By Imran Chaudhry
Power intoxicates—and history offers no shortage of proof. When the president of Venezuela was abducted and paraded through New York, it was a brazen display of American might before the world. This “might is right” doctrine continues to shape global affairs. Yet the world needs peace, not wars.
Today, the United States exerts influence across nearly every country—through governments, politicians, generals, journalists, judges, bureaucrats, and even organizations operating under the banner of human rights.
USAID funds flow in the name of welfare and development, while covert operations are conducted through intelligence agencies, and policies are enforced to serve strategic interests. Russia seeks control over Ukraine; China maintains control over parts of Kashmir and presses its claim on Taiwan; Pakistan and India remain locked over Jammu and Kashmir.
Truly civilized nations—those that refrain from interference—are few. Even they are often entangled through NATO arrangements. In Africa, powerful states prey on weaker nations, plundering resources and committing mass atrocities, as seen in Sudan.
Afghanistan endured devastation as NATO forces, led by the United States, pursued strategic interests tied to oil and gas. Both Afghanistan and the intervening powers suffered immense losses—until the intervention ended through the determined efforts of Imran Khan, a statesman whose role in facilitating dialogue led to a withdrawal acknowledged and appreciated by then U.S. President Donald Trump.
In Asia, Pakistan’s establishment has long been accused of safeguarding American interests. Imran Khan charted a different course. He engaged the United States in dialogue over Afghanistan and, at Washington’s own request, facilitated its exit from the region.
When Imran Khan sought to trade oil with Russia in local currencies instead of the U.S. dollar, the move was met with fierce opposition from Washington. A threatening diplomatic cable followed. Soon after, favored generals and politicians were rallied, public mandate was overturned, and a no-confidence motion removed him from office.
What followed was relentless persecution: multiple assassination attempts—three to four by credible counts—from which Imran Khan survived by divine grace; the imposition of over 300 allegedly fabricated cases; imprisonment under harsh and humiliating conditions; and trials conducted behind bars, evoking comparisons with Guantanamo Bay. Power was transferred to a coalition formed under what critics describe as a “London Plan,” installing discredited political elites despite their record of corruption.
Yet the world has changed. Whether it is Israeli aggression in Gaza or pressure on Venezuela, global public opinion has erupted. Millions have protested in New York, across Europe, and worldwide. Similarly, mass demonstrations in support of Imran Khan have continued across the globe. Despite this, global powers remain unmoved.
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Even from prison—illegally and unconstitutionally detained—Imran Khan led his party to a decisive electoral mandate, despite the loss of the party symbol and systematic obstacles. He remains, in the eyes of millions, Pakistan’s true and elected Prime Minister.
Imran Khan is a singular global figure—a leader whose words resonate across capitals, whose voice commands attention from heads of state worldwide. He has consistently shown a willingness to forgive, to seek reconciliation rather than revenge, and to pursue relations based on equality and mutual respect. He does not seek confrontation with global powers; he seeks principled dialogue.
There is no other leader today with the moral authority, popular legitimacy, and diplomatic reach to engage the United States, Russia, China, Europe, the Muslim world, Israel, India, and developing nations alike—bringing them to the table and keeping them within the bounds of international norms. Imran Khan’s leadership offers a credible path to de-escalation and global peace.
The international community must recognize this reality. Imran Khan should be released immediately, provided full security, restored his democratic mandate, and empowered to lead. He is not merely a Pakistani leader; he is a global statesman at a time when the world teeters on the brink of a third world war.
Humanity urgently needs a serious, credible, and visionary leader to initiate meaningful dialogue among rival powers. That leader is Imran Khan. For the sake of Pakistan—and for global peace—the world must act before the fires it has ignited consume us all.
