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Most dangerous are those charismatic politicians who are financially honest, dedicated but ideologically right-wing reactionaries.
Most careless are those supporters (of the above category of politicians) who are just looking at the first set of attributes while completely overlooking the second.
Most sinister are those forces that are propping up such politicians.
Most short sighted are those political parties who claim to be ideologically against such politicians but are secretly delighted at the turn of events and may even be supporting the sinister forces.
Most hypocritical are those political parties who were once abusing the politician but now are “congratulating” him and calling his show a “fresh” breath of change.
Well, for a guy who hates conspiracy theories, I have fallen to the temptation and chalked out one above. If all of you are intelligent (even if you belong to the careless category), you may have fathomed, what I wanted to say. They say that realpolitik is the real politics but then somewhere you have to draw a line.
The rise of Imran Khan is the hot topic of today. No doubt the rally was huge, and as far as I know it was attended by almost all walks of life. But even more importantly, it was attended by people who belong to a wide spectrum of ideological orientation. And sorry, the youth did not attend it because of Strings and Shezad Roy but were there out of their own conviction.
The detractors are claiming that only Mumtaz Qadri supporters were there but the reality is that even liberals (yes the real liberals) were present at the rally of a man whom the liberal media often calls “Taliban Khan”. Not only that they were present but in fact many of them have become converts, or are at least have started to consider him as their potential leader.
I know someone who is a sworn hater of Taliban, has written a lot against the ‘Mumtaz Qadri’ mentality but was present at the rally and cried while waving the PTI flag. And he, by no stretch of imagination is the only one. There were many.
How did these people convert? Has their ideological leaning changed? I don’t think so. Has Mr. Khan’s rhetoric changed? No, it has stayed the same. He was a reactionary and I think will remain a reactionary till death. Then what explains this warming up of some liberals towards Imran?
Well, when mainstream parties misgovern, the people will make a shift to reactionary but financially credible politicians (Individuals). No matter what spin I try to give, the fact is that mainstream parties, namely PPP and PML-N have misgoverned. When crisis of governance becomes very acute, the ideological orientation does not hold the same sway.
But the problem is much deeper than this. Political opponents are ideologically judged in a relative sense. And the way our society, as well as political parties have evolved, the ideological differences, at least in practice, have blurred between conservatives and liberals. To a great extent, our right wing media’s narrative is responsible for that. Now every party has to adhere to certain positions in order to appear politically viable in urban areas.
Today if you look really closely you will find that even PPP, driven by so called “pragmatic” concerns is speaking a language which is only a shade different from the rest. The supporters of PPP may call this a shameless allegation but this is a reality.
Didn’t PPP retract the blasphemy bill? Isn’t the author of that bill, Sherry Rehman, completely out of favour and spotlight? Didn’t our interior minister on Salman Taseer’s murder start his statement by claiming that he will personally murder anyone guilty of blasphemy? The political alliance with parties like PML-Q is a further testimony to the fact of how much PPP has compromised its ideological leaning for the purpose of realpolitik.
Didn’t the other “liberal” party hold large rallies in the major port city against drone attacks and the imprisonment of Aafia?
Didn’t these parties refuse to show mettle when they did not take any action against the so called “establishment” after the OBL fiasco? In fact the only party which was asking the right questions was the conservative Nawaz league and that party is now paying a heavy price for that.
And add to it their shameless fighting in Sindh for paltry interests. How many times have we seen them fight and then reconcile for third class interests? And yet they expect reasonably educated people to believe in their version of “liberalism”? By the way, all that fighting also resulted in loss of human life. Now try giving a spin there. And I am putting this question to those intellectuals who have been justifying violence in Karachi as some sort of “natural” behaviour of Karachi politics: Is murder justified?
The funniest part is that while the propaganda arm of PPP tries calling Imran Khan an ISI construct, their leadership is in alliance with the establishment in the “get PML-N” mission. In fact, right now they are enjoying the sight of the once political minnow like PTI giving a tough time to Sharifs. Just look at the facts closely and you will agree.
When all of this is happening then who can blame those who are liberals to start looking towards Imran Khan? For most of them, their political support for Imran is the extension of their respect for his services to Pakistan. While I severely disagree with Imran on political grounds, I would be dishonest if I deny that he has rendered outstanding services to Pakistan.
During the floods, it was reactionary Imran who was trying to collect money (And he was successful also). Yes, he is a reactionary but people don’t care about these definitions in desperate times.
