The much-loved (now former) Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan maintains a demand for a snap election in his country.
The case that had been made against Mr Khan's PTI-led government focused on the idea that he was not delivering economically, and that his popularity was in decline. It was a case amplified by the international media, primarily from the United States, to the benefit of the then-opposition.
Why not put Imran Khan to the test?
Regardless of how the United States and its local toadies may feel about Mr Khan, large-scale rallies on the ground tell a starkly different story than theirs. These rallies indicate more than nationwide discontent at the no-confidence vote that removed him, they suggest a real national awakening and peaceful national liberation struggle against the country's foreign shackles.
Strangely, smaller rallies are often cited by the United States as a reason for immediate regime change. The difference, of course, is that in other cases, the United States was likely supporting fake demonstrations or violent riots by its local mercenaries and clients, having no real interest in the democratic will of any nation.
The fear of the new regime towards the people is on display. In the first place, Imran Khan's opponents and the Supreme Court torpedoed the possibility of taking any grievances about the PTI's governance to the people with an election. A no-confidence vote to remove him was preferred, and the idea of an election was resented, because the ones responsible seem to avoid the will of the people.
Conspiracy or compromise?
While the military denies that the US conspired to remove Imran Khan by encouraging the no confidence vote, no denial has been made that the US was calling for the no confidence vote or that the whole thing was their idea. One can argue about the semantics of such things as treason and conspiracies, but if the US declared the need for the no confidence vote, then the individuals in Parliament who complied are impossible to view favourably, and it is perhaps more alarming that the military would make excuses for them.
The urgently needed general election, even if the new regime agrees to hold it, can be expected to take a long time. The Pakistan Electoral Commission (ECP) had already suggested an extensive delay of months, even when Mr Khan was still PM. It is possible that the bodies of the state not only abandoned Imran Khan but also, for whatever reason, are determined to be deaf to the wishes of the people.
The US desired policy shifts in Islamabad to help it break the international isolation faced by the Western alliance group from the rest of the world in its efforts to condemn Russia and China. There is reason to believe that such policy shifts (likely a complete departure from alliances with China in favour of the US) will not be achieved, even with Imran Khan gone, as these would likely be too economically costly to the country.
Evil by weakness
We should consider the self-serving and poor moral character of the new regime. The new PM, Shehbaz Sharif, already issued a diplomatic passport to his brother Nawaz Sharif, who had been the subject of corruption probes. So now you have a regime that, while unmoved by the people or any need to gain legitimacy with them, is moved at once to save a corrupt individual as its first act.
Despite all of the above, it still seems possible that to assert that the new regime is fully loyal to the United States would be an exaggeration. Nevertheless, the leadership this regime represents is now one that is more susceptible to manipulation and corruption. It is compromised.
It may be unfair to call the new PM evil, but what is happening in Pakistan is a clear and obvious struggle between good and evil. It is, more scientifically, a conflict between the ones standing for independence, prosperity and defiance, and the opponents who succumb to weakness, corruption and subservience too easily.
Refusal to be slaves
Imran Khan may be out as Prime Minister, but Pakistanis will grow increasingly aware of foreign interference and the foreign role in manifestations of corruption and treachery. It is likely that increasing numbers will want something to be done, and will at least wonder how different things might be if the country rid itself of all foreign-inspired intrigue.
The darkest talk surrounds the suspicion that there may be a threat to Imran Khan's life or to the wellbeing of his supporters, as the US tries to suppress a nation that defied them. However, this would be playing with fire. Regardless of what the new regime wants to be, the Pakistani people won't be slaves, at least knowingly.
People should watch, with great suspicion, attempts to contrive some character assassination or criminal case against Imran Khan in an effort to reduce his popular support, with the collusion of the international media. Rather than actual assassination, this seems more likely. It will be undertaken if the people grow quiet, refusing to counterpunch but allowing the corrupt elite and the collaborators of international evil to make their next move.