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Pakistani cricket legend now-turned politician Imran Khan, center in glasses, is surrounded by supporters as he arrives to lead a rally against the US drone strikes in Pakistani tribal areas, Saturday, April 23, 2011, in Peshawar, Pakistan. – AP Photo
Imran Khan knows what he opposes but does not seem to be sure what he proposes. This is a fundamental factor in determining the nature and degree of his relevance to the Pakistani politics.
His is a political position that takes an extremely dim view of what is going on in the country as politics, governance, foreign policy, economic management and even development. As long as he continues to maintain his opposition to the polities that are not working for a large number of Pakistanis, he will find some ready audience – though mainly through television talk shows and Facebook fan following. But that is as far as it can go. To capture the imagination of the voters and to compel them to take the trouble of participating in a public meeting or making it to a polling booth on the election day takes much more than just that.
First, it needs a crisp message – a catchy one liner a la Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s “Roti Kapra aur Makan”. Secondly, it needs a distinct political target – in the same vein that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was for Nawaz Sharif when he started off as a politician on his own. Thirdly, there has to be a well-defined ideological quotient – like Jamaat-e-Islami has. And lastly, there has to be an electoral machine up and running to ensure that the other side cannot capture polling booths and rig elections.
Khan, so far, does not have any of these. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has yet to come up with a catch-all phrase that strikes a chord with a cross section of Pakistanis. His unrelenting references to match fixing and other cricketing terms while talking about political events do not cut much ice with a lot of people in the country who have become disillusioned with the game and the victories and defeats attached to it.
Even for the most ardent of Imran Khan fans his famous world cup victory in 1992 happened almost 20 years ago and at best lingers as a hazy memory of a past glory that cannot be possibly repeated in the near future.
His emphasis on Insaaf or justice as a panacea is already going through its first real test after the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on the back of a movement run purely in the name of justice. Even for its proponents, including Khan, the results so far have been mixed at best.
His political targets are too many for him to be able to focus on any of them. Everyone who was, has been and is anyone in the country’s politics is his enemy. In Pakistan’s fractured polity along regional, ethnic and ideological lines such an opposition to all and sundry does not automatically create an electoral appeal that can cut across all these great divides. He, therefore, ends up giving a confused message to the electorate, more so when he does things that contradict his all-encompassing political hostility.
He sided with General (retired) Pervez Musharraf up until the 2002 referendum and then opposed him; he opposed Nawaz Sharif from the day he launched his party in 1990s but chose to attend an all parties conference that Sharif convened in Islamabad in 2007 to boycott the 2008 general election. In 2007, he went to London with a legal brief against Altaf Hussain and his Muttahida Qaumi Movement but in 2011 the two met and had only good things to say about each other. Khan is considered close to religious parties but his aversion to Maulana Fazlur Rehman is also all too well known.
Here is a historical parallel: When Sharif managed to woo voters on a mass scale, he did so by choosing his enemy carefully and then consolidating all anti-Bhutto, and anti-PPP segments of the society behind him.
Khan’s political ideology is a curious mix of reactionary Islamism especially vis-à-vis the women and the minorities, gung-ho anti-Americanism and narrow nationalism peppered over with convenient anecdotes and selection of quotes from the west, most specifically the United Kingdom whose political and social system and political class invariably get a laudatory mention in all his conversations. He even goes to the extent of giving the British Empire and its colonial administration in India the credit of maintaining an exemplary law and order and providing impeccable governance.
However, all this stuff has been an old hat in Pakistan. We have Islamists who are more clear-headed on ideology than Khan is; anti-Americanism is the mantra that every politician in Pakistan swears by and some of them have a few highly selective incidents to back up their claims of anti-Americanism; and he is not the first political leader in Pakistan to talk of our immense natural and mineral wealth and the need for self-mobilisation which we must embark on to rid ourselves of our debilitating dependence on foreign loans and aid with shameful (his words) strings attached. His conversations are replete with words like lies, hypocrisy, dishonesty, corruption, theft, shame and slavery when he mentions the politics of the country but when all this invective is put together it does not constitute an ideological whole. It remains just an invective.
The least said about his party’s organisation and electoral machine the better. The latest politician to join Khan is a certain Khwaja Khan Hoti of Mardan who has worked as the provincial president of the PPP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before switching to Awami National Party in mid-2000s and winning the 2008 election for the National Assembly under the same party’s banner. He is no different from any of those politicians that Khan always criticizes for changing political loyalties due to personal considerations.
Before he can start putting his political house in order to get what he does not have so far, Khan will only remain the darling of twenty-something, thirty-something bankers, IT professionals, teachers and students of expensive private educational institutions, media-persons and perhaps doctors and engineers – not to mention the richer and older people who as a matter of lifestyle hate everything that smacks of being desi including the local politics. But their political participation is limited to virtual activism of blogs, Facebook posts and tweets and, seldom if at all, treads the distance from their computer to a corner meeting or a polling station. The students of the government schools and colleges, the unions of teachers, clerks, industrial workers, farmers, and even traders have so far shown little interest in his politics.
