Background
The DG ISPR’s recent press conference has dominated Pakistan’s political conversation. In that briefing, the military spokesperson used unusually strong language against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, describing him as narcissistic, mentally unstable, and a threat to national security. These remarks triggered widespread reactions across media and political circles.
Amid this debate, senior journalist Wusatullah Khan published a column in BBC Urdu titled “Imran Khan: Jailor or Prisoner?”. Known for his satirical style and sharp commentary, Khan’s piece added a provocative angle to the national discussion.
What the Column Argues
Wusatullah Khan’s central argument is that the military, as an institution of prestige and global recognition, should not lower itself to direct confrontation with a jailed politician. He frames Imran Khan as one of many inmates in Adiala Jail, suggesting that quarrels and loud exchanges are part of prison life everywhere. To respond to one prisoner’s words through a press conference, he implies, diminishes the stature of the DG ISPR’s office.
Another key point is the labeling of Imran Khan as mentally ill. Wusatullah Khan questions the appropriateness of such remarks, noting that only medical professionals can make such declarations. If the claim were true, ethics would demand treatment and confidentiality rather than public ridicule. Otherwise, the contradiction is glaring: how could someone portrayed as unstable lead a party, win elections, and serve as prime minister?
Irony and Oversight
The column also highlights irony. If Khan truly was unstable, why did successive leaderships support him without recognizing it? This raises uncomfortable questions about professional oversight. Critics could use this narrative to accuse the institution of negligence, turning the claim back against the military itself.
Larger Implications
In conclusion, Wusatullah Khan suggests that the DG ISPR should focus on broader responsibilities rather than verbal sparring with a jailed politician. His satirical framing, asking whether Imran Khan is the jailor or the prisoner, captures the paradox many observers see: despite being behind bars, Khan continues to dominate the national narrative, while the institution appears caught in his orbit.