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Army vs. Imran Khan: Adiala Jail Raid Sparks Civil-Military Tensions

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 11:21 GMT by DNA India

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Pakistan’s Political Crisis: Army vs. Imran Khan’s PTI – How the Adiala Jail Showdown Could Widen Civil‑Military Conflict

The political landscape in Pakistan has been marred by a protracted clash between the country’s civilian political establishment and its powerful military establishment. At the center of the storm is the “Army vs. Imran Khan” narrative that has taken shape over the past few years, and a recent showdown at the Adiala jail has further inflamed tensions. The following article distills the key points of the situation, based on a detailed explainer from DNA India and the related sources it cites.

1. The Roots of the Crisis

The roots of the current crisis can be traced back to 2019, when Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) came to power. The military, which has historically played an outsized role in Pakistani politics, initially seemed willing to tolerate the civilian government. However, friction grew over issues such as the handling of the U.S. drone program, the Afghan peace process, and the management of the economy. Critics in PTI accused the military of meddling in politics, while the army defended its interventions as necessary for national stability.

Fast forward to 2022, when the military, through a series of public statements and covert moves, openly expressed discontent with Khan’s administration. A critical factor in the escalating rift was the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), an institution that has often been used to pursue political rivals. The NAB’s decision to open cases against Khan’s key associates set the stage for a showdown.

2. Imran Khan’s Accusations

Imran Khan has consistently framed the military’s actions as an attempt to undermine his government and his party’s legitimacy. He has accused the army of orchestrating a “political coup” and of “undermining democratic processes.” In March 2023, after a series of arrests and allegations, Khan was ousted from office by a no‑confidence vote in the National Assembly, a move that many PTI supporters saw as engineered by the military.

In subsequent months, Khan’s supporters have staged large rallies across the country. While many of these protests have been peaceful, the authorities have frequently responded with force, citing national security concerns. These incidents have further heightened tensions between the PTI and the army.

3. Adiala Jail: A Flashpoint

The Adiala jail in Punjab has become a symbolic battleground. In early 2024, the Pakistani police raided the facility, detaining a group of PTI supporters who were allegedly involved in protests against the army’s directives. The raid led to widespread condemnation from PTI activists, who described it as an “attempt to crush dissent.”

The military’s involvement in the Adiala raid is a critical point of contention. PTI claims that the army directed the police action and that the crackdown was meant to discredit the opposition. Meanwhile, the army insists that the police operation was purely a law‑enforcement exercise with no interference from military personnel.

4. Civil‑Military Relations: A Tenuous Balance

The Adiala incident has illuminated the fragile balance between Pakistan’s civilian government and its military establishment. The military, led by General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has historically asserted its role as the “guardian of national security.” In the current crisis, this role has expanded into overt political interference, raising serious concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.

Pakistan’s political system is built on a delicate division of powers. The constitution establishes the President as a largely ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister and the cabinet are responsible for day‑to‑day governance. The military, on the other hand, wields significant influence over defense and intelligence matters. When the military interferes in civilian policy—such as when it reportedly pressured the National Assembly to pass a no‑confidence motion—the democratic system is undermined.

5. Legal and Constitutional Implications

In the context of the Adiala raid, the legality of the military’s alleged involvement is heavily debated. Pakistan’s constitution grants the military autonomy in matters of defense, but not in civil affairs. The Supreme Court has been called upon to weigh in on the extent of the military’s authority in political disputes. The legal battles over the Adiala case are expected to set a precedent for future civil‑military interactions.

6. Potential Outcomes

Short‑Term:

• Escalation of Protests: PTI supporters may intensify their campaigns, leading to larger rallies that could again be met with police or military intervention.
• International Scrutiny: Global democratic organizations and foreign governments are likely to scrutinize Pakistan’s approach to civil‑military balance.

Long‑Term:

• Institutional Reform: The crisis may push for reforms in the military’s engagement with civilian government, potentially through legislative changes or constitutional amendments.
• Political Realignment: If the crisis persists, new coalitions may form, potentially isolating the military from direct political influence while still retaining its strategic power.

7. Takeaway

The political crisis in Pakistan, encapsulated by the Army vs. Imran Khan’s PTI narrative, has become a micro‑cosm of a larger struggle over the direction of the country’s future. The Adiala jail showdown has underscored the volatility of civil‑military relations in a nation that has long grappled with the balance between democratic governance and military authority.

To preserve Pakistan’s democratic trajectory, all stakeholders must seek a resolution that respects the constitution, protects civil liberties, and ensures that the military’s role remains firmly within the bounds of national security, rather than domestic politics. Whether that outcome can be achieved remains an open question, but the stakes are unmistakably high for Pakistan’s political stability and the well‑being of its citizens.