Khan needs to realise that it is these latter groups of people and not armchair activists, which form the bulk of actual voters in Pakistan. Unless he attracts them, khan will be a minor political player – that is, as long as he is not propelled by the ubiquitous invisible hand that every now and then wants to reset the political chessboard in Pakistan to its own advantage.
Badar Alam is editor of the political monthly magazine, Herald.
we have to decide now! a bright future of Pakistan or the same faces with old family ruling parties government.
With the current lot Imran Khan is the only hope for Pakistan. What Pakistan needs now is a leadership of action and not words only as words are cheap. However, Imran Khan needs to attract more educated, powerful and honest people in his party to stand a better chance against the present politicians. Although Imran has more support in the urban areas but he needs to mobilize his team to target the rural areas all over Pakistan as that will make a difference in the elections. I do wish him all the best.
Very real & accurate analysis. Farah Zahidi Moazzam gets carried away in the usual imaginary euphoria: 'History in the making'
Imran Khan will bring a new opportunity and a new Dawn for Pakistan. He is sincere and honest and we all Welcome him!
Imran Khan just hasnot succumbed to the dirty politics of our country, which is why I admire him. At least he makes sense. At least he has the guts to roam around without security. Also, the fact that he DID win the World Cup shows his determination. He has made himself a name, based on just HIMSELF and his talents. Not because of a famous line of family, or anything. AT least his views are different! At least he is different!
I am 100% agree with the writer. Imran Khan jumps here and there without any clear vision and ideology. he never practiced principled politics. all of us who are busy passing comments and judgement on above article never went to a corner meeting of any political party and we never cast our vote for a candidate. we just enjoy article and ready to pass comments. we hate politics we discuss politics we criticise politicians but we don't have time to come out of our homes and take active part and change things.
Imran khan is very energetic, practical, trustworthy and a philanthropic figure, and this is what Pakistan politics is lacking.. so here is the solution,,,,we should once try and support…lets see nation may have great changes under his leadership.
Imran khan is a person who dont want to do any corruption, who dont want to lie and he want to see pakistan prosperous.. Bt the prblm is tht most of our nation is corrupted from bottom to top and thts ppl dont want any clean person ruling them… ahhh dont knw when our nation is gonna learn lesson….. even media is sold out…
what the short-sighted generalist don't realize is, in time all these acts of so called confused protest would be recorded by historians as acts of patriotism. history remember people who protested not their numbers.he protested on the heartbeat of the commercial vein of Pakistan without any resistance and with an agenda with is most relevant i think now Imran Khan is a leader.who now has some support to get attention and to get started
Atleast someone took a practical step against drone attacks.actully people can not digest the fact that imran khan led a very sucessful dharna especially in kARACHI.whatever you say the point is still the same that it was a sucessful dharna…please accept the fact that people are now supporting a right person…Imran khan..
this is the only reason ive switch to nation and the news. total bias…i was at dharna and im surprise how these 'responsible' people fool people of pakistan
The answer to the question: What ails Imran Khan? IDIOCY.
Imran khan is Great leader and politician, no matter what, people like You say. You deserve to have politicians like Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.
Very good analysis. I beleive Imran khan wants to do good for Pakistan but lacks political wisdom teribly deficient on diplomacy.
ZA
Pakistani politicians are jokers, they should be working for some circus shows.
another oppurtunistic "leader " of the masses` . mmmmmmmmmmmm wiwont the people ever wake up and speak their mind
Secularism is the missing factor in his party.That's why, he failed to earn the sympothies of minorities / elite & urban class. He needs to focus on politicising the agenda of human investment.
The problem with Mr. Alam and many others of the so-called intelligentia of our country is that we do not believe in principles. Not your fault my friend; after all we are one of the most principle-less nation of the world. Mr. Alam, you deserve the leaders we have today because they can come up nice catchy slogans: Pakistan Khappay. Pakistan ka Allah hi hafiz!
Nicely written article on Imran, may be this can serve as a constructive criticized eye opener for him and may lead him reevaluate his weakness in his Political career.
It seems from the article that Imran Khan qualifies to be a leader but not a politician. I totally agree that he isn't a politician. Who should we have for a change, a sincere leader who doesn't play politics with his nation's agendas or a seasoned politician who is a sold out puppet? And yes, I am a 30 something engineer:) and unless we have a politically aware critical mass, we will continue to dance as a nation, at other's finger tips….sad but true:(
Last night, Mr. Imran Khan and his followers, in a 'dharna' in Karachi were dancing to Junoon's 'Jazba junoon' while we had to spend one of the hottest nights in Karachi without electricity, of course having to put up with the jarring music from the dharna-cum-concert. Does Mr. Khan really, in his heart of hearts, believe that people care that much about NATO troops supplies when they are devoid of basic utilities even when they work hard to pay for them? At least, last night, I didn't give a damn. All I prayed was, may they please shut up and pack up so that traffic will be normalised and KESC might send their electricians.
Ohh, maybe IK could have done the same, sitting at his own place…with all the luxuries..instead of conducting the Dharna in Karachi's heat..instead all of us should be raising our voices now..everyone thinking of his own is not going to help us ever..!!
