As the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) prepares to convene its hearing on “Pakistan: Ongoing Political Repression” on July 15, 2025, much attention has turned to Syed Zulfi Bukhari’s testimony. Bukhari, a former close aide to Imran Khan (IK) and a prominent member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced his intention to testify on what he perceives as political repression in Pakistan, focusing specifically on the arbitrary detention of Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other political prisoners.
However, before blindly accepting the claims presented by Bukhari and others sympathetic to PTI’s narrative, it is crucial to examine these allegations in the context of the facts on the ground. The ongoing political saga surrounding Imran Khan, his party, and the state’s response to their activities presents a complex story of accountability, power struggles, and legal procedures.
The Strategy of Manipulation, and Allegations
It is well-established that PTI, under Imran Khan’s leadership, has repeatedly resorted to a well-rehearsed strategy of portraying themselves as victims of an unjust political system. This includes levying accusations against political opponents and the state machinery through allegations, victimhood claims, and, at times, outright fabrications. During the last year of PTI’s rule, any arrest of their leaders or workers was frequently described as “abduction,” an attempt to manipulate public perception by blurring the lines between legal processes and political persecution.
This tactic has continued even after the party lost power. While PTI once presented itself as a champion of accountability and rule of law, the moment they faced legal challenges, they began labelling every action by law enforcement agencies as “persecution.” The arrest and legal proceedings against Imran Khan and his associates have been presented by PTI as part of a coordinated political vendetta, a claim that is not substantiated by the facts.
Legal Cases
Despite PTI’s rhetoric, the legal cases against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are grounded in law. These cases span various charges, including the infamous Toshakhana case and the £190 million corruption case. While PTI claims that these cases are politically motivated, the reality is that they have been pursued by the legal system with due process. Imran Khan’s defense team has attempted numerous delaying tactics, but the trial courts have given them ample leeway. Importantly, the defense has yet to successfully refute the authenticity of the cases, instead relying on procedural arguments to delay the inevitable judicial process.
It is also essential to point out that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi have been direct beneficiaries of the misappropriation alleged in these cases. In the Toshakhana case, where gifts were allegedly kept by Khan for personal use rather than being declared to the state, both he and his wife stand accused of financial gains from the state’s resources. These allegations, coupled with the substantial evidence provided, paint a stark contrast to the claims made by PTI leadership that their actions are politically motivated.
The Right to Appeal
One of the most contentious issues in the debate surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment is the notion of political victimization. The PTI narrative suggests that Khan is being persecuted by the state, but the reality is far more nuanced. Khan and Bushra Bibi have both availed their right to appeal in numerous cases. In fact, there have been instances where verdicts were overturned or sentences were suspended, a clear indication that the judicial process is being followed and that they are not being denied basic legal rights.
The notion of political victimization becomes increasingly tenuous when one considers that Imran Khan and his associates are receiving far more lenient treatment than the average prisoner. Khan, who once made headlines for his harsh statements about removing the air conditioning from the cells of political opponents, is now enjoying unprecedented privileges. Reports suggest that he has been granted a complex with seven cells, a corridor for walking, and access to amenities such as an exercise cycle, television, newspapers, and books. Such luxuries are typically reserved for those who are classified as “Class B” prisoners, a category that Khan clearly falls into, thanks to his political status.
The Narrative of Persecution
What many fail to acknowledge is that Imran Khan remains very much in control of his political destiny, even while incarcerated. His ability to continue shaping the political landscape from behind bars is proof that the claims of political victimization are overblown. Khan has used his social media accounts, especially X (formerly Twitter), to remain actively involved in the political discourse. Since his imprisonment, he has tweeted 413 times, weighing in on major political developments such as the general elections of 2024, by-elections in Sambrial, PTI’s protests in Islamabad, and ongoing discussions around constitutional amendments. His statements are regularly covered by the media, indicating that his political influence remains intact.
Moreover, Khan continues to communicate with his party and supporters through his X account. His comments have made headlines in prominent national newspapers like The News, Dawn, and Express Tribune on several occasions. His voice, despite being physically behind bars, remains loud and clear in the national political narrative.
Imran Khan’s ability to communicate freely with both domestic and international media adds another layer to the debate over his treatment. Since 2024, Khan has participated in at least ten interviews with major international outlets, including Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, ITV, Reuters, and The Telegraph. It is highly unusual for a convicted individual to receive such widespread media attention, which calls into question the idea of him being silenced by the state.
Additionally, Khan’s frequent communication with his political allies and family members, including numerous meetings with party leaders, further disproves the notion that he is being politically isolated. Over the past three months alone, more than 66 individuals, including PTI leaders, family members, and legal representatives, have met with him.
The “Victimization” Narrative
The central claim that Imran Khan is being politically victimized falls apart when examined against the broader context. The legal cases against him and his associates have been thoroughly investigated, and despite PTI’s best efforts to manipulate public opinion, the judicial process continues to move forward. The claims of political persecution are, therefore, nothing more than an attempt to turn legal accountability into political drama, thereby weakening the public’s trust in the justice system.
The legal proceedings against Khan are a matter of accountability, not political vendettas. The privileges Khan enjoys as a prisoner, his continued media presence, and his ongoing influence over PTI’s activities reveal that he is far from the powerless victim he is portrayed to be. It is time to separate the rhetoric from the reality and understand that the rule of law, however imperfect, is functioning, even in the case of high-profile political figures like Imran Khan.
