Why I Khan’t … just yet
There is nothing like success or even the prospects of it, which are now all too visible via the wide grin that Imran Khan has been sporting of late. He’s speaking less of the drone attacks and of engaging the Taliban, his pet plank on which he re-launched his political career after the recovery and killing of Osama bin Laden in May by the US navy SEALS in Abbotabad; there’s less anti-America rhetoric and general bitterness in his speech, and more optimism writ on his face. Optimism to be the third, emerging and growing political force that will challenge corrupt politicians and bring them to justice.
IK’s is no more the face of Pakistan’s anger against itself and the world but one that’s cautiously embracing hope and confidence, as more and more known political figures join the PTI, even if the new entrants are certified turncoats. He can explain it, for he is bothered to step out of the city life and urban myths and take cognisance of Pakistan’s rural political culture where the waderas, the sardars, the Khans and the biradari heads are the real vote-getters. Even the MQM is not his bete noire anymore, and he’s willing to go half way to neutralise that party’s rancour against him.
Exuding new hope and confidence, a darling of the media that he’s always been, IK says he believes that the turncoats who may join his party will be on their way to reforming themselves because he, sitting at the top of party leadership, is not corrupt — as if corruption only trickles down from the top. A lot is being said about IK being the latest blue-eyed boy of the military establishment but much of it is being dismissed by his supporters as propaganda by his opponents who risk losing their votes to the PTI. Such speculation, however, is only half the truth because nothing moves in our politics without a wink from the right quarters.
If IK’s rising public support means that for now the military is at the very best neutral in his regard and would not hamper his campaign, that’s a lot of achievement there already. But the assertion on IK’s part that the military pressures only corrupt politicians is a bit immature, because that institution alone is the biggest stakeholder in a stable Pakistan. The military inc., to borrow from Ayesha Siddiqa, needs political stability more than any other arm of the state to carry out its entrenched non-military — read business — transactions with massive stakes in the economy. That is the real strategic depth that the military establishment has built for itself within our own borders.
Whether the political dispensation that safeguards those interests is truly representative is of little concern to the military establishment. Besides, there’s nothing that IK says in terms of his policy on key issues that can upset the generals; much of what he says is actually music to their ears. His embrace of the post-71 myths of the manufactured and establishment-propagated Pakistan Ideology of a welfare Muslim state is complete and abiding. That this ideology is and shall remain elusive because it’s too utopian an idea, is beyond his grasp. His hawkish line on India, despite the expressed desire to better relations, with conditions attached, just completes the picture.
While IK in his massive Lahore rally for the first time spoke of the alienation of the Baloch people, it’s worth noting that he only mentioned the Baloch after telling the crowd that their province had an immense wealth of natural resources which could help steer Pakistan out of troubled economic waters. A more circumspect politician would have been more discreet by at least distancing the two sentences about the wealth of the Baloch and their political alienation and the need to do something about it.
Instead, what he surmised is as follows: the (minority) Baloch should be brought to the mainstream because of their natural resources which are waiting to be exploited. He had no word of sympathy for the increasing plight and alienation of the other (religious) minorities or women of this country, which together form a majority of the population. Ostensibly because they have no such exploitable resources buried under their feet?
Just like the All India Muslim League in 1947, which had no studied blue print to run a state once it was achieved, IK’s revolution for building a new Pakistan has only rhetorical ground to stand on. His battle cry is, ‘if you want justice, come to Tehrik-i-Insaf; just like the League’s was, ‘if you are Muslim, come to Muslim League’. And like the League, IK’s sense of rights and justice is not all inclusive. When he speaks of justice, he’s talking more about bringing the corrupt (politicians alone) to justice rather than upholding justice for all.
This is not the medicine that people like me need to cure, or even manage, their cynicism.
Not just yet.
The writer is a member of the staff at Dawn Newspaper.
Such a biased article…
Surprised, this is not what Ik will bring when he will be PM soon Insha'Allah. Ik is the only hope for this hopeless nation. He is far better than what we have right now. Would request media to help Imran Khan to lift Pakistan again on the world map. Please study his basics, he is not corrupt, he is educated, he has vision, he has personality but what he does not have it dirty politics experience, so please forget his mistakes is he makes or if they are really mistakes in time to time politics.
Mr Author do you see a better man in politics than IK.Go ahead name them?
Give him a chnace. We gave both Zardari and Nawaz a chance, and both failed the nation. Maybe Imran Khan is the leader we were looking for.
Boy is that the most bias article I have ever read. The increase in popularity of Imran supporter should worry the corrupts old thieves of the system, but to a point where they will pay their way out to journalist now. Highly disappointed. Its not even about if Imran Khan will bring the change anymore, its the monopoly of mafia made in our political system that has its tactics and ways of arm twisting people who have different opinions. All i have to say to you all, we are in this sinking ship because of people who has a price and because of people who can pay that price. Good luck Pakistan.
With due respect, why you Khan't be more Razwise please.
The fact that you used Ayesha Siddiqa (in particular, her twisted views on the military) to support your argument, greatly weakens your point.
I do not think Mr. Rizvi has any clue what he is talking and writing. A very bad article, analysis and conclusion.
Imran in one tv program said he is changing by reading and learning more and more from Allama Iqbal. Listening to him on the TV and his ideas, I wonder what is he learning from Iqbal —- Iqbal was for Khuddi, Khuda, Ummah, Islam, Muslim, Quam, the challenges and the opportunities, and our shortcomings etc. Imran favorites words are foreign assets, Titanic, Psanumi, PTI sweeping, in 18 years he has yet to win one seat in MNA for himself, he should read from the Iqbal’s story of Jugnu and the Bulbul that has a lot of lessons for all leaders.