Maybe if you actually visited you would know that the electricity at the dharna was from generators and not KESC and the traffic was managed extremly well so that people would not be inconvienenced. Just because the killing of Pakistanis isnt important to you doesnt mean its not important to us. Imran has time and again talked about changing the status quo stop worrying about electricty, we wont need it if we are dead.
Imran does not have a political mind. He is a man of principles. It is unfortunate, for him and the country, that a political (and sometimes corrupt) mind is what succeeds here.
He needs a good advisor and partly the responsibility falls on the non voting patriots to bring someone like him into power
he is nice and his party goal is so awesome but i thing it's not suitable for his self that,"he give loss for nation by road blocking and protest on road and block transport"i thing it's not his party view,OK he can go UN and protest by media without any collusion
Dear Author, it is not your fault or others who write and think on such lines. Actually we have never witnessed good and positive politics in Pakistan after demise of Quaid.Today's Pakistan is a changed one. Mere slogans and typical election jugglary will not be of much help anymore.
I read the article and comment and in nutshell the thoughts i got is 'he is not clear in his agenda and just criticize on policy and politician' but most of them agree 'he his sincere' which I think what we really need from our leader.
We need someone who is sincere and courage to do something for his country, for people and for himself too. He defend every criticism raise on him and answer all the things. I agree he his confuse on most of the issues but still woh suna hoga 'andhoo may kaara raaja' so we've no better choice than Imran Khan.
I sincerely want Imran to come, But he should focus on every problem faced by country, he should have clarity in Economics problems, energy crises, law and order situation, uncontrolled population, education, health,
he should not only focus on america war and rulers wealth outside the world
I like the way he is showing the voice of Pakistanis but it will happen only if we will vote him
Our country needs enlightened leaders for the present times and Imran Khan has what it takes to educate the public about 21st century politics and what the future demands from them. He must stop being wishy washy and provide a clear road map for the future foreign policy objectives, economics, role of religious parties, women, minorities, Army, etc. His challenge is to educate the public about current dangers the country is facing regardless of ideologies and religious party influences. The country deserves a lot more than just Insaf slogans and appearance on TV shows.
I don't agree much with the writer. Developing or new Politician like Imran with ultimate correct perspective is liable to see criticism on pretext of his contacts /experience with shrewed old / dodger politicians. I think he must have learnt many things and you can't really keep his old actions as his future policy, since he is matured now. Please support him for now he says right and understand his fallies.
I believe if a honest person have time for the people of his nation, he can be a true leader. I don't want to discuss he is a good politician or not but I only know that he is Brave & Honest Person & to be honest I do not want to see him as Politician but as a human being who feels pain of Pakistani people. Insha Allah he will lead in Next Election and as a Pakistani I will support him with thousand of people.
He is just wasting his and his followers' time and resources. He just picks up any thing that is currently in public mind. He talks only about effects never about causes. If he wants to serve Pakistan he should go back to cricket: playing not managing.
I just want to refer to last sentence of the 2nd last paragraph: "The students of the government schools and colleges, the unions of teachers, clerks, industrial workers, farmers, and even traders have so far shown little interest in his politics"
That may be so, but the question here is what have these specific groups of population received back in last 30 years by showing interest in the politics of the Bhuttos, Sharifs, Fazal-ur-Rehmans, Asfandyar Walis, Bugtis, Qazi Hussains etc.?
Shouldn't people like Mr. Badar Alam use their skills to explain the above referenced groups that they have been constantly getting robbed by voting for PPP, Muslim League, ANP, JUI, JI and the time has come to look for someone else?
IK has a lot of good qualities as a leader to coverup on any shortcomings. Whatever he is, he is much better than the other leaders. Others have made politics a dirty game. He is only guy who is honest and brave. Moreover, He has the credibilty because of the social welfare projects he has completed.
I hope that the nation realized that he is the only hope for Pakistan. I will definitely vote for him. 100% sure.
Well, the matter of fact is that we dont need those politicians who are spending millions from our tax and doing nothing…Yes Imran is not like those politicians but we dont need those!!!
No person is perfect in this world, but the writer should tell us one thing? If not Imran Khan then who else??
come and show us your potential .
Imran Khan is good leader he never compromised on his principles. He is sincere with Pakistan. But there is one big problem with him, that in PTI there is no other well known leader except him . What change he is going to bring when he will not have power in assembly. He needs to alliance with other parties like JUI, Jamat-e- Islami and make like minded group for next elections.
He does not quality as a Pakistani politician. But there is no doubt that he is a leader and have correct reasoning. I'm not in 20s or 30s but I like his agenda and will vote for him in next elections.
Imran Khan deserves a chance. I have faith in his sincerity and I know he will prove to be better than any other poilitician. He is a brave and honest leader and that's what Pakistan needs.
One of the best articles I read on Imran's politics
just judge imran khan by one point.What he gave to pakistan and his people and What other politicians put togather gave to pakistn and people of pakistan.
Imran is a start in the right direction. Simple, no one is clean or white as white but one thing comes across is sincere, surely he can do better than our current lot.
Would we rather have Imran khan have a false agenda which he would twist to deformity like the so called "Charter of Democracy"? I guess not!
He qualifies as a leader, because he is Sincere. That alone should suffice.
