U.S.-sponsored regime change is nothing new! A history student need not cite examples of such wrongdoings. There are several countries in which the United States has intervened in the past. Congo, Libya, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Panama, and Poland are a few examples. The Washington Post claims the “US tried to change other governments 72 times during the Cold War.” The ouster of Pakistani PM Imran Khan from his premiership is the latest example of US intrigue. However, U.S. State Department denies any involvement in Pakistan’s regime change operation. But there are strong suspicions of interference, whether the U.S. supports it or not. Let’s take a closer look at what happened in Pakistan!
Regime change and the Letter-gate Affair
Imran Khan’s government was overthrown in a vote of no confidence on April 9, 2022. This could have been a major victory for Pakistani democracy. As Khan became the first prime minister to get ousted in a no-confidence vote. But democracy is under attack again… as the entire process overshadows by the Letter-gate affair. A threat in the form of a letter Khan waved to hundreds of thousands of supporters in Islamabad on March 27, 2022. He explained that a no-confidence vote got passed by the old guards of Pakistani politics. An alliance of eleven political parties known as the Pakistan Democracy Movement (PDM). PDM did indeed have the support of foreign powers. Prior to the tabled motion, PDM had already purchased PTI MNAs to ensure a successful vote.
In time, more details emerged about the letter that allegedly threatened Pakistan’s ambassador. Threat claimed Khan’s no-confidence vote’s failure would have serious repercussions for Pakistan. But this conversation between the two diplomats (Asad Majeed & Donald Lu) took place on March 7, 2022.
While the opposition submitted a no-confidence vote on the very next day. It was questionable timing that raised the eyebrows of the PTI government and the public. Imran Khan later delivered the letter to the National Security Committee (NSC). The Committee includes the PM, four service chiefs, DG ISI, and cabinet ministers. NSC validated the letter noting that there had been “blatant interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs by the U.S.”. When asked by an Indian journalist, Donald Lu did not deny the conversation. However, US State Department denied the claim.
Also read: Gen Bajwa confessed he was behind regime change: Imran Khan
The government at the time claimed that Imran Khan’s visit to Russia made the United States upset. But Khan, again and again, insisted that he wanted to avoid cabal politics. He wanted to maintain good relations with all countries. In addition, Imran Khan believes to have angered the US with his pro-Pakistan first stance. and independent foreign policy. Moreover, Khan’s determination to pursue an independent foreign policy chagrined the US. Later, the general perception was that with the PDM, the media and judiciary also wanted Khan out of power. A foreign regime change conspiracy engineered by insiders aimed at ousting Khan, however, gained momentum. His narrative also renewed his shrinking popularity. In other words, it was Imran Khan and the nation who opposed the PDM/West (Manipulated and Corrupt System). This Narrative is still popular since it has been 1 year. Pakistanis are blaming individuals and institutions on social media. Because the masses believe they played role in Imran Khan’s dismissal.
The PDM’s role
PDM’s actions were the most questionable for sure. As previously mentioned, Pakistan’s ambassador received the threatening letter on March 7, 2022. While the PDM filed a no-confidence vote next date. A few weeks later, on the 27th of March, Imran Khan published this letter during a rally in Islamabad. Before Imran Khan reveals the letter, let’s find out what happened in Islamabad.
During this time, the PDM allegedly began bribing incumbent PTI-MNAs with money. PDM also suborned them for seats in the upcoming election. Twelve PTI-MNAs went missing and were later found in opposition hands at Sindh House. Other details include meetings between PDM leaders, opposing PTI MNAs, and US diplomats. Imran Khan has spoken out about this fact at rallies. Imran Khan came to the light with the report of these multiple meetings. It was also later reported by renowned journalist Arshad Sharif. PTI MNA Noor Alam met with American diplomat Peter Joseph in Islamabad on Feb 16, 2022, per reports.
Also, US Consul General in Lahore named William K. Makaneole met many PML-N and PPP politicians. He also met PTI heavyweight Aleem Khan on March 7, 2022. Andrea Hillyer, US Policy Secretary met PTI-MNA Raja Riaz, PDM officials, and opponents. Another notable meeting was between Makaneol and Hamza Shahbaz on March 3, 2022. Hamza Shahbaz is the son of current Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Mark Stroh, US Consulate General in Karachi also met PPP’s chairman, Bilawal Bhutto on Feb 24, 2022. Stroh also met with MQM officials, who at the time sided with the PTI. MQM later aligned with his PDM to support a vote of no confidence.
Another quirk was when Khan decided to reveal a letter to all National Assembly members. He was also about to disclose the letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan. The opposition should have welcomed this effort of Khan with open arms. Khan further declared that the letter was evidence of foreign interference. He also attributed the letter as a threat to the country’s sovereignty. But PDM avoided the government’s calls for in-house camera sessions on many occasions. The new PM expressed that “however he is eager to examine the letter via an in-house camera session. But whether this is mere rhetoric to soothe public anger, time will tell.”