Yes, you will be correct to argue that ideologically there is a difference between PTI and liberal parties. But in practice, everyone is behaving the same. And when that happens, you will find liberals crying at Minar-e-Pakistan while waving a PTI flag.
I don’t agree with their decision but I don’t blame them for taking it. I don’t agree with reactionaries who take over mainstream politics but I understand why they do it. Now that some of them have joined PTI, I can only hope that Imran starts softening his rhetoric on some critical issues. These are strange times.
The author is an economist, a freelance journalist and one of the co-editors of Pak Tea House, a prominent liberal blogzine.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
The related topic Why some liberals are supporting Imran Khan !! because there is reason behind this, Imran khan is the Only men who can make stand for the betterment for the Country,to Establish the economy and trade. He is the one who make the Youth in confidence.
Imran khan always talk about common man. He want to chang the society or system. Its not easy but hope is a best
"I don’t agree with reactionaries who take over mainstream politics but I understand why they do it"
Who are YOU to decide who joins "mainstream" politics and who does not? You do not understand Khan's politics or his vision.
Basically you are against changing the status quo, beneficiaries of which are looting and plundering the country. Khan is the "true" politician, who is in politics not to make money, but to address the problems of the common people in Pakistan.
I have watched Imran's rally in Lahore and have followed his interviews on TV. In Pakistan, politics is
not for honest people. I have seen Air Marshal Asghar Khan, Noor Khan,Sahebzada Yaqoob Khan, Gen
Aazam khan and likes – failing in Pakistan politics. The times are changing and situation demands strongly-
a change – sincere change – for good. Let us support Imran and pray he repeats his performances like
he did in cricket and his famous Shaukat Khanam project. It will be a doom for Pakistan if the present
lot appear again.
Hey ! why deliberate efforts are being made to stop people from choosing their ways????Why such concerns are not shown for other political parties????
Imran khan is a sunlight,brightness of our country.It bring new change for us.I think in every situation we should become optimistic.
We want to change in country.Many people those thinks about imran khan they want only choose a new system only a one option to try it.
‘Most dangerous are those charismatic politicians who are financially honest, dedicated but ideologically right-wing reactionaries."
Dear Raza, can you quote an instance in this regard,or its merely your made rule????And also please state that for who and which class these sort of leaders are dangerous????
We are all supporting imran khan that"s not important. the only thing important is to whom do we cast vote on voting day. We should motivate our colleagues, friends, relatives, everyone. We have suffered alot now its time for CHANGE, May Almighty Allah bless our nation and country. I can bet that this was not dream of Allama Iqbal. Quaid-e-Azam and our Incestors didnt fought for this Pakistan.
I should add to the author's analysis that if Imran has to succeed he has to publish a solid Manifesto of his policies. This should include what he promised in his latest rally. Not only that all politicians declare their assets but also other individuals who have been stashing money abroad from black market etc etc. He should also endeavor to totally abolish the feudal system which is one of the major causes of the failure of many governments. This system leads to all sorts of ills in the Pakistani society. Although on surface most Pakistanis are 'Muslim brothers', in reality there is a gulf between the 'haves' and 'have nots'. Mr Khan unfortunately would not be able to deliver that through the ballot box. Unless the have nots wake up and demand their legitimate rights and get those rights by whatever means, there is no hope for any change in Pakistan's to obscurity despite being a nuclear power. We just celebrated Iqbal's day but had not given any heed to his message 'UTHO MERI DUNYA KAY GHARIBON KO JAGA DO….'
If the new Imran Khan says that he is against the Taliban Terrorism — and the Taliban say he no friend of Taliban — he is a slave of America — and if Imran says that he will put a civilian collar on the army and a tight civilian leash on the ISI — that he will insist the political, military, the civil service, the judicial leaders to put their financial card on the table downside up — eliminate corruption at high places — and build a welfare state that spends money on people's education, healthcare and and jobs — may be it is time for the liberals of not only Pakistan but the USA and Europe to have a serious look at Imran Khan and his PTI.
Why we always look for abroad specially USA and Europe????Don't we have any trust on ourselves???
'Most dangerous are those charismatic politicians who are financially honest, dedicated but ideologically right-wing reactionaries.
Most careless are those supporters (of the above category of politicians) who are just looking at the first set of attributes while completely overlooking the second.'
