By Tahir Rao

Pakistan’s political landscape has been marred by decades of political victimization, institutional interference, and a lack of accountability, creating an enduring cycle of instability and polarization. From the Ayub Khan era in 1958 to the present day, the country’s history is littered with examples of politically motivated cases against opposition leaders, orchestrated trials, and the misuse of state machinery for political ends. This recurring pattern has not only undermined democracy but has also created deep rifts among political, judicial, and military institutions.

The recent 14-year imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a corruption case has reignited debates about the politicization of accountability and the need for a new approach—one based on truth, reconciliation, and institutional reform. This moment calls for introspection and collective action to break the cycle of political vengeance and restore democratic values.

A Legacy of Political Victimization

Pakistan’s history of political victimization is a tragic tale of mistrust and power struggles. Successive governments, irrespective of their political affiliations, have wielded accountability as a weapon against their opponents. During Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, leaders like Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari faced years of imprisonment and legal battles, often described as politically motivated. Asif Zardari, in particular, spent 12 years in prison before being acquitted in many cases.

In response to this toxic culture, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) signed the Charter of Democracy (COD) in 2006. This landmark agreement acknowledged the damaging role of political victimization and aimed to strengthen democratic institutions and constitutional frameworks. Notable achievements, such as the 18th Amendment to the Constitution during PPP’s tenure, emerged from this commitment to reform and reconciliation.

However, the rise of Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) introduced a new phase of divisive politics. Khan’s anti-corruption rhetoric, often laced with contempt for PPP and PML-N, reignited the politics of confrontation. His promise to retrieve looted wealth from abroad and his labeling of political rivals as “thieves” set the stage for renewed political victimization, culminating in the imprisonment of opposition leaders during his tenure.

Imran Khan and the Turn of the Tide

Now, Imran Khan and the PTI find themselves on the receiving end of the very political victimization they once perpetuated. The crackdown on PTI workers, leaders, and supporters, coupled with the disqualification of Khan, reflects a continuation of the political culture that prioritizes vendettas over dialogue. The brutality and suppression faced by PTI highlight the urgent need for all political forces to rethink their approach and prioritize democratic principles over short-term gains.

The Role of the Establishment

One of the central issues fueling this cycle is the role of Pakistan’s establishment—particularly the military and intelligence agencies—in political affairs. Both the PPP and PML-N, after decades of mutual hostility, eventually realized that their conflicts only empowered the establishment to dominate civilian institutions. While the COD sought to reduce this influence, political leaders, including Imran Khan, continued to rely on establishment backing, undermining the progress made toward civilian supremacy.

For Pakistan to achieve true democracy, all stakeholders—including the judiciary, military, and political leadership—must recognize the need for institutional boundaries and accountability. Without this, the balance of power will remain skewed, and democracy will remain fragile.

The Need for Truth and Reconciliation

At this critical juncture, Pakistan requires a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address the root causes of its political dysfunction. Such a commission would:

 1. Acknowledge Past Abuses: It must bring to light the political victimization, judicial biases, and establishment interference that have plagued the country for decades.

 2. Promote Dialogue Among Stakeholders: Political parties must commit to resolving their differences through dialogue rather than relying on external forces or state machinery.

 3. Strengthen Democratic Institutions: Reforms must ensure the independence of the judiciary, accountability institutions, and election commissions, creating a system that prevents misuse of power.

 4. Foster National Unity: By addressing grievances and rebuilding trust among political parties and institutions, the TRC can pave the way for a more cohesive and resilient Pakistan.

A Call for Reconciliation

The current political crisis offers a unique opportunity for reflection and change. Political leaders, including Imran Khan and his opponents, must recognize that no one wins in a cycle of vendetta and victimization. Instead of perpetuating old rivalries, they should focus on the common goal of strengthening Pakistan’s democracy.

Reconciliation is not a sign of weakness but a step toward maturity and progress. It requires courage to admit past mistakes, humility to seek common ground, and vision to prioritize the nation’s future over personal ambitions. The establishment, too, must accept its role in perpetuating instability and step back from political engineering.

Only through truth and reconciliation can Pakistan hope to break free from its troubled past and move toward a more democratic and prosperous future.