Somehow Junaid Jamshed's song comes to mind: " Chalo tau sahi, raaasta koi mil hee jayega"!
very well written piece!
Agree with this article
Few points
he supported Musharaf as president
he supported Nawaz Sharif on Chief Justice issue
he supported APDM (what ever it was),what happened to that movement
no policy for future
he has got powerfull media support to critize
he hasn't got high educated grass root level party worker
There are lotz of educated supporters of Imran khan .. infact most educated people only support Imran khan..
I Think he is the only hope left for Pakistan.. and my vote will be for him in the next election Inshallah
I am agreed with what has been stated in this article, i am also a suppporter of Mr. Khan and wish to see him in power but he needs to establish his team first, we could only see him and mrs mizari on media. Mr Khan you need certain improvements especiallly your canidates and team work.
wish you all the best but read the contents of this article which will help to improve your polictical thoughts,
as an inqalabi party imran should only preach his goals and objectives people will definitly follow him as he is the last rayof hope for people
Imran khan's message is very clear, and has no cunningness etc. in it, he is of the view that our country needs justice and he can do it, that is the reason he named his part Tehrik-e- Insaf. A Govt job is only to provide justice nothing else or everything else comes later after justice. this can make the Police work, Let us hope so.
Enough is enough, he should stop these daramas and focus on real issues. Politicians of his age in other countries are planning their retirements and he is not sure to win his own seat.
Imran Khan is a blessing for pakistan. It is unfortunate that people of pakistan are not using his abilities to run the country. How many time times he has to prove. If he wants he would have been Prime minster under PPP or nawaz sharief Govt, but he did not. He made the best image in the world in the field of sports. He made the cancer hospital which is available for he poor people. His heart cries and he speaks out for the people of pakistan, when ever pakistan get insulted. He is the fearless patriotic son of pakistan. I pray for his health and long life. I do not understand when peaople of pakistan will take their country seriously. Stop blaming the polititians, every thing starts from your house. Pakistan needs only two things 1. Sincerity to themselves and honesty. God bless pakistan and improve the relationship with India.
Well thought out commentary.
I think all the Bhuttos, Sharifs, multiple army leaders have been tried but they gave nothing except a dysfunctional state where our army has major role. I think it is worthwhile to support a person who has genuinely delivered to whatever responsbility he has taken. I think he has clear vision but maybe not the right amount of people as yet who can support him. If he is on the right principles and heading for the prosperity of Pakistan it really does not matter if he wins or not. I would not support those people who have repeatedly failed and compromised its security just for their own vested interests selling their souls and faith for power and money.
I am extremely disappointed by this article. It seems that either author is ignorant of the ground realities or he is working on agenda certainly against the Pakistani interest.
All the issue that has been raised by author against IK can easily be responded. However due to lack of time I would only like to say, I support IK because he never care about the consequences and speaks the truth. He believes in public mobilization and not the short cuts. He never compromises on his views and ideology.
To me his is a Leader, Politician, Philosopher , Reformer, Idealist, Humanitarian and an inspiration to follow.
Pakistan and politics should not be about "catchy phrases" Mr Alam but more about identifying the problems and coming up with sustainable solutions. What did Bhuttos slogans do..short term relief and then chaos, a dictator and his own termination. Imran khan has stated that without the RULE OF LAW there can be nothing..so true only his ideology resonates with the main problems of Pakistan. The RULE OF LAW and independent judges might have saved Bhutto. I believe in PTI and in the Rule of Law something the West has perfected for its nation and something the MUSLIM nations / despotic leaders fight against till death even..
Same old same old…show me a wikileak cable that shows he is a sellout like the rest of em, I will stop being a supporter…
whatever the scenario at least we see some glimmer of hope in imran khan. this country has ahd enough of bhuttos, saifullahs, gillanis, zardaris and other elitist poilticians who have ripped paksitan into a thousand pieces. imran khan is very passionate and sincere as far as i see and understand him. ye she was a player and a great one, he decided to make a charitable hospital and he achieved it, he made an excellent education institution (NUMUL College in Mianwali). inshallah if not better, he is not going to be worse than these corrupt people who are attached to pakistan today.
Aah…what can I say. It is very easy to criticize and find faults in others, especially of public personalities of Imran Khan's stature. Now that you've told us about what ails Imran Khan, why don't you write your next piece on what goes in his favour? I'm sure you'll be able to figure out something. I, for one, can give a whole list of reasons why he can be the best Prime Minister we've ever had.
This article is a great service to Imran Khan. But as expected he will not take heed.
poor article … very poor infact
Let's give him a chance and see what he can do.
I have been watching Mr. Khan for some time now – and he is a great sportsman, leader and maybe statesman. One thing he is not – is a politician; atleast not in government. By reading only the top lines (didn't even read the article completely) I am sure what the writer has written is completely true.
I have seen Mr. Khan criticize everything under the sun – but never ever heard him tell us what he would do. I think he would be a great leader of the opposition – just criticize.
I would recommend you to watch his interviews. IK has always presented the solution.
i agree with "HRS".
He usually criticizes other politicians this is not worthy. what does he require is to explain the agenda of his party, clarifies the accusations and make up his team as he is the only eloquent representer of his party.