So from this, am I to infer that you prefer Zardari… very 'Lubural', but can't be trusted with your pocketwatch? We tried that time and time again for three decades between the League and the Party, and it has not worked. We may not have much time left.
It's is great that We all supporting Imran Khan, But we have only one day to change.. that is the Voting Day… Be brave to cast your vote and also motivate your family and friends and cast their votes…
""""PTI to hold talks with like minded parties: Imran"""" Oh my God just after one mamoth meeting in Lahore this great stalwart of democracy not yet elected has learned good from the current Mufahamati Politics prevailing in Pakistan. Let wait and see what those like minded parties or person in Imran's Political Bandwagon. Declaring foreign assets alone is not the pancea for our all types of ill. BUt people of short gains overlook far reaching solutions so like minded mufahamati politics may bring a new change we have to keep trying harder and harder one day some one will really help us from among us.
Just look at the choice from major parties, and you'll know why!
Liberals in Pakistan? I do not think there are many left. The nation in majority seems to be very much right wing and intolerant.
Take the example of the three Hindu doctors who were gunned down in Sindh. Not a single soul came out in the street to protest at the plight of the minorities. Even if Imran Khan came to power he will not have any guts to change the status quo. Period. He will be scared out of pants to go against the the right wingers and clerics. Mark my word.
To reach your destination is not always on smooth road.There are bumps also but you have to go on and not stop for leveling the road for you before moving forward.Zulikar Ali Bhutto had with him Maulana Kausar Niazi alongwith Dr.Mubashir.Liberals and religious can work together.Liberals can convert to Religious and vice versa.Its not a universal formula that liberal must go with his liberalism to his grave and religious with his religion.Peoples minds are changed with passage of time and with people around them.People should be judged by their present stance.If liberals and religious can come together and walk together I think nothing is better then this.
It is a good notion on paper. A liberal is by far more flexible and will on many occasions be willing to adapt but a religious person is a hard nut to crack. Here is an example, being a liberal person he might be convinced to take namaaz more seriously and read it more regularly for example if he wasn’t. But ask a religious person to be more tolerant to his non-Muslim next door neighbour. He will reject it.
As regards ZAB, well we know why he was hand in hand with the maulvis. After the 1974 constitution amendments were achieved to their desires, he was simply dumped to extinction and later hanged with not a single maulvi coming to his rescue. Let’s not be naïve
I enjoyed your article, but i don't feel that there is much of an idealogical divide in Pakistan now – Conservatives and Liberals usually stay so for one day or more and keep changing their polices which best suits them.
It is most disgusting to see all of sudden these liberals are threatened by emergence of a new face on political stage. Is IK worse than present set up? Compare his academic qualification to present occupant of President House. Compare his integrity to anyone in present government. Man left his opulent life style, devoted his services to the man in the street. What more you want ? I guess liberals are happy with status quo.
Now the rappers have become the new liberals. This country need a Khan to rescue it from the current disastrous situation, just like Ayub khan. I hope Karachi will become the city of rappers and cat walkers, because they cannot bring change. We don't need a polished politician at this stage, instead we need a Manager who can manage and run the country affairs honestly. Let Imran Khan do the job.
You forgot to mention, there was another Khan in-between Ayub Khan and Imran Khan, Yahya Khan….
the people are not looking for liberals or right wingers in politics any more they just want one decent honest chap in the political arena…attributes ,political ideologies aside, everyone is just fed up with avaricious,corrupt dishonest politicians…..
imran khan is the production of existing demand ,,,,,,,,as wll said by ibne khildoon the poineer analyst of history that disable nations for their self defnce alwys google some hero for them,,,otherwise people r usually of same category bt authority,wealth and rule make them difffernt ,,,,,,,this nation had also googled a hero in seventies ,,,but he drunk modestly throgh bottle of authority ,,,,,so lts c wht wd happn wd ds hero of ibne ,,,khildooon
Great respect to this very wisely and impartially written article.
I, the chairman of Jeeai-Pakistan, a revolutionary movement based in London, really feel sorry for our
great IK who now seems to have accepted the terms & conditions to become PM of pakistan ultimately.
Or, possibly, IK is being fooled and used by the King Makers just to calm down the damn frustated and
lost nation in order to creat a new hope or illusion by showing a new brand of a lollypop called IK.
However, every common sense can realize that IK cannot become any PM unless the sinister power
is willing to do so by hook and crook.
