How Pakistan's Establishment Bowed to External Pressures and Sabotaged the Nation's Future
Background to the regime change operation
The regime change of Imran Khan's government was a deliberate betrayal, orchestrated by an establishment that caved under the external pressures of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the USA. Imran Khan, a leader with a vision to propel Pakistan into the future, presented a comprehensive ten-year plan to the establishment. This plan, had it been implemented, could have set the nation on a path to economic stability and growth. Instead, the cowardice of those in power, their willingness to prioritize self-interest over national interest, led to the downfall of Pakistan.
Gwadar: The Untapped Treasure That Threatened the Powerful At the heart of Imran Khan's vision was the transformation of Gwadar into a major trade hub. This port city, located at the crossroads of international maritime routes, holds immense strategic and economic potential. Khan envisioned Gwadar as a gateway not just for Pakistan but for the entire region. Backed by China through CPEC, and strongly supported by certain Arab countries, the plan promised to turn Gwadar into a bustling hub of commerce, attracting global trade and investment. The potential of Gwadar must not be a surprise to anyone.
However, this vision posed a direct threat to the UAE's ports, particularly Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, which has long dominated trade in the region. The UAE, recognizing the potential competition, exerted pressure on Pakistan's establishment to abandon this project. The Saudis, too, wary of any shift in regional power dynamics, joined in, fearing that a successful Gwadar could diminish their influence.
Local examples of the establishment's capitulation to external pressures are not hard to find. The abrupt halt in Gwadar's development, despite years of promises and planning, is a glaring example. The port, which was supposed to be the jewel in Pakistan's economic crown, remains underdeveloped and underutilized. The people of Gwadar, who were promised jobs and prosperity, continue to live in poverty, their hopes dashed by the establishment's betrayal.
The Americans, always keen to maintain their influence in the region, also played their part. Recognizing that Pakistan, through Gwadar, could emerge as a central player in a new trade route, they exerted their influence through their allies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This led to a brief but telling fallout between Mohammad Bin Salman and Imran Khan—a clear indication of the pressure being applied from all sides. The establishment, instead of standing firm for Pakistan's future, chose the path of least resistance, abandoning Khan's vision and, in the process, betraying the nation's trust.
Dams and the Indus Water Treaty: Safeguarding Pakistan's Future Water is the lifeblood of any nation, and for Pakistan, it is a resource that has been under constant threat. The shifting water basins, exacerbated by climate change and India's maneuvers under the Indus Water Treaty, have made water security a critical issue. Imran Khan understood this and made it a priority to build dams that would protect Pakistan from the looming climate challenges. His plan was not just about water storage; it was about securing the nation's future.
In a country where climate change is already manifesting in the form of extreme weather patterns, the construction of dams was essential. Khan’s government initiated several dam projects, including the much-needed Diamer-Bhasha Dam, aimed at addressing water scarcity and generating hydroelectric power. However, the establishment, influenced by both internal and external forces, failed to fully support these initiatives.
India, taking advantage of the establishment's indecisiveness, has continued to exploit the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty to its benefit. The construction of dams on the western rivers has given India greater control over the water flow into Pakistan, putting the country at a significant disadvantage. The establishment's failure to prioritize dam construction has only exacerbated this problem, leaving Pakistan vulnerable to water shortages and agricultural crises.
Local examples further highlight the establishment's shortsightedness. The Kalabagh Dam, a project that has been debated for decades, remains in limbo due to political and regional disputes. The lack of progress on this and other dam projects is a testament to the establishment's inability to rise above petty interests and focus on the long-term well-being of the nation. The result? Floods that devastate entire communities, droughts that cripple agriculture, and a growing sense of despair among the people.
IPP Contracts: Challenging the Status Quo Pakistan's power sector has long been a source of economic instability. The dubious contracts with the IPPs, signed during previous administrations, have locked the country into a cycle of debt and high energy costs. Imran Khan, understanding the gravity of the situation, sought to renegotiate these contracts to benefit the nation in the long run. His goal was to reduce the financial burden on the country and ensure a stable energy supply for the people.
However, the major stakeholders in these contracts—the powerful business and political elites with ties to the Sharif and Zardari dynasties—were not willing to let this happen. The establishment, once again prioritizing the interests of the few over the many, obstructed Khan's efforts. The IPP contracts, which continue to drain the nation's resources, remain untouched, a symbol of the establishment's failure to protect the public interest.
Local examples of the consequences of these contracts are evident in the energy crisis that plagues Pakistan. Load shedding, once a daily reality for millions of Pakistanis, continues to be a problem despite promises of reform. The high cost of electricity, driven by these exploitative contracts, has left businesses struggling to survive and households unable to afford basic necessities.
A Colonized Mindset and the Fall of Imran Khan What we witnessed in the downfall of Imran Khan's government was not just a political maneuver; it was the deliberate sabotage of Pakistan’s future. The establishment, driven by self-interest and a deep-seated cowardice, chose to side with external powers rather than stand with a leader who was ready to take bold steps for the country. This betrayal is not just a reflection of their fear but of a colonized mindset—one that still sees Pakistan as a pawn in the hands of more powerful nations.
Imran Khan’s government fell because the establishment lacked the courage to support a vision that challenged the status quo. They chose to protect their own interests rather than the interests of the nation. And in doing so, they have jeopardized the future of every Pakistani.
The Path Forward The will of the people must be respected. The establishment needs to correct its course, stop bowing to external pressures, and start putting Pakistan’s interests first. The time for half-measures and excuses is over. The people of Pakistan deserve better, and they demand better.
Imran Khan is not just another politician—he’s the only leader with a vision to guide us into the future that Pakistan so desperately deserves. He’s the one who can see the potential in our nation, the one who understands what it takes to build a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan. We’ve seen what happens when his vision is undermined, and we cannot afford to let that happen again. The overwhelmingly support for Khan is the very backbone of the future of country.
It’s time for the establishment to evolve and step back, where the mandate of the people is respected. Pakistan’s future lies in embracing a leadership that is committed to the nation’s true potential, that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, and that puts the well-being of its citizens above all else.
Note: I've broadly used the term Establishment to include the political class, the ruling elite, and the military top brass.