Imran Khan has some loop holes which need to be covered up ASAP. although, he's great cricketer and i wish he proves himself as a decent politicians.
but now, there is more work need to be done to come up with great leader.
Imran is not a politician, he's a Leader!!!
Please don't try to make him look like other politicians (please read it as "cheaters")!!!
Imran is one of the very few prominent Pakistanis who really want this Nation to get rid of "messy politics and politicians". It will take time when ordinary voters will be able to differentiate between Leaders and "politicians".
I totally agree with u, wat the writer has failed to highlight is 'wat is wrong with watever u have described that IK does'
Only one person in this country is fighting about us, and we just enjoy criticizing him all day long!
i am 100% for Imran khan, but dont know how he would do it.
Perhaps he has to make political parternership with progressive parties .
Surely he is our HOPE
Imran is a only hope of pakistan,now it is on our nation what they decide,bright future or status co,
Nice analysis. The very first line was as descriptive as the entire article.
So glad to see these comments! Yes there might be some shortcomings, but they would matter the least… The shortcomings that the author has mentioned are far from reality… I only agree with the point that a lot more needs to be done with regards to the electoral process and this is something which Imran cant do alone… The people should rally behind him, just as they did for the Chief Justice Reinstatement, because all our hopes and may be the country too falls apart if God forbid the elections are rigged again!
Our people got to decide about their future. we have see many faces and now we gona support Imran to bring justice. Its not that he needs this, but we need him as our leader.
I agree 200% with Mr. Baddar. It is very easy to criticize every thing, and that is what all I hear from Imran Khan. I think he should start talking positively and giving practical advices to resolve issues. Hope it will work for him as well as our country.
I think this article is a little unfair on Imran. Comparing his political tactics or slogans to those that were successful decades ago can be misleading. Each leader capitalised on the fears and hopes of his time and this cannot be replicated now. Furthermore, no party in the past or present has had a coherent ideology or precise set of proposals. Khan's broad message is that policy objectives and paradigms should be shifted from that of personal enrichment, patronage and nepotism to those that benefit the larger public. This message in my opinion has been communicated well.
Secondly, as far as the assesment of Imran's popularity is concerned, that is where this article does the most injustice. A trip down the streets and 'tharas' of old Lahore, where I have been spending some time lately, can be very revealing. PTI's popularity amongst our disaffected urban population is on the rise. I expect a tough fight and few surprises for the mainstream urban parties.
I agree with the most parts of the commentary. The elections would be parliamentary ones, not Presidential, and to win on election day there has to be a match winning teams of an strong leader backed by second line management of politicians and several active candidates at constituency level. He has the national issued in hand so what can be better slogan than "Save our country".
For one thing I am clear about Imran Khan, that he bold and honest,he has the courage to steer clearly our nation out of crises our nation is engulfed.he is not double facet.We need honest leader at this critical moment of Pakistan's History.
Imran khan is the only politician in the country, who can get Pakistan out of its misery.
Pakistani establishment must support Imran Khan and make him King of Pakistan to avoid plundering of the country but good for nothing Politicians.
He doesnt know what he wants and he is supported by people who dont vote… absolutely agreed! I dont think he can be anything anytime soon… only if we let ISI decide for him then he will be but then wont he then be doing same as others..
I really wish him to see him leading our country. Imran Khan is the only honest person in politics.
Imran Khan a great Leader of Pakistan..
Imran has always fought on principle as far as I have followed him. It's true that he has made some political blunders but he is not corrupt. Just sad to see that our nation has an eye for corrupt people rather than clean people like Imran.
Well written…Khan is a confuse man of confused politics..you should also have talked about his strange stand on militancy and terrorism… he condemns terror but support talks with terrorists
I think you have wrongly noted that there is not student support for PTI, if you follow whats happening, you ll see that the most active and the most growing faction of PTI is of its student wing.
Another thing you failed to realize is that, he does not follow the orthodox personality politics rampant here, he is more a fan of issue based politics. We have to give him credit of introducing the issue based politics here. We are so used to 'blindly' following or hating certain personalities, parties and/or people that we don't realize the actual political issue. IK has introduces, built on and grown on this politics and now it is gaining acceptance in the masses.
Brilliant analysis … spot on.
The greatest problem faced by Pakistan is mismanagement resulting into all types of evils. I think agenda and manifesto of all the parties in the present circumstances should be good governance. Imran Khan is very clear about this and is capable to put right all the Pakistan decaying institutions. His biggest weakness is lack of fund vital for inducting party workers. If overseas Pakistanis generously help him this weakness can be overcome.
As per your analysis if education class is with imran khan, it means his message of justice is spreading. So instead of criticism you have to encourage people like Imran Khan. Thanks
It is a hip culture these days to say Imran Khan is confused, irrelevant, doesn't appeal to the masses etc. In the present scenario, we are better off with him than the ROTI KAPRA MAKAAN slogan providers and other politicians. I am getting rather sick of calling a liar, hypocrite and a thief an ASTUTE POLITICIAN, and anyone who is saying the right things is naive and confused.
