to him losing their favor and a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2022, causing him to lose his position.

Sidelined and Suppressed

Adding insult to injury, the PTI party was dealt a major blow earlier this month when the Supreme Court banned them from participating in the elections under their electoral symbol, the cricket bat – a critical factor in the decision-making of the voters, especially those illiterate.

As a result, Ahsan Khan was compelled to campaign under the symbol of a bottle, an emblem representing alcohol, an element looked down upon in rural regions.

Rise of the Rival

Khan’s rival in his homeland, Obaid Ullah Khan, candidate for the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), has been conducting open meetings with locals, assuring him the community’s support in future endeavors.

PML-N, party of another former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has enjoyed a resurgence in its popularity, with Sharif returning to Pakistan and finding a place within the military’s good books. On the contrary, despite being distanced from the election campaign, the allure Khan retains among voters continues.

A young voter, Hanzala bin Shakeel, expresses his intent to vote for Khan, impressed by Khan’s deep concern for the country over personal gains.