Is Pakistan Building a Treason Case Against Imran Khan Using the Secrets Act?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Imran Khan faces treason charges under the Official Secrets Act.
- Former ISI chief Faiz Hameed's conviction influences the legal proceedings.
- Concerns about fairness in military trials are prevalent.
- The political landscape in Pakistan is rapidly changing.
- Public support for Imran Khan may diminish due to these developments.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The recent conviction and sentencing of former ISI chief Lt General Faiz Hameed serves as a portent for Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The establishment has firmly decided that Imran Khan will face charges of treason, and a ban on his party, the PTI, is in the works.
Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years by a Field General Court Martial.
His testimony, along with the evidence amassed by the army, has created a pathway for Imran Khan to be prosecuted.
Following Hameed's conviction, the Federal Law Ministry in Pakistan has begun consultations to draft a comprehensive lawsuit before initiating formal proceedings against Imran Khan.
Intelligence agencies have indicated that the decision to prosecute Imran Khan for treason would effectively facilitate a ban on the PTI. This is why Pakistan has opted to pursue charges under the Official Secrets Act.
By portraying Imran Khan as anti-national, officials believe they can justify the ban on his political party, which still retains significant public support.
The establishment claims that Imran Khan possessed sensitive information as Prime Minister and has accused him of leaking these national secrets to vested interests, which forms the basis for charges under the Official Secrets Act.
They anticipate that this strategy will not only result in Imran Khan's conviction but will also alter public perception of him.
Experts suggest that the establishment aims to label Imran Khan as anti-national, leading to a substantial decline in his support base.
However, Imran Khan is not the sole target; his close aides and high-ranking military officials are also slated for trial.
Analysts believe these proceedings will be far from fair, primarily as they will occur in military courts under the Official Secrets Act.
The additional charges against Imran Khan and his associates involve inciting mutiny and promoting violence against military installations during protests on May 9, 2023, following his arrest.
In a related development, the Supreme Court, while addressing cases tied to the May 9 violence, stated that civilians implicated should be tried in military courts.
Moreover, political pressure is intensifying around this case.
Recently, the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution advocating for Imran Khan’s treason trial and a ban on his political party.
Officials state that the military has been waiting for Hameed's conviction to commence the trial against Imran Khan.
The evidence provided by Hameed will be instrumental in forming a case against Imran Khan.
The ISPR has commented on Hameed's involvement in creating political instability in collaboration with various political factions.
Since his multiple convictions, including 14 years for the Toshakhana case, 7 years for the Iddat case, and another 14 years for the Al-Qadir Trust case, Imran Khan has been incarcerated.