Mr. Badar You should understand that those, who you consider extremely sucessful in Politics have ruined this country.Imran remains the last hope of Pakistan and time is not far away when your parochial understanding of Pakistani Politics will be proven wrong.
I am a fan of Imran and a member of PTI Philadelphia chepter but i agree with the writer. Imran's rhetoric is confusing at the best of times. I chose him to be my leader few years ago and my mantra was simply that he is an honest and sincere politician and that is what's needed the most in today's Pakistan. Having said that i find it disturbing that first, he doesn't let anyone else from his party to come to the fore front and when that is not happening, we find it hard to believe that he has the right people for the right positions to handle the mess we are in. I still hope he can win the elections so we can at least have a sincere effort to help resolve these crisis.
Khan's party is not popular because it is not corrupt. We are a failed state and a corrupt nation, and so we deserve what we get. We don't deserve good leaders.
Excellent assessment indeed. One thing, seriously missing is the voice of reason, common sense and "moving forward" that is missing in Pakistani politics. The people that hold power are just that; powerful. They are stuck and driven by a tribal or ethnic primal urges from the past.
Modern educated people lead by example with a clear vision. They demand the rule of law but more importantly the right of free speach. Journalists, lawyers and media talking heads, must operate within the law. Opinions are the greatest disservice coming from functionally illiterate heads. Democracy is about taking responsibility, to purchase freedom.
This is not about giving elitists a voice, it is about giving a voice to ideas and solutions that raise the current bar for morality, law and order and leadership by example. More importantly focusing on "developing" Pakistan instead of the rest of the world.
Do us Pakistanis deserve an honest government. I think not. You cannot expect anyhting else from an immoral and corrupt nation.
Khan needs to have agencies graces period. If agencies wants him to be the next mule then he would become one. He needs to learn how to be a yes minister.
@Badar Bhai,
Excellent analysis. Just curious why you did not mention his allegiance to the sacred cows of our land? I think he is really banking on their support. Wait and watch.
I must commend writer for such an in depth and true analysis.
I had always wondered what was the problem with Imran Khan not getting any seats in election. you have answered all my questions, Great work Badar i agree with every word you said about Mr Khan and hsi party. Not only that you gave him some good pints to ponder.
Criticism goes both ways i.e. Positives and negatives.
So far, he is the ideal politician of the country. He has never sold his loyalty, though, he could get a lot but he turned down. As matter of fact, he can't fix each and every problem of the country. Pakistan is a deeply troubled country. Pakistan, you're on a precipice.
Mohammad Ismail
Washington State, US
really nice article!
The fiery Imran Khan of the cricketing world is just a plain politician, whose first agenda is self preservation and not to get killed by terrorists. From time to time he make statements aginst US or India to appease such terrorists so that he is not on the hit list. I don't blame him, no one wants to get killed, and anyway all other politicians are doing the same. Why politicians even the mighty army and its staff are the same. I don't see Pakistan making any progress with the kind of current leadership and oppsoition leaders the country has to offer.
Perfectly done….
Finally an article that explains why there are still so many skeptics… just the fact that imran khan hasnt had his chance is not a reason enough for people to cast their vote for him..
the PTI as a party doesnt have any clear agenda on the issues even closest to their hearts. as an example if the drone attacks should stop… what is the PTIs suggestion on what should be done to fight the terrorist extremists?
thank you for hitting the nail on the head with your article
What keeps voters away from imran khan is the fact that they bribed to giver their votes to other parties. Also he doesnt have the corrupt bullies around him that are ususally present with other parties. Hes a peoples man , honest and loves Pakistan. That cant be said about our current or former leadership , now can it . So the solution is that the media rally behind him , get his word out and enocurage voters to vote for a change. Look at all the good he has done for Pakistan by opening up a hospital has any one else done something like this . No ???? Imran Khan for president !!!!!!
Oh dear …
Very well done.
Imran has great qualities. He needs to read this and get his life and political career in order.
Take notes from this article and start working on them right away.
Very good & eloborate assessment by the learned writer. Yesterday I viewed an online survey by a local magazine asking whether you would for Imran Khan as prime minister. The result, when I viewed, was about 65% in favour of Mr Khan. But the total participants were not more than 200 participants. But number of eligible voters in Pakistan at next general elections would not be less than 100 million. As such, how much the odd 120 or so who online voted for Mr Khan in the survey represent the real voters? Most likely nobody out of these online voters would turn up at polling station in actual voting, I am sure.
A blatant call for introspection …This piece is going to have a toll on Imran Khans self-esteem/image.
Clear, crisp and comprehensive communication is crucial (alliteration is my guilty pleasure) for Imran to realize some sort of vote bank.
Unfortunately for Imran though .. the State of the federation is not conducive for major political rallies and actual political activism .. that shit can get one shot(or bombed, or raped, or pillaged)!!
all in all, great advice – I hope Imran is listening!
" But their political participation is limited to virtual activism of blogs, Facebook posts and tweets and, seldom if at all, treads the distance from their computer to a corner meeting or a polling station. The students of the government schools and colleges, the unions of teachers, clerks, industrial workers, farmers, and even traders have so far shown little interest in his politics."
I hope you do not under estimate the power of facebook and twitter after Arab spring.
