The Pakistani Government raised concerns in a letter to The Economist on Friday regarding an article purportedly written by former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently in jail after a conviction in a corruption case. Khan questions the fairness of the upcoming general election in the piece.
Murtaza Solangi, Pakistan’s Federal Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs, said while announcing the letter, “It is puzzling and disconcerting that such an esteemed media outlet published an article in the name of an individual who is in jail and has been convicted.” He asserted that the government is seeking information on The Economist’s editorial decision-making process, including considerations regarding the legitimacy and credibility of the content. The government also inquired whether The Economist has previously published ghost articles by jailed politicians from any part of the world. Solangi added, “If jailed convicts were free to write to the media, they would always use the opportunity to air their one-sided grievances.”
Imran Khan in the article raised concerns about the legitimacy of the caretaker governments currently in power at the federal and provincial levels in Pakistan, stating that they are illegal due to the government’s failure to hold elections within 90 days of parliamentary assemblies being dissolved. Khan expressed scepticism about the promised national elections on February 8, particularly given the denial of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite a Supreme Court order and accused the country’s election commission of biased actions, including rejecting his party’s nominations and hindering internal elections. He also alleged interference from the military establishment in orchestrating his removal from office, pointing to pressure from the United States as a catalyst. Imprisoned on charges including treason, Khan asserts that the upcoming elections, if held, would be a farce, as his party is denied the right to campaign freely.
Despite public protests and his party’s popularity, Khan faces legal challenges, assassination attempts, and harassment of party members.
Khan was disqualified for five years by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the Toshakhana reference case. Filed in August 2022, the case delt with accusations against Khan of failing to information about gifts. The ECP’s verdict on October 21, 2022, cited dishonest behaviour, leading to criminal proceedings. Khan challenged the decision, asserting legal gift acquisition and public use. His subsequent conviction on August 5, 2023, resulted in imprisonment.