Regime change and Pakistani Media
The Pakistani media is generally unpopular. Many media tycoons and journalists are lax about journalism standards and bribery. Khan unlike his opponents did not believe in outrageous government advertising offerings. Which allowed his political opponents to turn Pakistan’s vast media ecosystem against him. His personal life was always brought into the public eye. And government failures always led to his demonization. Imran’s wife is a very private person who has given an interview only once in her life. Though she is often criticized for her disproven claims by the media and politicians. Khan’s regime shared its fair share of economic and public relations missteps. So, it is not upright to entirely blame the media only.
Journalists such as Hamid Mir and Saleem Saafi downplayed the Letter-gate scandal. They implied that it was a futile attempt by the then-prime minister to stay in power. Such media personnel must have felt some sort of humiliation after its confirmation. But such elements found other ways to undermine Khan.
Things got chaotic during the upcoming no-confidence vote. The few presenters who supported Imran Khan faced a media blackout. Imran Riaz Khan, an avid supporter of Khan who was a very popular host on Samaa TV, got removed from his post. Imran Riaz on his YouTube channel said “his dismissal from Samaa News was a small sacrifice. Because he is on the right side of history.” Another prominent journalist, Maleeha Hashmi, got fired from her position on Public News. She tweeted, “Public news inspired me for an attack on #ImranKhan. Instead, she refused to defend culprits in the country.” FIA is also cracking down on many social activists who strongly backed Khan.
Pakistani Twitter became flooded with pro-Imran Khan, anti-justice, and anti-institutional sentiments. While Khan has appealed to the public to refrain from attacking any institution. He requested the nation especially the youth to not undermine Pakistani institutions. Pakistanis believe that internal actors are conspiring to overthrow Khan through foreign powers. Pakistan’s top Twitter trends include #Imported_Government_Unacceptable (Urdu) with over 5 million tweets. The same trend went number one in other countries with a sizeable Pakistani diaspora such as the UAE. It also reached number two globally on April 9.
Regime change and role of the Judiciary
In the midst of horse-trading and letter-gate scandals, the judiciary dominated the news. The President of Pakistan petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider Section 63(A). He hoped that his objection would allow a permanent disqualification of the PTI-MNA. Weeks had passed since then, and no decision was being made after the defection of Imran Khan’s regime. Instead, the Supreme Court (SC) immediately sued Suo moto on a holiday. When the PTI Vice-Chairman banned the vote of a no-confidence motion based on a foreign letter. Also, he dissolved the meeting. The stance angered the public. SC’s inaction on the PTI’s reference to Section 63(A) and the speaker’s quick Suo moto action speaks volumes.
The PTI government argued about suo moto asserting Article 69 of the Constitution. It protects the National Assembly and its members from legal proceedings. However, the Supreme Court saw things contrary. What was even more shocking was the complete disregard for the letter. which was the essence of the incident. The SC declared the Vice President’s order unconstitutional and canceled the dissolution. Disheartened Khan accepted the SC’s decision. But he expressed dismay that the SC should have overlooked the letter.
The controversy didn’t end there. Some commenters heralded the SC’s decision. A few commenters praised the Supreme Court’s decision. While others expressed shock that the Court had overstepped its authority. It ordered to hold a no-confidence vote and even provided a timetable for the process. The SC’s micromanagement has sparked public debate about its disregard for NA sovereignty. If the SC had at least ordered an investigation into the merits of the letter. It could have softened the wrath of the nation according to citizens.
On SC’s order, the NA had to hold a no-confidence vote on April 9th. So, the NA’s speaker promised everyone that the vote would go through. But the government launched a delay tactic by initiating a debate. Opponents said they would remain in NA until the court order not implemented. Before midnight, the SC and the IHC opened their doors – for the first time ever in the country’s history. It implied that if the government did not vote by midnight, it would be contempt of court. This could mean serious prison sentences and disqualifications for PTI officials. Even this could have resulted in Khan’s disqualification in the next elections.
People didn’t know what was going to happen, so all eyes were on the TV and cell phone screens. As the turmoil subsided, the anger of the public at the SC’s guilt grew. Because people realized SC not only held courts at irregular hours. But also declared holidays to make the conspiracy against Khan fortunate. Social media users ranted and condemned the decision of the SC. About the overthrow of Imran Khan, crowds ranted and condemned the SC’s move. They considered justice was sought for rapes, murders, and other heinous crimes.
Conclusion
The Pakistanis express concern about an alleged regime change backed by the state. Imran Khan launched the “Real Freedom Movement”. In this regard, he has begun his chain of rallies and has called for a snap general election to gain momentum. The current PDM ragtag government has many economic and political hurdles to overcome. But the biggest hurdle is the new ironic Imran Khan, whom they helped revive.
The former PTI government has debated the letter at a rally. They claim that foreign interference was behind regime change. Many Pakistanis at home and abroad have embraced this narrative with a full heart. The PDM, dissident PTI-MNA, media, and judiciary worked together to overthrow Khan.
Khan is now seen as a lone wolf who opposed US hegemony. He is the one who said “Absolutely Not” if the US asked for military bases. Khan is the man the nation saw him able to hold his own ground against US pressure. The abovementioned suspicions give clues of foreign conspiracy behind all this. Given how America has changed regimes and Pakistan’s Yes-Man tendencies toward Imran Khan. Why is it a shock?
