Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is currently in prison. This is not unprecedented in Pakistan's history. From Suhrawardy to Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, the pattern has persisted without any of them completing their full terms. In contrast, military dictators have remained secure.
A comment by senior journalist Hamid Mir regarding Imran Khan's sentencing reflects a tradition in the country. Before him, leaders like Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and Nawaz Sharif faced political persecution, while military rulers enjoyed stability.
Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, hailing from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), is prominently remembered among jailed leaders. Serving as the country's fifth PM, he was later arrested for alleged anti-state activities. Though eventually released, he was disqualified from contesting elections on various grounds, spending his final days outside Pakistan.
Source: aajtak
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was incriminated in a conspiracy to murder political rival Nawab Muhammad Ahmad Khan Kasuri. Although Kasuri survived, his father was killed. Bhutto's trial went to the Lahore High Court instead of a session court after a coup, culminating in his controversial execution at Rawalpindi Jail, amid claims of witness pressure.
Twice serving as PM, Benazir Bhutto faced allegations of corruption and abuse of power, leading to multiple arrests. Post-dismissal, she continued facing corruption charges and served prolonged prison terms. Tragically, she was assassinated during a 2007 political rally in Rawalpindi.
Nawaz Sharif, a three-time PM, never completed a term. His prime ministerial periods ended with accusations of corruption, financial misconduct, and unauthorized wealth accumulation. Facing grave charges like hijacking and terrorism, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, later expatriated after reduced sentencing.
Yusuf Raza Gilani became PM in 2008, serving just four years. He was accused of ignoring court orders and shielding associates. Eventually facing numerous charges, he was briefly jailed, losing parliamentary membership despite symbolic custody.
Source: aajtak
Now onto Imran Khan. Allegedly accused of misappropriating state gifts from the government treasury, and leaking sensitive diplomatic documents, he was imprisoned, igniting debates over his health and safety.
Conversely, military rulers like Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf managed to govern unchallenged, illustrating the trend of military dictators finishing their tenures safely. Musharraf's case exemplifies this, as post-coup, the military commandeered legal and administrative control.
The military remains Pakistan's most potent institution, which prevents any defiance against it. Even as Musharraf's popularity waned, he avoided the political persecution that haunted other PMs, safely retiring abroad.
