Imran Khan’s Past Remarks on General Bajwa Resurface

Islamabad: A video clip shared by senior journalist Hamid Mir has reignited debate over former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s past remarks about former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In the clip, which was originally aired on Samaa TV’s program News Beat, Imran Khan can be seen speaking highly of General Bajwa during his tenure as Prime Minister. At the time, Khan praised Bajwa, describing him as “an honest man with no personal business interests” and someone who was “dedicated to democracy and stability.”

Hamid Mir, while posting the video on X (formerly Twitter), recalled how Imran Khan used to openly admire General Bajwa in official and public forums. Mir wrote that Imran Khan had once regarded Bajwa as a “blessing for the country,” highlighting his role in supporting democratic governance and maintaining civilian-military relations.

However, the journalist also pointed out the sharp contrast between Khan’s earlier praise and his later criticism of the former Army Chief. Following the fallout between Khan and Bajwa in late 2022, the PTI chairman accused Bajwa of betraying him and even labeled him as “Mir Jafar,” a historical figure infamous for treachery.

This resurfaced clip comes at a time when debates around civil-military relations in Pakistan remain intense. Analysts suggest that the video serves as a reminder of the shifting political alliances and narratives that dominate Pakistan’s political landscape.

Political Context

During his tenure (2018–2022), Imran Khan frequently highlighted his “excellent working relationship” with the military establishment.
After his ouster through a no-confidence motion in April 2022, Khan accused the same establishment, particularly General Bajwa, of conspiring against him.
Hamid Mir’s post adds to the ongoing discourse, questioning the consistency of political leaders in Pakistan when dealing with the military’s influence.

Reactions on Social Media

The post has sparked strong reactions across X. Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) argue that Khan’s initial praise reflected the reality of that time, while critics say the video exposes political opportunism and contradictions.

The resurfacing of Imran Khan’s old remarks underscores the fragile and often fluctuating relationship between civilian governments and the military establishment in Pakistan. As Hamid Mir highlighted, the same figure once celebrated as a national asset was later branded as a traitor—showcasing the volatility of Pakistan’s political narratives.

🔗 Source: Hamid Mir Official X Account