On February 8, Pakistan witnessed a historic moment—a day when democracy was tested, and the people’s will prevailed. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan despite being incarcerated emerged victorious in the country’s general elections. His journey from jail to victory was marked by resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of his base.

Imran Khan, the charismatic leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, had been on the receiving end of the Pakistani state’s wrath for the past two years. His top party leadership faced arrests, and some were coerced into switching allegiances. The electoral field seemed designed to diminish any chances of Khan’s success. Heavy restrictions curtailed PTI’s traditional campaigning, and their electoral symbol was banned. But Khan and his supporters refused to be cowed.

The PTI’s electoral symbol, the “cricket bat” was snatched away by the top authorities. This setback forced PTI candidates to contest the elections on different symbols, a challenging task in a country where literacy rates remain low. Imagine running a campaign without your party’s iconic symbol—a symbol that resonated with millions of supporters.

Traditional campaigning avenues were restricted. PTI candidates were denied permission to organize rallies or display party flags. The air crackled with tension, but PTI supporters remained undeterred. They turned........

© Eurasia Review