Pakistan's opposition leader Imran Khan has accused the military establishment of trying to thwart his chances of winning the next election, creating the possibility of a weak government. In an interview with Bloomberg, Khan cited the detention of his supporters as evidence of an attempt to crush his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, despite being far ahead in popularity surveys. He argued the government was using the arrests as a pretext for an "unprecedented crackdown" on the party. Khan rejects accusations that he and his party's supporters were behind the attacks on state-owned property.
Khan's relations with the military worsened after he tried to influence army appointments. Most prime ministers have depended on the institution’s support to stay in power, however, in recent months Khan has stepped up his anti-army rhetoric, breaking a long-established taboo against criticising the military. In this interview, he accused the military of being part of a plan to oust him, even alleging senior officers were plotting to assassinate him.
The election crisis comes as Pakistan experiences historically its worst economic crisis. Growth estimates were slashed and consumer prices reached an all-time high while rumours of a default continue, leading to the need for assistance from from the International Monetary Fund and bilateral donors.
Khan pledges a need for a new IMF programme and the growth of investment from the Pakistani diaspora should he come to power. He also hopes to help small exporters and repair loss-making companies. Though Khan acknowledges the exit of key politicians, he notes the growing public support for him and his party.