Great people are inspired from Iqbal’s “shaheen”. Jugnu and Bulbul were written for common man.To see eyes to eyes with US is khuddi what Imran Khan is talking about.To bridge the gap between liberals and religious minded is making Ummah,what you might have noticed in Meenari Pakistan public meeting.He sang Allah’s praises before his speech which is the hall mark of a Muslim.Criticism for the sake of criticism has no weight.
Every country need honest and farsighted leader who may look forward to change the darkness. Dividing people in name of religion or region and systematically breeding the seed of frustration among groups is worst terrorism. Peaceful course is to unite the world by justice and ensuring peace without any single killing on earth. Presently forces are uniting to control resources and governing by default every part of world. Those who are not submitting to their will are termed as dictator/non-democratic and fundamentalists. World need a man who can ensure peace by uniting everyone instead of calling human a terrorist. Let live and enjoy within your own boundaries within your resources. Today Oil energy resources are prime reason of conflict. Let human are respected and benefited by peace.
Imran is becoming contraverisal in the society. And started to put those people in his parties whom he was objecting before. He is becoming greedy to rule the country without knowing his fate in election. Surprisngly, he appeared as a big name on Pak politics. Suspicious and danger.
This reminds me of Argentina – wher the latest elected President is incredibly popular, making all sorts of promises, and then they have a coup because the unkept promises disappoint people.
Politicians of any hue, promise a lot more then they can deliver. They can only see as far as the next elections.
Imran Khan is most favorite politician in true sense of people of pakistan specially youth just because of his vision for changing the current volatile political system prevailing in pakistan where some landlords and inherited politicians who have already been tested many times but failed to come on people's expectations for many decades. one who is born and grown up in such a system cannot bring change and come up on expectations of their voters. This has to be changed and chance must be given to educated, patriot and enthusiastic Imran Khan.
INSHALLAH Imran khan WILL win and steer pakistan out of turbulent waters.
What Pakistan needs is a strong government that can be achieved only through a single party majority win which then would be in a position to take decisions that are not sabotaged by coalition partners or establishment. To get in control of policy decisions regarding our security and foreign relations and economy, the parliament would have to take initiative in all these areas in a bold, decisive and fast manner so as to wrest control away from the non- political forces and bring it in the control and supervision of parliament. Imran Khan's addition at this point and juncture, is only another factor that could result into a weak and divided parliament, relying on coalition to form a spineless government, resulting into compromises and half hearted solutions to the gnawing problems.
Imran Khan's group is very aggressive,work harder and beliveable.Inshallah they will win the election and accompolish their promise which they had justified ahead public.
IMRAN KHAN IS OUR HERA HE SHOULD BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT AUR PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
The time has arrived for IK to start presenting his Big Plan for the change we are waiting for………….
I wish all the best to IM and to any Pakistani politician who challenges the status quo. A ton of potential in this country lay burried under by forces of 'vested interests'. It is very hard to fight against our own because such forces are never visible or clearly identified. It is true in Pakistan as it is in India.
I can only hope and wish a great leader emerge in your country to make our sub-continent a success story like we see else where.
Best wishes from,
An Indian
The best way to exploit youth is to give them some fantasy to imagine. I myself am young but I don’t get driven towards his speeches like the way the so called energetic youth is. Its our immaturity that we don’t understand the bigger picture. Its too naive on our part to trust someone who is just good at empty speeches! He talks about youth, but keeps adding those political veterans who have never remained sincere with any party. Why doesn’t he bring youth to mainstream politics? Why to piggyback over those same old faces who provide parties with votes just because they are landlords or have poor public at their mercy.
By all that, I don’t mean to praise any other political leader of our country, because to remain in power you have to obey what the master says, otherwise they wont hesitate to oust you. Creating too much hype of Imran Khan is by no means a sensible act.
And you my friend have all the sensibility in the world. I simple get an impression that you are just trying to brush of the annoying hype for Imran Khan.
People like you are a cancer for Pakistan; I do appreciate your criticism. Though your beliefs are completely out of order here mate….
Quaid-e-azam Ali Jinnah had no backing of a country but he believed for a change. We are a nation of masses but it is a disgrace to hear “mature” Pakistanis like you talk without any belief and passion.
If you cannot bring a change don’t obstruct or stop a change, frustrated people like me who wants see change don’t really buy such negative energy….
…and we have experimented with this country so many times that another experiment would not matter I guess…
Nice blog. But amazing to see that the so called educated people are so frustrated that they are willing to accept a hot headed cricketer as their leader. I really hope IK wins next elections and then we shall see what he delivers!
Khan is the best option that Pakistan has at the moment. He is engaging the youth in the political process and guiding them to a bright future. Youth of Pakistan NOT Army is the biggest stake holder in Pakistan. Establishment or No establishment if youth exercises their electoral right would mean a bleak future for PPP and PML N. It is disappointing to see various political parties ridiculing the young crowd at PTI Jalsa in Lahore… All I have to say to them is to Wait and See… Their end is near!!
Imran khan is our hero.We trust in him,for that we should become optimistic and hopeful INSHAHALLAH our future will change..
Once again the Pakistani public suffers from the Messiah syndrom. IK is just a politician of a different flavor. Not all his positions are favorable for Pakistan in the long run. He can be one of the leaders affecting change. Dont make him THE LEADER.
Completely agree with your reply, people of Pakistan are starting to look at him like he is a Messiah, just like the Americans did with Obama….alot of talk but when it actually comes to getting the job done its a different story
If you cannot bring a change don’t obstruct or stop a change….
Wow ! Reading the comments – as an outsider – I get the impression that Imran Khan will win hands down !