Imran Khan arrest: Is Pakistan On The Brink Of A Civil War?

The situation has been escalating in Pakistan with every passing minute after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested and kept in custody over charges of corruption. There have been nationwide protests against its arrest, which eventually turned violent in nature, and some protestors even breached the Pakistani Army headquarters. Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), has now called for a shutdown all over the country, as per PTI. This brings out two major questions – why are people targeting security personnel, and is Pakistan on the brink of a civil war?  

The Pakistani Army has always been directly or indirectly involved in the country’s politics. The country has witnessed multiple military coups and was subsequently ruled by four military dictators – General Ayub Khan, General Yahya Khan, General Zia-Ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf. In addition to this, no Prime Minister has ever served a full term in the country due to direct or indirect meddling. Former Prime Ministers Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and daughter Benazir Bhutto were both allegedly assassinated by Pakistan’s military-dominated establishment, and so was the nation’s first PM, Liyaqat Ali Khan.   

Imran Khan has been highly vocal against Pakistani Army’s meddling in politics, which has ignited an anti-army and security forces sentiment throughout the country. It was further fueled after Imran Khan’s removal from the PM’s seat last year and further after his recent arrest. The situation continues to remain volatile, and experts believe that there is a decent chance that Pakistan may witness a civil war. 

Image source: ANI