The Lion and the Betrayal

The Lion and the Betrayal

The Resilient Roar of Tipu Sultan and Imran Khan's Fierce Stand Against Internal and External Forces. By Naveeda Sultan 

Throughout history, there have been leaders whose unshakable resolve, even in the face of overwhelming odds, has immortalized their legacy. Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, and Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, are two such figures, separated by centuries yet united by their courage to stand tall against betrayal and powerful enemies. Their stories are a testament to resistance against internal treachery and external pressures, with both men representing the enduring fight for sovereignty and justice.

Tipu Sultan: The Tiger Who Fought to the End

Tipu Sultan, one of the most iconic rulers in Indian history, is remembered for his relentless battle against the British East India Company. From the Battle of Pollilur in 1780, where he led a resounding victory using innovative military tactics, to his final stand in 1799, Tipu embodied the spirit of resistance. His famous quote, “Better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a jackal,” reflects his fierce determination to fight for independence, even when faced with insurmountable odds.

However, Tipu’s fall wasn’t just the result of British cunning; it was a betrayal from within that sealed his fate. His trusted minister, Mir Sadiq, conspired with the British, opening the gates of Srirangapatna and allowing enemy forces to overrun the city. Despite fighting until his last breath, Tipu was killed on the battlefield. His death marked the beginning of a dark chapter for the subcontinent, as India fell into colonial slavery under British rule for 150 years.

Imran Khan: The Fighter Who Stands Tall

Fast forward to the present day, and we see a modern-day echo of Tipu Sultan’s spirit in Imran Khan. Much like Tipu, Khan has refused to bow to foreign powers and internal conspiracies. After a landslide victory in the 2024 elections, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was poised to lead the country. But just as Tipu’s victory at Pollilur was undermined by betrayal, Khan’s electoral success was nullified by what many call a “mandate theft.” His government was toppled through a series of maneuvers that were as strategic as they were unconstitutional.

Khan’s defiance against the United States, particularly when he famously said “Absolutely not” in response to a request for military bases, echoed Tipu’s resistance to British imperialism. This uncompromising stance put him at odds with international powers and local military elites. His removal from office in 2022, many believe, was orchestrated by a coalition of forces, including Pakistan’s military, under General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and foreign powers such as the U.S., which played a role in regime change efforts.

Khan’s stance on Pakistan’s sovereignty and refusal to let the country be a pawn in global geopolitics mirrored Tipu’s resistance to foreign control. Despite his leadership being undermined, his legacy continues to grow. Even after being imprisoned for over a year, Khan’s words ring loud: “I will fight till my last breath,” a sentiment shared by Tipu Sultan centuries ago.

Resilient Support: Highlighting Injustice

Support for Imran Khan always comes from prominent figure like Jemima Goldsmith, his ex-wife and mother of his two sons, who has been vocal about the challenges he faces. In a recent tweet, Goldsmith highlighted the injustices surrounding Khan’s political struggles, emphasizing how he has been unjustly treated, made a huge impact.

Betrayal from Within: A Recurring Tragedy

Betrayal from within played a critical role in both Tipu Sultan’s and Imran Khan’s downfall. In Tipu’s case, Mir Sadiq’s treachery handed the British a victory that brute force alone couldn’t secure. For Khan, the betrayal came from those within his own party. Several key leaders, once loyal to him, turned their backs when the pressure mounted. Despite these betrayals, Khan continues to stand tall, buoyed by the unwavering support of the Pakistani people.

Just as Tipu’s closest allies deserted him in his hour of need, Khan’s political journey has been marked by defections and betrayals. Yet, where Tipu was defeated, Khan’s story is still unfolding. Despite being imprisoned and subjected to political persecution, he remains defiant. Khan’s struggle against Pakistan’s powerful military establishment and the political elite has made him a symbol of resistance, much like Tipu Sultan was during his time.

A False Victory: The Current Government’s Illegal Rule

After Khan’s overwhelming victory in the 2024 elections, the formation of an illegal government based on manipulated Form 47 results resembles a modern-day betrayal akin to Tipu Sultan’s defeat after his triumph at Pollilur. The current regime, installed through dubious means, sought to erase Khan’s electoral win by arresting his leadership, silencing dissent, and even targeting women within his party. In one of the darkest chapters of this political saga, women were jailed and beaten, and the party’s leaders were tortured while in custody.

A false flag operation was also conducted to discredit Khan and his supporters, echoing the strategic betrayals that Tipu Sultan faced. However, the regime’s actions have only served to expose its weakness and lack of legitimacy. Despite their efforts to break Khan, he remains a towering figure in Pakistani politics, with millions of people still standing by his side. Just like Tipu Sultan’s enduring legacy, Khan’s influence has only grown in the face of adversity.

The Fight for Sovereignty and Justice

While Tipu Sultan’s death marked the beginning of 150 years of colonial rule in the subcontinent, Imran Khan’s fight is far from over. His refusal to compromise on Pakistan’s sovereignty, even at great personal cost, has made him a beacon of hope for many. Where Tipu’s defeat led to the loss of independence for generations, Khan’s ongoing battle offers Pakistan a chance to reclaim its political and economic sovereignty.

Today, the forces aligned against Khan—both domestic and international—are vast, but they are not without flaws. In their attempt to suppress him, these forces have only exposed their own weaknesses, just as Mir Sadiq’s betrayal highlighted the vulnerability of Tipu’s enemies. Khan’s refusal to give in, despite the overwhelming odds, mirrors the spirit of Tipu Sultan, who fought until his last breath on the battlefield.

Standing Tall Despite Betrayal

Imran Khan’s situation today is a modern echo of Tipu Sultan’s final days. While Tipu was ultimately defeated by a combination of internal treachery and external forces, Khan remains standing, supported by the people of Pakistan. His legacy is still being written, and with each passing day, it becomes clearer that he represents more than just a political leader—he is a symbol of resistance, integrity, and the fight for sovereignty.

Where Tipu’s defeat led to a century and a half of colonial subjugation, Khan’s continued fight offers hope that Pakistan will not fall into the hands of corrupt power brokers and foreign manipulators. The people of Pakistan, much like the followers of Tipu Sultan, continue to rally behind their leader, believing that he represents their best chance at a free and sovereign future.

As Khan himself has said, “I will fight till my last breath,” and for now, he continues to stand firm against the forces that seek to bring him down, both from within and without. In the end, the legacy of leaders like Tipu Sultan and Imran Khan isn’t just defined by their victories or defeats—it’s defined by their unyielding resistance against tyranny, betrayal, and injustice. As Imran Khan has resolutely stated:

"Compromise for your Dream but never Compromise on your Dream."