Secondly can you please tell us which party these groups are supporting right now??????
Imran is very clear and his target is very clear too i.e proponents of status quo. Our politics is much more complicated than 90s when there were two main parties.Lets wait for next elections and hopefully may things will be clear soon. but till then let me ask you why don't you join Imran Khan and PTI in this struggle for a better Pakistan and contribute positively rather than just being an armchair critic?????
Where I gratefully appreciate all your advices. I don't agree on a number of things you said. He does have a political machinery this time, our youth. He knows, they rig the elections, so he is endeavouring for the free and fair election commission rather than buying some votes for him.
Secondly he also have a clear political slogan too which is Insaf and I guess he is right on saying that Insaf is the only driving force behind all those shining and progressing countries.
InshaAllah he will learn a lot from these elections too.
Firstly, if the educated class is supporting PTI, as Mr Alam couldn't deny in his article, that speaks volumes about the policies of PTI. Bhutto must have shouted 'roti, kaprha, makan' but left the nation far more hungry, poor and begging. Its not the slogans that matter, but the work done and no politician can Match Mr Khan's efforts when it comes to helping the people of Pakistan.
PTI's Policies are more about Pakisatanism rather than anti- Americanism. To some they may mean nothing, but for the people from the afeected areas of KPK and FATA their livlihoods depend on these policies, unless Mr Alam cosiders only Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to be Pakistan.
We should have the guts to admire and support those parties who we can be sure of being sincere to Pakistan. Can Mr Alam be sure of the sincerity of any of the mainstrean politicians that Mr Alam couldn't refrain of giving examples of. Honestly, I don't think so.
So you want Imran Khan to act as other traditional politicians and in your opinion that is the only way to get the message across. If this is the case, than he needs not to be in politics at all since we as nation do not want change. So we should not demand for change from those who we elected over and over. Remember, we cannot do same things over and over and expect a different result at the end.
I completely disagree with your argument that “he knows what to oppose but does not know what to propose”. In my opinion he is articulating very clearly what he is proposing. The problem is, we only heed, and understand, what we want and block out things that we do not want or things that do not meet our own personal objectives. I urge you to open your mind and listen to what he is saying than make the determination and pass judgments.
Unlike other politicians, Imran Khan is an exceptionally gifted, bright and hardworking politician with clear goals and objectives that are not hidden from anyone. On top of that I have no doubt on his sincerity to the nation. This is good enough for me.
Though I vehemently disagree with your editorial, I do not want to respond to each item that I disagree with; however; I hope I made my point.
Sincerely,
Mohammad Ali
I do agree with the author somewhat, in that he does not have very clear agenda but at the same time it is high time for the voters to get a brain and think before they vote for the PPP or PML just because their daddys have always voted for them. Imran has been clear on many aspects such as national security and level of corruption. Pakistan needs a complete overhaul of the political system and these two parties are the first ones that need to be subdued. Personally, if Pakistan elects anyone other than Imran, the country is doomed as simple as that.
some people can't digest the fact,he is the only hope,trustable, likable & lovable personality right now in Pakistani politics.
Dear Mr.Badar, You have said some good things and some quite mind boggling things. Look i am in my 20s and doing a job, I will cast my vote first time and to only one party that is PTI. i AM NOT SAYING HE WILL CHANGE THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IN A JIFFY, BUT HE WILL BRING ONLY 10% change, and rest is going to come very slowly. but the problem with other leaders that they are the real hurdles for even one percent change. So i believe he is the man and my i will vote for him.
Imran Khan is a sincere Muslim, who genuinely cares about Islam
and Muslims. He is sincere in what he says and does. Those
who belong to the baighairat brigade dislike him. How ever
those with feelings for Islam and Pakistan, adore him, and
I make duaa that Allah Subhana, protects him,and elects him as our PM, Ameen, Ya Rabal Alameen.
Good article but which missed many ground realities:
1-All pakistani politicians including Bhutto and Nawaz Shareef got launching pads with the help of all powerful army and ISI to kickstart into pakistani politics. Bhutto got it from Ayub, his master and mentor while case of nawaz shareef is even worst. He was virtually pampered by army and ISI, got funded and was fully supported to take the highest position.
Imran is trying to do it alone by fighting against this highly corrupt political elite whose only interest is to save their personal and family interests at the cost of people and pakistans interests.
Imran is doing it right, he is and has emerged as Mr. Clean which is the need of hour in pakistani politics.
This is the main reason people are joining him in large numbers and are getting committed to vote him next time because people have realised that PPP, PML-N and others cannot deliver because these parties are inherently corrupt which is the primay malaise afflicting our society.
We must not forget that millions of bogus votes are recently removed by Nadra from the lists. Imagine what kind of political system we have in place, Imran is fighting against this system, Let us hope and pray he is victorious for the sake of people and pakistan.
OMG….I think Mr. Alam is still living in virtual world, you have no idea the ground reality. WE LOVE IMRAN KHAN YOU WILL SEE VERY SOON, HE WILL LEAD THE COUNTRY SOON INSHALLAH
Politics of errors? Right, he doesn't speak the double language like your other brethren in politics thats why it is hard for you to consume.
