US President Donald Trump repeatedly calls on Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Why is Trump silent on the fate of imprisoned former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan? Khan is ill, denied visits by his sons, and is languishing in a Pakistani jail as Pakistan tries to boost its international image by brokering a peace deal between the US and Iran.
The continued imprisonment of Imran Khan is increasingly difficult to view as a straightforward matter of law and order. Rather, it bears the troubling hallmarks of political retribution – an outcome that undermines not only Pakistan’s democratic institutions but also its global credibility.
Khan is no ordinary political figure. Before entering politics, he was a national icon who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. His transition from sports hero to reformist politician gave him a unique legitimacy, particularly among younger and urban voters. As prime minister, he cultivated an image – fairly or not – of an outsider challenging entrenched elites.
Khan's removal from office and legal cases
His removal from office in 2022 via a parliamentary no-confidence vote was constitutionally valid. However, what followed raises serious concerns. Khan has since faced a barrage of legal cases, ranging from corruption to charges related to state secrets. While accountability is essential in any democracy, the sheer volume and timing of these cases invite skepticism. It is difficult to ignore the perception that the legal system is being weaponized to sideline a political rival.
The principle at stake is not whether Khan is above the law – he is not. The issue is whether the law is being applied fairly and independently. Reports from international observers and human rights organizations have highlighted irregularities in due process, limitations on Khan’s legal team, and restrictions on media coverage. These factors collectively weaken the credibility of the proceedings against him.
Moreover, Khan’s detention has coincided with broader crackdowns on his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Supporters have been arrested, rallies curtailed, and political activity constrained. This wider pattern reinforces the argument that his imprisonment is part of a coordinated effort to suppress opposition rather than a neutral application of justice.
Political instability and injustice
Pakistan’s history is, unfortunately, replete with instances where political leaders have been jailed under contentious circumstances. From Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Nawaz Sharif, the line between accountability and political engineering has often been blurred. Khan’s case risks becoming another chapter in this cycle, perpetuating instability rather than resolving it.
The consequences extend beyond domestic politics. Pakistan faces significant economic and security challenges that require unity and public trust. The perception that political competition is being settled through courts rather than ballots erodes confidence in the system. It also complicates relations with international partners who prioritize rule of law and democratic norms.
Releasing Khan – whether through bail, acquittal, or a transparent and expedited legal process – would not mean endorsing his policies or absolving him of potential wrongdoing. It would signal a commitment to fairness and institutional integrity. If the state’s case against him is strong, it should withstand scrutiny in an open and credible judicial process.
Ultimately, democracies are judged not by how they treat their allies but by how they treat their opponents. Pakistan now faces a defining test. Continuing to hold Imran Khan under contested circumstances risks deepening political divisions and damaging the country’s democratic fabric. Allowing due process to unfold transparently – and ensuring that it is free from political influence – is not just in Khan’s interest. It is in Pakistan’s.
The writer is a Jerusalem-based commentator on international affairs and the Jewish world. He previously served as spokesman to the international media at the Jewish Agency for Israel.