In the recent past, since Imran Khan was ousted from power in April 2022, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party he founded and led, has veered sharply towards far-right ideologies. Once seen as a reformist force poised to break Pakistan’s entrenched dynastic politics, PTI has transformed into a vehicle for political and social fragmentation. The party’s actions, rhetoric, and Khan’s continuing populist approach have not only undermined democratic processes but have also deepened the divisions in a country already beset by economic crises and security challenges.
Far from “saving the country,” as it claims, PTI has created an environment where the political establishment, state institutions, and large population segments are seen as enemies to be overthrown rather than collaborators in a democratic process. What began as populist rhetoric has evolved into a toxic blend of nationalism, conspiracy theories, and anti-establishment sentiment that increasingly mirrors the characteristics of far-right political movements elsewhere in the world.
Imran Khan’s removal from office via a no-confidence motion in April 2022 was a seismic event in Pakistan’s political history. Khan, whose populist promises had won him significant support, immediately blamed a “foreign conspiracy” for his ouster, accusing the United States and Pakistan’s political elite of orchestrating his downfall. This conspiracy theory became the backbone of his post-ouster narrative and has been central to PTI’s rise as a far-right force.
However, PTI’s brand of nationalism has often veered into conspiracy theory-driven populism. The narrative that foreign forces, particularly the West, are conspiring to undermine Pakistan’s independence is not new, but PTI has used it to consolidate its base by portraying the country’s problems as a result of foreign interference. This foreign conspiracy rhetoric, which Khan amplified, resonates with populist movements worldwide, where external enemies are blamed for domestic woes. PTI’s embrace of this narrative has drawn it closer to far-right movements globally, where nationalistic fervor is often laced with anti-immigrant and anti-globalization sentiment.
Equally concerning has been PTI’s growing disregard for Pakistan’s democratic institutions. Khan’s ongoing attacks on the judiciary, the military, and the election commission have eroded trust in these institutions, further pushing PTI’s supporters toward the idea that only mass protests, civil disobedience, or even insurrection can restore the nation to its rightful path. By rejecting dialogue and cooperation with the institutions of the state, PTI is making itself a destabilizing force in a fragile democracy.
The rise of far-right politics in Pakistan has not been limited to the political sphere; it has had real-world consequences on the country’s social and economic stability. PTI’s focus has been less on pragmatic solutions to Pakistan’s financial crisis and more on rallying its base with emotional appeals to nationalism and victimhood. This strategy has diverted attention from urgent issues like inflation, unemployment, and poverty, which have only worsened since Khan’s removal from office.