Tahir Maqsood
Imran Khan’s continued political relevance in Pakistan is not a surprise to anyone observing the country’s evolving political climate. What is surprising, however, is the sheer scale of his enduring popularity, especially in the face of adversity, state-led suppression, and a fractured party structure. According to field-based research conducted by Republic Policy Think Tank across various regions of Pakistan, Khan remains the most favored leader in the country by a wide margin. This popularity transcends conventional metrics of governance and has entered the domain of political symbolism, national identity, and emotional resonance with the public.
At the heart of Imran Khan’s popularity lies his consistent defiance against entrenched power structures. In a political landscape dominated for decades by dynastic elites and establishment-backed politicians, Khan’s refusal to bend the knee has created a sense of authenticity. He is widely perceived as a leader who is not beholden to traditional power brokers, whether military, bureaucratic, or foreign. This perception of autonomy and fearlessness is extremely rare in Pakistani politics and is a major reason why Khan has become a rallying point for disillusioned voters seeking a break from the past.
His arrest, legal persecution, and media censorship have paradoxically contributed to his growing stature. Rather than eroding his support base, these actions have solidified his position as a victim of political engineering. Field interactions from Republic Policy indicate that many Pakistanis now view Imran Khan as a symbol of resistance, not just to a corrupt system, but to all forms of political manipulation. The image of a former prime minister being silenced and sidelined has deeply resonated with the collective political consciousness, particularly among younger voters who value authenticity and courage over political experience.
The youth factor cannot be overstated in understanding Khan’s popularity. With over 64% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, this demographic holds the key to any political success. Imran Khan is the only leader in recent memory who has successfully mobilized this segment. His message of justice, meritocracy, and national pride resonates with a generation that is educated, digitally connected, and deeply aware of global political trends. Unlike his opponents, Khan speaks directly to the aspirations of young Pakistanis — not just through policy, but through presence. His dominance on platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok has kept him relevant even in the absence of mainstream media coverage.
Please, subscribe to the YouTube channel of republicpolicy.com for quality content.
Middle-class support, especially from urban Pakistan, is another cornerstone of Khan’s political strength. This segment of society — composed of salaried professionals, entrepreneurs, and students — has long been marginalized in Pakistan’s patronage-based political system. They view Khan as a disruptor of the status quo, someone who challenges elite capture and promises a more equitable system. Field data from Republic Policy suggests that cities like Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Multan continue to show strong grassroots support for PTI, even in the wake of internal party defections and state pressure. In these cities, Imran Khan is not just a political figure; he represents the voice of a long-suppressed middle class.
Interestingly, Khan’s mass appeal has grown even though his governance record in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was average at best. This suggests that his popularity is not merely performance-driven but deeply symbolic. Many voters are willing to overlook policy shortcomings because they believe in the larger vision Khan projects — of a dignified, sovereign, and corruption-free Pakistan. He has been able to maintain a distinction between political governance and leadership integrity, and in doing so, he continues to outshine his rivals, whose legitimacy is often tied to performance in office.
In contrast, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), once the dominant political force in Punjab, is now struggling to maintain relevance. While the party prides itself on governance, infrastructure development, and administrative stability, its model appears increasingly out of sync with the demands of a younger, aspirational electorate. Field assessments reveal that many voters now see PML-N’s approach as outdated — a politics of the past that no longer inspires. Their alignment with establishment forces and inability to connect emotionally with voters have further alienated key segments of the electorate.
Another element that has worked in Khan’s favor is the failure of state-driven media censorship. Attempts to block his speeches, suppress pro-PTI content, and isolate his supporters have backfired. In the digital age, such strategies are not only ineffective but counterproductive. Young Pakistanis, in particular, have circumvented restrictions through social media, VPNs, and peer-to-peer networks, keeping Khan’s message alive and viral. This digital resistance has contributed to a new form of political activism — one that is decentralized, youth-driven, and emotionally invested in Khan’s leadership.
Moreover, Khan’s narrative on national dignity and foreign policy has struck a chord. His emphatic “absolutely not” stance on foreign military bases and foreign interference has been hailed as bold and patriotic. In a country often accused of being geopolitically compromised, Khan’s emphasis on sovereignty has added to his image as a leader who puts Pakistan first. For many, this stands in sharp contrast to the perceived pliability of other political parties.
Even in the face of extreme legal and political adversity, Khan has shown resilience. This personal grit, combined with his moral rhetoric, has elevated him in the public imagination from a former cricket star and politician to a symbol of hope and national revival. In regions as diverse as South Punjab, northern KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and urban Sindh, Khan’s name continues to elicit emotional responses from ordinary people who see him as their last hope for genuine change.
In conclusion, Imran Khan’s popularity is not the result of media management or electoral engineering — it is the product of years of narrative-building, personal integrity, and emotional resonance with the public. His leadership appeals across class, gender, and provincial divides, making him a truly national figure. According to Republic Policy Think Tank’s extensive fieldwork and political feedback, no other leader comes close to matching his influence. Until a credible political alternative emerges with a vision as compelling and a connection as deep, Imran Khan will remain the undisputed leader of Pakistan’s political imagination.