To me it seems that in this power game Pakistan will get terribly lost once forever ie a total devastation of our Pakistan that never became ours. Despite of all these facts all my good wishes remain with our
Pakistan. I vigourously advise IK not to lose his great reputation by becoming this kind of PM that could
cause him unlimited embarrassme, and that please don't deliver the promises you can't fulfil.
Every Pakistani should feel free to correct me if they should consider my this analyses baseless. Thanks
Revolution in London or Pakistan…..I think you should go to Pak if you want to bring any change and do some hard work on ground rathar then giving muft Mashwarey….
Liberals in Pakistan ? Where are they ?
As a fairly liberal convert to the PTI, can anyone tell me what Imran's stance is on mumtaz qadri case?
DAWN has presented a balanced approach. Thumbs up to the author!
One of the finest articles read in recent times. We are a brave nation & when we can bear corrupt politicians like of Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Altaf Hussain, Malauna Fazal u Rehman and so on & so forth why can't we give a chance to Imran Khan when he has a proven clean record.
i am in politics myself a relatively new entrant and probably the youngest in Punjab ,its a neutral article someone said that its like the z.a bhuttos jalasa when he started his movement , and right now our country youth desperately needs to believe in some one but weather it workable i have my doubts, putting someone in driving seat who hasn't driven at all before considering the rest of he hie hierarchy of the government remains the same
I have seen a lot of articles against IK
I dont understand this left and right debate .who is left and who is right in this country? If ppp is left and PMLn right how are they different then each other ?the only difference will be some bookish theory.
I think in this new globalised world , our "60s and 70s oriented" intellictuals need to revluate there thinking.The occupy wall street movement declared the square they occupied as "tehreer-square",and they dint care where the name came from,for them only the symbolism was important.
Our intellectual should start focusing on what their leaders do rather then what they say.Imran khan has builed a reputable cancer hospital and a free international university ,Dont such moves reflect his priorities?
Evaluate the man as a practical man ,who is far from those academic theories who are no more relavent in this much more dynamic and globalised world.
What is wrong with the establishment?
Are not the members of establishment Pakistanis?
Do not they have the right to take part in Pakistan’s political system?
Do not they have a sizable strata of better educated, well trained and well disciplined individuals who are better educated, better motivated and more sincere than Zardaris, Jeelanis and Shareefs etc. who are placing their lives at stake for the sake of their country?
On how many of them are the cases of scandalous corruption of billions of rupees pending or are being dealt by the courts of Pakistan?
How many of them having billions of dollars in foreign accounts?
Are they not the only hope to step in to get the implementation of courts’ decisions obtained which are being defied by the so-called democratic rulers of Pakistan?
These are the guys who are being berated and slated, what for? For their services to the country for the lust and ultra-luxurious lives of the so-called democratically leaders of Pakistan who are eating into the foundation of Pakistan.
Very Well said…there is nothing wrong with the establishment…they are always made the scapegoats for the blunders committed by politicians. We Pakistanis like to put the blame of our wrongdoings on our imaginary enemies..establishment is one of these imaginary enemies
I am sure you will be bombarded with hate messages from PTI people. How dare you affront the 'Great Khan'?
I am a liberal and also converted to Imran Khan, and the reason was that in the beginning of his speach he mentioned Hazrad Datta Darbar afer Jinnah and Iqbal. No Taliban would do this as they have been blowing up bombs at our shrines. I now believe Imran is not a Taliban Khan after all.
'While I severely disagree with Imran on political grounds, I would be dishonest if I deny that he has rendered outstanding services to Pakistan.'
Raza H: If he has rendered outstanding services to Pakistan, what more you expect from him ? Why play around the issue of large scale murders, target killings, name the party which is & has been responsible.
It seems to be a balanced article. The author's repeated mention of Imran Khan as a reactionary political leader is interesting. However he did not elaborated the reasons he called Imran a reactionary leader in his article. Also the author said that he "disagree with Imran on political grounds" but he did not say what political agenda of Imran Khan he disagrees with.
Its very simple….PPP and PML(N) have been given chances to form governments numerous times and they have abused those chances to promote corruption, mismanagement of the economy, systematic destruction of agencies like PIA, Railways etc, more and more loans from IMF and World Bank, lack of law and order, no investment in education or health and numerous other problems. We thought that dictatorship was bad but the democratic government is making the country spiral downhill at a mind-blowing rate since the last few years. I think its high time to give a third party like PTI a chance to run the government. Only time will tell if it was a good decision or not.
