Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and a highly influential figure in Pakistan’s political landscape, has recently made headlines with his interview conducted by Mehdi Hasan, a journalist formerly associated with Al Jazeera and MSNBC. This interview has sent shockwaves through the political circles of Pakistan.
Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail and facing multiple sentences across various cases, was able to give this exclusive interview despite the stringent communication restrictions imposed on him. In the past, Khan’s views have only reached the public through opinion pieces in notable publications, which are believed to have been written by his associates based on his directives.
Marking a first in media coverage, a full-length interview featuring Khan has been released by a news organization. The logistics of how and when Mehdi Hasan and the PTI managed to arrange this interview remain a mystery. The interview was featured in Mehdi Hasan’s independent project, Zeteo.
During the interview, Khan revealed that he is confined to a “death cell,” a type of cell usually allocated for individuals convicted of terrorism. When questioned about who he holds responsible for his imprisonment, Khan unequivocally pointed the finger at General Bajwa, accusing him of being the sole architect behind his current predicament.
Khan further claimed that General Bajwa was responsible for disseminating narratives to foreign nations, particularly the United States, portraying him as either anti-American or disinterested in maintaining favorable relations with them.
Mehdi Hasan probed Khan about any regrets he might harbor, to which Khan responded that his only remorse was placing his trust in General Bajwa. Additionally, Khan did not mince words when describing the present government, labeling it as “illegitimate.” This candid interview with Mehdi Hasan has undoubtedly intensified the ongoing discourse in Pakistan’s political sphere.
