In his column for Daily Jang on August 25, veteran journalist Ansar Abbasi — often seen as echoing the military establishment’s line — revisited the ongoing standoff with PTI and its leader, Imran Khan. The piece comes after Suhail Warraich’s earlier article, which, based on an off-the-record conversation with the Army Chief in Brussels, hinted that an “apology” could be a possible way forward for Khan.
Abbasi took that narrative a step further. He stated explicitly that there may indeed be an alternative to an apology — but only if Khan clarifies his position on the military’s role in politics. According to Abbasi, if Khan rejects the establishment’s involvement in politics, then he must first acknowledge and apologize for his past mistakes. Moving forward, Khan should engage strictly with political parties, even if that means giving up any reliance on establishment support.
The article, however, focused less on Khan himself and more on PTI’s social media activists, particularly those based overseas, who have been running aggressive campaigns against the military, the current government, and Pakistan’s economic outlook. Abbasi’s message seemed clear: Khan must rein in this digital criticism and end the anti-establishment rhetoric if he wishes to re-enter the political mainstream.
Abbasi also reminded readers of Pakistan’s political history, noting that cases against politicians often end with surprising reversals. Leaders once punished by the courts are later released “honorably” — often without any apology. His argument implied that Khan’s troubles could similarly be eased, provided he stops confronting the establishment and instead aligns with the political process.
The subtext of Abbasi’s column is unmistakable: the path back for Khan does not just hinge on his words, but also on silencing his supporters’ dissent, particularly online. Whether that is feasible — or acceptable to Khan’s base — remains an open question.
Reference:
https://e.jang.com.pk/detail/947677
