In recent days, a new narrative has surfaced, in Pakistani politics, one that appears meticulously crafted by the country’s military establishment with a singular aim: to fabricate a connection between former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Ex ISI Chief General Faiz Hameed. This concocted narrative seems designed to justify the trial of Imran Khan in military courts.
For over 15 months, Imran Khan has been languishing in jail. During this time, a concerted effort has been made to weave a story that creates a phantom link between him and General Faiz Hameed. The strategy is clear: fabricate a tale that paints Khan as being in league with military generals, thus paving the way for his trial under military jurisdiction. But how to make this connection seem plausible? Enter the role of an intermediary—the former First Lady.
The Pakistani establishment’s narrative claims that the First Lady, Bushra Bibi, acted as a conduit between Imran Khan and Faiz Hameed. It is a story that reeks of desperation, an attempt to fabricate a link where none exists. The calculation is cold and calculated: they believe that Faiz Hameed is not likely to turn against Imran Khan. Thus, a new angle was needed—one that involved the former First Lady as the alleged intermediary.
But why the former First Lady? Why not any of Imran Khan’s close family members, such as his sisters? The answer is simple: the establishment knows that the public would never believe that any of his sisters would betray him. His sisters are beyond reproach, their loyalty to Khan is unquestionable. But the former First Lady, an outsider in the Khan family circle, is perceived as vulnerable—an easier target for slander. The narrative was crafted to make her appear as a potential traitor, someone who could plausibly turn against Khan.
This is a classic play from the intelligence agencies’ handbook—a fabrication dressed in plausibility. These agencies excel in constructing narratives that, while entirely baseless, are designed to seem credible to the public. The current story serves a dual purpose: it not only attempts to link Imran Khan to a military general to justify a military trial but also seeks to weaken his support base by casting doubts on the loyalty of his wife. It is a psychological operation aimed at demoralizing Khan’s supporters, especially those within the PTI who see him as a symbol of resistance against the establishment.
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The narrative’s latest twist suggests that the former First Lady is now poised to testify against Imran Khan. It’s a move straight out of a psychological thriller, designed to validate the fabricated story and further undermine Khan’s position. The aim is clear: to create a perception of betrayal within Khan’s inner circle, to sow seeds of doubt and mistrust among his most loyal followers.
As this story unfolds, it is crucial to recognize it for what it is—a calculated move by the establishment to erode Imran Khan’s support and justify draconian measures against him. The coming days may see more such stories planted by the establishment, each designed to weaken Khan’s public standing and demoralize his supporters.
But we must remain vigilant and not be swayed by these fabrications. It is important to see these stories in their true light— as desperate attempts by the Pakistani military establishment to cling to power by any means necessary. The narrative may be well-crafted, but the truth remains:
Imran Khan’s struggle is not just against a political opponent, but against an entire machinery that thrives on manipulation and deceit. We must not be fooled by it.
The author is an entrepreneur and a technologist, based in Seattle, USA. He can be reached at asadfaizi@gmail.com