Tahir Maqsood Chheena
Pakistan’s political stability has remained a serious challenge since the ouster of Imran Khan in April 2022. The current power-structure and system-backed governance model may have its own justifications, but the majority of Pakistanis still want Imran Khan to return as prime minister. Anyone who understands the dynamics of Pakistani politics recognizes that, even if some people do not personally like Imran Khan, their political reaction is shaped by deep frustration with the system itself. Imran Khan remains politically relevant because he reflects this public sentiment. Like the Pakistan Peoples Party in earlier decades, his party has become a vehicle for the people’s political expression.
Despite this ongoing political polarization, widespread political vendetta, and the visible involvement of the establishment and multiple power players, two fundamental questions remain unresolved: Can Pakistan achieve political stability? And can Pakistan achieve good governance? These two goals are interconnected. Good governance strengthens political stability, but political stability is the necessary starting point. Without a stable political environment, governance standards cannot improve.
The real challenge—the million-dollar question—is how Pakistan can achieve political stability. The state continues to exercise sweeping powers, yet it must recognize that political stability cannot be manufactured through pressure, coercion, or unilateral decisions. Critics argue that political engineering shaped the current political landscape. Many claim that the 2024 elections were rigged. According to various surveys, more than 87 percent of Pakistanis believe the elections were not free and fair. Under these circumstances, whether or not every criticism is accurate, the fact remains that a large section of the population does not accept the present government as a genuine reflection of the public will.
Many analysts believe that only one political party—the PTI—currently enjoys broad national support, while other parties lack comparable legitimacy. But even if this view is debated, the core issue remains: Can Pakistan achieve political stability, good governance, economic revival, and a secure political future when its most popular political force is excluded?
One thing is clear. A political party cannot be permanently suppressed. Its popularity may rise or fall once it is allowed to govern, but suppression only strengthens public resentment. This has been seen in the past with other political groups, and it is true today with PTI. Imran Khan remains the most popular political figure in the country, and his party remains the most popular political party.
The real concern is not whether one supports or opposes Imran Khan; the concern is how people respond to repressive measures. People are reactionary. They desire freedom, dignity, and the right to choose their leaders. When the will of the people clashes with the interests of powerful institutions, political instability becomes inevitable.
The state must understand that without granting citizens the right to freely choose their government, Pakistan cannot achieve political stability. And without political stability, Pakistan will continue to suffer—politically, economically, and socially.
A stable state cannot be built on political exclusion. It can only be built on legitimacy, public trust, and respect for democratic choice.