An excellent article. However, I would like to disagree with the projected 'right-ist' image of Imran. The adjectives 'libral' and 'islamist' are all relative. Our hate towards the Taliban, TTP and the present-day Islamic Mumtaz Qadris has sparked a feel of anger inside us. As a result, its gets very hard to support someone who is even leaning slightly away from the 'Anti-Taliban' rhetoric. The same curious case has stuck Imran Khan today. Let's stop calling his ideology an 'Islamist' or 'Rightist' for both these words are dynamic in their definition.
How is IK NOT a liberal? Does he support the taliban's version of sharia law? Is he against female education? Does he support forced conversions or jizya? The answer is NO! Does arguing for negotiations make you a religious fanatic? The answer is NO!
Ask Former Director General of Intelligence Bureau Masood Sharif Khattak.
I could not understand which side you are supporting and since you are not supporting any side, you article does not making any sense. Nevertheless let me tell you, PMLN is the only party which can ensure rights of rightists, leftists, ethiests, communists, capitalists, jihadists…….whatever. PTI is clearly a party of establishment and it is evident just like a bright sun when it rises.
Good Article…. You are right that Imran khan is reactive person. There is need of the time that he should think about it and also his rhetoric thoughts. To be politically viable and effective he should plan out his political campaign, Give realistic plans , to be achievable with our some much influential Establishment. give party ticket to those existing politicians whose political career is transparent.
Good Luck
well writen blog focusing on all the important issues.
What is so reactionary about Imran Khan and PTI?
I find it amusing that protesting against war in western countries makes you a liberal but protesting against war in Pakistan(drone attacks included) makes you a Taliban supporter.
However, given your quite obvious bias, I agree you have still written a balanced piece.
Quite frankly, quite confusing. Say what?! Liberals going conservative going gaga over Imran Khan? I don't get the logical causality in this article.
It is not only time for the Political Parties but every change believer to come and join hands with PTI and vote Imran Khan.
Nice article. The opening part is really insightful, and true universally. Here in India too, people tend to look for financial austerity of politician thans than his ideology, but ideology must be given first place when it comes to national politics.
I have never understood why IK is labelled as Taliban Khan in the first place. His stance his that bombing them is not the solution, because theres collateral damage, and eventually locals turn against the Govt (and US). He has infact several times mentioned that you have to involve the locals to smoke Taliban/miltants out. and also isnt it a liberal point of view of "right of life". Even the west would try to save as many lives they can when smoking out terrorist. but our "liberals" would say bomb everyone even hostage (read Laal Masjid), at least we get rid of the terrorist.
"Most dangerous are those charismatic politicians who are financially honest, dedicated but ideologically right-wing reactionaries." — exactly right –Pakistan has suffered irreparably by one Ziaulhaque — should be careful going for another one — Pakistan can live with a dishonest democrat than with a dedicated dictator – again.
Well written article which shows that Imran Khan can't be compared to the rest.
Did you come up with those quotes all by yourself!? Funny.
I don't understand imprisonment of innocent Afia and Killing 99% Innocents by drone how is against liberalism?
The so called liberals don't even go to the polling booth on election day, they just give their views on different forums. The crises in pakistan matter more for those ordinary people who work for the whole day to earn a single meal. This article is meaningless.
Establishments of any country are the country. its a reality we should accept and live with. IK on the other hand is charismatic and above all he has timed it right. He deserves it. We live in the east get oriental.
Dear author, you say:
"And I am putting this question to those intellectuals who have been justifying violence in Karachi as some sort of “natural” behaviour of Karachi politics: Is murder justified?"
Of course not. No murder is justified INCLUDING extrajudicial killings of ALLEGED terrorists and innocents and maiming of other many people through drone attacks. Yet you seem to be supporting drone attacks. A drone is nothing but a killing machine which is the judge, the jury and the executioner all combined in one which is against every single international human rights law.
Do you sense an irony?
Great point !!!
Very well Said!!
Excellent and very balanced article.
The ideological confusion of the political parties is a result of the repetitive interference of the establishment. In my opinion, the major problem that Pakistan is facing is not corruption, but its foreign and internal policies. Unfortunately, both these policy matters reside with the king makers (the establishment).