Sat May 03 07:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Faces Double Threat: India’s Potential Retaliation and Imran Khan’s Release Demands
**ISLAMABAD** – Pakistan is grappling with a dual crisis: the looming threat of Indian retaliation for the recent Pulwama-like attack in Pahalgham, and escalating demands for the release of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan, ousted from power in April 2022 amidst disputes with the Pakistani military, is currently jailed on corruption charges. His arrest sparked widespread protests, with supporters attacking military installations.
Following the Pahalgham attack, a significant social media campaign on X (formerly Twitter) is demanding Khan’s release. Supporters allege that the attack, which killed 26 and injured 17, was orchestrated by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir. The hashtag #ReleaseKhanForPakistan garnered over 300,000 posts, while #FreeImranKhan exceeded 35,000 by April 29th. These trends, along with others criticizing the military leadership, highlight growing public discontent. One PTI-affiliated user even suggested Khan’s immediate release if India were to attack.
The campaign for Khan’s release intensified around PTI’s 29th anniversary on April 25th, with calls to end his “illegal detention.” In the Pakistani Senate, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz also demanded his release, arguing that Khan’s perspective should be considered in any national decision-making. Furthermore, recent X hashtags like #ResignAsimMunir and #PakistanUnderMilitaryFascism reflect widespread criticism of the military’s influence and alleged role in undermining peace efforts with India. The Pakistani military’s significant power and history of cross-border attacks adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The government is now caught between anticipating India’s response to the attack and managing the rising pressure to free Khan.
First Piper 