Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan has penned an op-ed for TIME magazine, expressing his hopes that U.S. President Donald Trump will reaffirm his commitment to human rights and democracy, particularly in regions facing authoritarian challenges.
Writing from prison, Khan dismissed the charges against him as politically motivated, arguing that his legal troubles are part of a broader attempt to stifle democratic opposition in Pakistan. He reiterated his stance that the ongoing crackdown on his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is aimed at eliminating political dissent.
This is not the first time Khan has addressed an international audience while incarcerated. In January 2024, he authored a column for The Economist, where he highlighted alleged electoral injustices in the lead-up to the February 8 general elections. That piece had sparked controversy, prompting the caretaker government to launch an investigation.
In his latest article, Khan warned of the economic consequences of Pakistan’s political instability, cautioning that the country risks losing its preferential trade status with the European Union— a development that could significantly impact its struggling economy, particularly the textile sector.
The former prime minister also criticized the military and judiciary, calling for adherence to constitutional limits. Addressing the stalled dialogue between PTI and the ruling coalition, Khan revealed that he had authorized party leaders to engage in negotiations aimed at reducing political tensions and preventing human rights violations. However, he claimed these efforts were met with political maneuvering.
“I was offered house arrest in exchange for vague ‘political space’ for PTI, but I categorically refused,” Khan wrote, seemingly confirming earlier reports of potential deals being proposed to him.
Toward the conclusion of his piece, Khan shifted focus to international affairs, congratulating President Trump on his second term. He described Trump’s return to office as a testament to the resilience of the people and expressed optimism about the new administration’s approach to global human rights.
“As he [Trump] assumes office once more, we anticipate his administration’s reaffirmation of democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law—especially in regions where authoritarianism poses a serious threat,” Khan stated.
His remarks come as U.S. lawmakers continue to raise concerns over his imprisonment. Representatives Joe Wilson and August Pfluger are among those who have urged the White House to intervene and advocate for Khan’s release.
