In his most scathing remarks yet from behind bars, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has ridiculed the elevation of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to Field Marshal — suggesting the title of “king” would have been more appropriate in what he calls a “jungle law” regime.
Gen Munir was promoted to Field Marshal on Tuesday for his role in the recent conflict with India. He is only the second military officer in the country’s history to receive the rank.
Imran Khan posted on X: “MashaAllah, General Asim Munir has been made Field Marshal. Though frankly, it might have been more fitting to give him the title of ‘King’ instead — because right now, the country is ruled by the law of the jungle. And in the jungle, there is only one king,” Khan posted on X.
Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 in multiple cases, also said that rumours of a deal being made with him are entirely false. “No deal has taken place, nor is any dialogue underway. These are baseless lies.”
However, Imran Khan invited the military establishment to have talks with him if it truly cared about Pakistan’s interests and future.
“The country is facing external threats, a surge in terrorism, and an economic crisis. We must unite. I have never asked for anything for myself before, nor will I now,” Khan said.
Khan also cautioned the Shehbaz Sharif government about India’s other attack and said they must be prepared for any such situation.
“The ongoing situation reflects that the very spirit of democracy is being crushed. When you send the message that the bigger the thief, the higher the office they’ll hold — you bury justice. The NAB still holds a case against (President) Asif Zardari’s sister involving five apartments registered under employees’ names. She is abroad, and no one dares question her. Shahbaz Sharif was accused in PKR 22-billion money laundering case, yet he was made Prime Minister,” he said.
Khan further said that over the past three years, Pakistan’s moral and constitutional framework has been utterly destroyed.
“A farcical trial has been resumed in the Toshakhana-II case. Just like in prison, court proceedings are dictated by the will of a single colonel. My sisters and lawyers are being barred from court; my companions are not allowed to meet me; I am denied contact with my children for months; even my books are not delivered, and I am denied access to my physician. This is a continued violation of court orders and laws,” he said.
With PTI inputs