In the early hours of November 26, Islamabad’s D-Chowk transformed into a battleground of political defiance and state repression. Thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, undeterred by the imminent threat of tear gas and baton charges, converged on the iconic protest site to demand the release of their leader, Imran Khan.
The protests followed Khan’s “final call” for nationwide demonstrations against what he described as a stolen electoral mandate, arbitrary arrests, and the consolidation of power through the contentious 26th Constitutional Amendment, which he claimed had entrenched a “dictatorial regime.”
The federal capital witnessed intense clashes as convoys of PTI supporters, mobilised from across the country since mid-November, attempted to breach the heavily guarded Red Zone. Amid relentless tear gas shelling, security forces launched a vigorous crackdown to contain the swelling crowds. By the early hours of November 27, the standoff ended with the retreat of PTI’s top leadership and the dispersal of its followers.
This unrest reflects not just political dissatisfaction but deep structural and cultural shifts within Pakistan’s fragile democracy. Khan’s arrest has unleashed a wave of turmoil, exposing fissures in the political system and intensifying the struggle between a populist leader and the entrenched establishment. Understanding the current unrest requires examining Khan’s rise to prominence, the transformative changes he has brought to Pakistan’s political culture, and the enduring street power that has made him a formidable force in the nation’s political arena.
The Making of a Populist Icon
Khan’s political journey began in 1996 with the founding of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with a vision to create a “New Pakistan”. Initially dismissed as a vanity project of a former cricket star, PTI remained on the fringes of politics for over a decade. However, Khan’s reputation as a World Cup-winning cricket captain and philanthropist through the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital gave him a unique platform. Over time, these achievements transformed his image as a selfless patriot willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the nation’s greater good.
His initial forays into politics were met with scepticism. Pakistan’s political landscape, long dominated by dynastic parties like the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is entrenched in a system of patronage and clan loyalties. Khan’s promise of accountability and reform seemed idealistic, even naïve, in a society where political survival depends on compromise and alliances with powerbrokers.
By the early 2010s, however, Khan’s message began to resonate with a growing segment of disillusioned Pakistanis. Economic stagnation, rampant corruption, and disillusionment with the ruling elite created a fertile ground for his populist rhetoric. Khan presented himself as the antithesis of traditional politicians, a clean and honest leader who spoke directly to the people’s frustrations. This narrative would form the backbone of his political rise.
The Transformation of Pakistan’s Political Culture
Khan’s entry into mainstream politics led to a seismic shift in Pakistan’s political culture. For decades, politics had been dominated by rural elites who operated through a system of patronage, relying on loyalty from local powerbrokers and clans. Khan, however, built his support base on entirely different grounds: Urban middle-class professionals, the youth, women and the diaspora.
Central to this transformation was Khan’s ability to harness the power of digital media. PTI became the first political party in Pakistan to utilise platforms like Facebook and Twitter effectively, bypassing traditional gatekeepers in the media and directly engaging with millions of supporters. This strategy amplified Khan’s message and created a virtual community of loyalists who saw him as their sole champion.
Khan’s language of populism further distinguished him. He framed Pakistan’s challenges as a moral battle between the corrupt elite and the virtuous people. By labelling his opponents as “thieves” and “looters,” he simplified complex political problems into a binary struggle, appealing to a public weary of nuanced debate. His slogans, such as “Naya Pakistan,” instilled hope for a radically transformed society — one free of corruption, cronyism, and foreign interference.
Religious and nationalist undertones also played a crucial role in broadening his appeal. Khan’s speeches often invoked Islamic principles, positioning him as a leader deeply rooted in the nation’s cultural and ideological identity. For many, he embodied the ideal of a righteous leader who could restore Pakistan’s lost glory.
The Roots of Street Power
Khan’s ability to mobilise massive street protests is a testament to the loyalty he commands among his supporters. This street power is neither accidental nor fleeting; it is rooted in a carefully constructed relationship between Khan and his supporters.
A critical element of this power lies in the political consciousness Khan has fostered. His narrative of empowerment — centred on accountability, justice, and national pride — has resonated particularly strongly with the youth, who see in him a leader willing to challenge the status quo. This sense of collective purpose has galvanised a new generation of politically active Pakistanis willing to confront the state to defend their leader. His followers are not bound by material incentives or local loyalties but by a shared belief in his vision for Pakistan. This makes them uniquely resilient and difficult to suppress.
Khan’s imprisonment has only reinforced his image as a political martyr. His supporters see him as a victim of a corrupt system desperate to silence its most formidable critic. This perception has fuelled mass protests, with demonstrators willing to face arrest and violence in their quest for justice.
The Crisis at Hand
The protests sparked by Khan’s imprisonment have exposed the fragility of Pakistan’s democratic institutions and deep divisions within its society. The government’s heavy-handed response — deploying the military, arresting protesters, and silencing the media — has only heightened tensions. Khan’s populism has intensified political polarisation, where loyalty to the leader often overrides institutional norms. This dynamic explains why his supporters confront state power despite the risks, viewing their actions as part of a larger struggle for justice and democracy.
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Khan’s populist rhetoric, digital mobilisation, and ability to galvanise mass movements have reshaped Pakistan’s political landscape, challenging entrenched power structures and redefining the relationship between citizens and the state. However, this transformation has come at a cost, deepening polarisation, weakening institutional norms, and exacerbating the ongoing economic crisis.
The current unrest underscores the enduring impact of Khan’s political legacy. Whether it will lead to meaningful reform or further instability depends on how Pakistan navigates this critical moment. What is clear, however, is that Khan’s influence will continue to shape the country’s politics for years to come, perhaps making him one of the most consequential leaders in Pakistan’s history.
The writer is a Professor at MMAJ Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
