Awoken Nation

Imran Khan: The Symbol of Resistance The story of Imran Khan continues to grip the nation— As I narrate this, Khan has spent  500 days in Adiala Jail , and what’s remarkable is their  unbreakable spirit.  No matter how one views him, history will record this man as an “unbelievable” figure—a storm of resilience. I can’t help but think of the times he’s been compared to  Nelson Mandela , who endured decades in prison yet emerged as a liberator. Mandela’s story was tough, and his struggle was monumental. But Imran Khan’s battle feels even more nuanced: He isn’t fighting colonizers but the  mental slavery  and power structures of his own people. Khan is no ordinary prisoner. He is a man imprisoned for refusing to compromise his principles. They locked him up to break his will, to coerce him into silence. But instead, he became even larger than life —a symbol of defiance and hope. The Forgotten Lives and the Blood of November 26 If you think this story stops h...

  This is an extract from a media talk delivered by Faisal Chaudhary outside Adiala Jail. The Start of a Battle Standing in court today, I felt the weight of an unfair system bearing down on us. A criminal case had been registered against us in the marketplace, and charges were filed without any solid evidence. To make matters worse, we haven’t even received a copy of the charge sheet. Despite repeated requests for this crucial document, our pleas seem to fall on deaf ears. This isn’t just negligence; it’s a blatant disregard for legal processes. Our call for CCTV footage—a key piece of evidence—remains unanswered. What struck me most was how this one case stands isolated while other FIRs have been separated. The accusations revolve around incitement, but there’s no proof. Those who stayed loyal to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are being targeted, while others who abandoned the party are walking free. This selective justice is painful to witness. Political Victimization in Ful...

The Competing Narratives in Pakistan As I sit back, pondering the current state of affairs in Pakistan, it feels like we are riding an emotional roller coaster. Right now, there are at least three major narratives competing for control in the country, and each one affects us differently. One is the narrative coming from the government, another is from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and somewhere in between is the army, trying to figure out its own position amidst this chaos. The Boycott of Military Products One key thing stands out: the growing frustration over the boycott of military products. It all started when shots were fired at D-Chowk, a protest site in Islamabad, and Imran Khan questioned, "Why was the bullet fired?" This incident spurred public resentment towards the military, triggering a movement to boycott army-affiliated businesses. People see it as a form of protest, a statement that they're tired of being manipulated by various powerful forces. While the g...

Today, I watched Waqar Malik's most recent video. His words impacted me as he narrated his opinion of the current political situation in Pakistan. What follows is a summary of Waqar's perspective as per his narration. For those interested in watching the complete video (in Urdu), here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbdwh7f7KEw The Growing Chaos in the Establishment Pakistan is experiencing political upheaval. The once unshakable establishment, often referred to as "the company," appears to be on the verge of collapse. Its nerves are frayed, and its grip on the country seems weaker than ever. This sudden change stems from growing public outrage, which has begun to threaten the long-standing dominance of the powers that be. But is this weakness genuine, or is it a calculated retreat to regroup for another blow? Recent remarks by Asad Umar, a figure once thought to be aligned with the establishment, hinted at a shift in perspective. Umar suggested that a de...

As I reflect on the unfolding drama in Pakistan, I cannot help but draw comparisons with the strength of other nations' institutions, like the U.S. Supreme Court, which draws its authority from the collective faith of its society and politics. It serves as the ultimate arbiter of disputes, applying logic and historical principles to guide its nation. Sadly, Pakistan's judiciary no longer holds such a place. The dismantling of its credibility began with the infamous Tamizuddin case of 1955 and reached its peak with the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment on October 20, 2024, which left the Supreme Court powerless. Today, no institution can play the role of an impartial referee for our fractured nation. This crisis is not the burden of one political party or leader; it is a collective failure—ours to own and resolve. Yet, as we falter, Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister and now an emblematic figure, stands as a "prisoner of conscience." The term re...

Let me take you on a journey that connects the dots across continents, linking Pakistan’s fate with seismic shifts in global politics. This story veers away from the routine current affairs chatter to something far more profound and impactful. A Glimpse into America’s Changing Dynamics It began with a few tweets—tweets that signal a potential earthquake in the global political landscape. These weren’t just any tweets but came from Elon Musk, one of the world’s most influential figures, and now closely tied to Donald Trump’s team. Musk, a man of innovation and controversy, is stepping into a pivotal role in reshaping America’s government machinery. Musk’s mission? Downsizing and overhauling the bloated U.S. government apparatus, specifically targeting the infamous “Military-Industrial Complex.” This term represents the deep-rooted alliance of the Pentagon, the CIA, and a host of other agencies that have shaped America’s foreign and defense policies for decades. In his tweets, Musk didn’...

In today’s digital age, restrictions on communication seem like relics of the past. Yet, recent events in Pakistan highlight the ongoing struggle between access to technology and restrictions imposed under the guise of morality. The Council of Islamic Ideology recently declared VPN (Virtual Private Network) usage as "un-Islamic." Their stance is curious, especially when considering that VPNs are essential for people visiting countries like Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, where platforms like WhatsApp are restricted. Interestingly, many religious scholars who advocate these restrictions rely on VPNs themselves when traveling abroad. It’s a recurring pattern – technology is often labeled "un-Islamic" until it serves their needs. Decades ago, loudspeakers faced a similar fate. Today, these very devices amplify sermons across Pakistan. Videos and photography, once forbidden, are now embraced, with scholars actively promoting themselves on social media. But VPNs are...

In this edition of Insaf Digital , host Junaid Saleem paints a vivid picture of the brewing political storm in Pakistan. Imran Khan’s upcoming protest on November 24th has rattled the government, leading to actions aimed at suppressing his voice. Yet, Khan’s message has found resonance among the people, sparking a renewed call for change. Alima, Khan’s courageous sister, recently addressed the media, conveying her brother's unwavering determination. She reminded the nation of their February uprising—a time when the people exercised their right to power, only for it to be stolen the next day by the ruling mafia. Now, Khan calls upon all Pakistanis to join him in reclaiming their right, urging everyone to march towards Islamabad on November 24th. Khan’s message is both powerful and clear: “Your stolen vote was handed over to a few powerful individuals. The judiciary has been stripped of its independence.” With this, he calls on lawyers, farmers, students, and citizens from all backgr...

The Battle for Justice: Imran Khan’s Journey from Cricket Star to Political Icon In the world of Pakistani politics, one name has echoed louder than most over the last few decades – Imran Khan. Known initially for his remarkable cricket career, Khan transformed into a symbol of hope for millions as he stepped onto the political stage, battling against a system steeped in corruption. Based on an interview with journalist Darren J. Beattie in 2023, this story unveils the struggles, ambitions, and unwavering commitment of a man who believes in justice above all else. Keeping Imran Khan’s vision alive has never been more critical. Over the past year and a half, Khan has been unable to communicate directly with the people, facing severe restrictions that have silenced his voice. His party leaders, even those who manage to meet him, struggle to convey his message fully due to immense pressure from the powerful military and political elite. In this environment, watching his earlier speeches, ...