The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim

Imran Khan versus the military: What's just happened in Pakistan?

Dec 3, 2025
Zulfi Bukhari, a political advisor and spokesperson for Imran Khan, shares a stark update on Khan’s detention in solitary confinement, revealing alarming conditions that include restricted legal and medical access. He discusses the looming threat of military rule in Pakistan and recent constitutional changes that could empower the army chief. Bukhari expresses hope for Khan's return to power, framing the political turmoil as a burgeoning movement. Meanwhile, discussions unfold around Ukraine's ongoing peace negotiations amid critical territorial disputes.
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INSIGHT

Why Pakistan Still Matters

  • Pakistan matters geopolitically because of its large, young population and nuclear capability.
  • It balances ties with the US, China and Gulf states, making its internal politics globally consequential.
INSIGHT

Civilian Power Versus The Military

  • Pakistan's civilian leaders routinely clash with the military, producing a cycle of imprisonment and negotiated exits.
  • Imran Khan's arrest continues that pattern but his popularity makes his case politically explosive.
ANECDOTE

From Cricket Star To Political Leader

  • Imran Khan rose from global cricket fame to national political leader, leveraging charisma and celebrity.
  • His marriage to Jemima Goldsmith and World Cup success helped cement his high public profile.
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