He has confidence that he thinks. God knows what he thinks. But he thinks that he thinks. Besides, I wonder if he knows that little knowldge can be dangerous.
I think Imran Khan Should take a strong stand against drone attacks in Pakistan and every PAKISTANI Should support Imran…
This is an extremely well written article. I believe that Imran Khan is the only politician who can change the fate of Pakistan. But he has to do all the things that the author has suggested to get elected. If he is not the head of the state, he cannot implement the changes, he wants to bring. If he is not in power, he will only be a great philanthropist.
The article has few really good points about weakness in Imran khan Politics most of the time he is more of a humanitarian then politician but on the contrary may be Pakistan need someone who is more of humanitarian then politician so he can treat Pakistani people like human not just like political subjects. I am not fan of these catchy phases of Bhutto or uni-directional politics anyway, what has PPP or PML has gotten us thus far? We are in a mess due to these politicians PPP can play a role of good govt and PML-N is not a good opposition. They both are in compromising mode. For Imran khan yes he has to come out of his cricket world and clarify this ideology as just having a sub-class of educated Pakistani wouldn't win him anything. Reality is most of Pakistanis cant even read and write. Pakistanis are emotional people so Imran Khan need to build that emotional relationship with majority of Pakistanis but I hope not through same typical emotional drama that our past politicians have played and again.
Why is the writer so bothered if Khan is and will remain a minor political player, so are JUI, JI and to some extent ANP, why not a critical analysis on all of them, they are even in the parliament / senate and deserve a priority attention from the worthy author. This unease with Khan's ideology is evident that Khan has successfuly created a political stir!
the writer of this blog thinks that politics should be done just for winning the elections as 80 percent of the present day politicians do…..they just want to get power for the sake of power……..He gives quite a lot of reasons why imran khan is not a good politician.
I agree with him that if thats the standard of a good politics, then Imran Khan is not a good politician………but he is the one politician who is sincere to the country and people…..he is a necessity, not an option…
dear editor i dont understand why well reputed journalist always writes against imran khan i smell sumthing personal loathe in these kind of writings, if you writers do not like Ik personality but for sake of nation support him. i never find in these kind of writing that imarn khan is dishonest person and probably he will be harmful for pakistan nation and he will destroy our country but you writers always attack on his personal ideology.
regards
People like Imran Khan, honest and sincere, either should not enter politics, as it is a dirty game, or get trained under a matured person in the field. I don't mean to say he should become dishonest or insincere, but to learn how to tackle the various complexities of political life.
As the saying goes, in politics tyhere are no friends or foes only interests.
He cannot join any of the present established political parties as their leaders top class corrupts and dishonest. What else? For him he has to realise that interest of Pakistan comes above anything else-above even democracy-looking at the current one. He should merge his party with Gen. Mussaraf's one and be the number two to him. That is the only way he can flourish and make Pakistan flourish.
Hahaha, they haters will never stop hating. Quite easy to write articles sitting in an air conditioned room and comfortable chair.
Continue hating, we the people want change, and we want imran khan. we wont stop. cheers.
We, the educated class, who can read and write such articles, are among the foremost partners in crime – making Imran a confused politician.
When he came with a semi-liberal approach in politics, we targeted him with taunts of Goldsmith-sponsored money and alienation from common people.
When he showed along with Jamaat and other islamist parties in few public gatherings, we showered him with taunts about 'Maulviism'.
When he sided with Musharraf, we should admit that most of the urban educated class did the same. I don't understand why Imran is reminded of that again and again.
When he supported Musharraf, he was wrong. When he criticized him, he is still wrong because he once sided with him. Are we playing eternal-doom-of-the-man here where there is no redemption.
When he remains isolated from all the notable politicians, we say he would never win elections by alienating himself.
When he admits somebody like Mr Hoti into his party, we still have reservations.
He should never even receive a phone-call from Altaf Hussein because he has criticized his political tactics a lot.
"The students of the government schools and colleges, the unions of teachers, clerks, industrial workers, farmers, and even traders have so far shown little interest in his politics." This is debatable. I would rather have a writer differentiate between opinion and facts. Also considering the 300M bogus votes in the last few elections.
Are we, the educated class of Pakistan are any less confused than Imran Khan? My opinion is, Yes.
He explain things so simple & break it down so easy to understand,that you got to be really slow or mentally challenge if you still can't get his point of view & clear vision for the future of Pakistan.
So basically Badar (the first battle of muslim) you are implying that people should vote for individuals like rehman malik, and babar awan back in the corridors of power?
Things have changed and we now can differentiate between a friend and foe. Dont worry Badar we do not need a “crisp message” we only need “Sincere” people to run this country. Where do you stand?
I think it is a positive sign that Imran Khan is issue oriented, and has the courage abandon support for people on the basis of the issues, ground reality.
People has worship is not damaging. Bhutto name is a good example. People go for the name and personality to an extent that even the ground realities do not change their vote.
Hero worship, leader worship is deeply ingrained in the culture and psyche.
I couldn't agree more with the writer. Imran Khan is constantly criticizing other politicians's views and ideologies but doesn't portray a clear path of where his party is going!!!