Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has stated that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is currently experiencing the same political persecution that his government inflicted upon its opponents.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mufti, speaking via the social media platform X, drew a parallel between Khan’s current situation and the actions of his administration. She recalled her first meeting with the incarcerated former premier in London in 1994, noting her initial impression of his conviction.
Mufti reminisced about her encounter with Khan, stating, “I first met Imran Khan in London with my father in 1994. His passion and conviction about bringing positive change to Pakistan deeply impressed my father.” However, she observed a shift in his political approach once he assumed the office of Prime Minister.
The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir added, “Yet when Imran Khan became Prime Minister, his government too became part of the same political culture. His opponents were pursued with the same zeal with which he is being pursued today.” Her remarks highlight a perceived continuity in political tactics, regardless of who holds power in Pakistan.
Imran Khan was removed from his position as Prime Minister through a vote of no-confidence in March 2022. He has subsequently faced legal challenges, leading to his incarceration on corruption charges since March 2023. Mufti’s commentary suggests a critical view of the prevailing political environment in Pakistan, where opposition figures face significant pressure.
The PDP leader’s statement comes amidst ongoing political developments in Pakistan, where Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have been vocal about alleged political victimisation. Mufti, a prominent political figure from Jammu and Kashmir, often comments on political dynamics within the region and neighbouring countries, offering perspectives shaped by her extensive experience in Indian politics.
Her public statements frequently touch upon issues of governance, political fairness, and the treatment of political adversaries, reflecting her own party’s past experiences and observations of the broader political landscape. This latest assertion by Mufti positions her as an observer commenting on the cyclical nature of political vendettas she perceives in Pakistani politics.
The Chenab Times News Desk