Hoping for Mr. Khan’s ‘Majid Moment’
Imran Khan – AFP (File Photo)
One rarely gets the honour to host a meal for an ex-ambassador, therefore, when at a 23-hour notice I was handed the opportunity, I welcomed it with a genuine smile, top-speed and some style – a private brunch, an informal group of friends, candid conversation over a hot cup of tea and a plate of chicken salad.
Maleeha Lodhi is a dynamic woman with a ready wit. It’s easy to like her. Her ideas are democratic, her dialogue is candid, and her answers are entirely politically correct, on and off the record. She is a true politician, very smooth in evading the politically incorrect questions and sharp in elaborating on the right ones.
We talk about the urban wave which can bring change or at least a hope for change, but what about the rural masses – they seem to be fixated on the same old parties. Dr. Lodhi seems hopeful and feels that the difference this time can be the media explosion, and with a large network of TV cameras and TV channels capturing the moves of all and sundry, it will not be as easy to rig elections or fool a nation as it used to be. It is not the Pakistan that this Diaspora may have left 20 years ago, it’s a different Pakistan … the public is more desperate, the crises are much more and the conscious awareness that every vote counts is on everyone’s mind.
‘Another factor is the 120 million cell phone users who can make the change that all aspire so desperately.’ Sounds great as a sound-bite but is the public willing to put their money where their mouth is?
‘After everything is said and done Punjab determines elections.’ Yes, it may be the Kingmaker, the largest province population wise, having rural masses that have let us down each time, but will their cell phones be enough to make them vote for a prosperous tomorrow?
‘Punjab is not considered rural anymore – maybe just a portion of it bordering Sindh.’
Can the urbanization of Punjab make the change we are hoping for? Does that mean that Imran Khan is the answer? Aren’t many in his party more of the same; politicians who have made empty promises, commitments and then massacred the voters each time.
Maleeha Lodhi was very quick in clarifying that she has no party affiliations, but she can see why Imran is different – he is forthright, not a seasoned politician and brings with him a new kind of promise of a non-feudal nature that may inspire and motivate many who believe in a hopeful future for Pakistan.
That may be partially true but what about more of the same in his party?
When Imran enters a conversation a cricket mention almost always follows. Dr. Anwar, a prominent Pakistani American physician, was quick in referring to Imran’s optimism on the cricket field and how during an impending outcome of a cricket defeat, Imran would remain positive motivating all around him. That’s when Lodhi spoke of an anecdote that she referred to as the ‘Majid Moment’.
Imran Khan’s ‘Majid Moment’ came when during his first captaincy stint he refused to select Majid Khan in the team due to a sub-par performance resulting in a 20-year animosity between the cousins. Winning for Pakistan versus nepotism, Imran made a definite choice, ‘We are all waiting for Imran Khan’s ‘Majid Moment’ in politics.’ Was the ‘Majid Moment’ perhaps a reference to a future where the PTI founder demonstrating strong leadership will drop the old cronies or sideline them to be the twelfth man so that Pakistan may win? That remained unclear, but if one is to read between the lines there is an unwritten chapter to be read here. Nonetheless the choices are limited, the candidates are few, talk is cheap and the future is uncertain.
The burning issue that concerns the Pakistani Diaspora and the 200 million people living in Pakistan is security – or rather the lack of it and the growing intolerance for minorities and extremism? Lodhi absolutely condemned it and blamed it on the establishment’s tolerant stance towards this kind of violence.
‘Salman Taseers’s assassination could have been the turning point. It went almost unnoticed with no government official attending the funeral, let alone taking a hard stand against sectarian and secular massacre.’
What is now to become of the eleven-year-old Christian girl sitting under the Damocles sword of the blasphemy law? Will the arrest of the Mufti change anything? Sectarianism and secular violence is in harvest season and the divide between sunni and shia, and Muslim and Christian is more visual than ever. Tragically the establishment may be tolerating it but what does Imran Khan say about it? What about his manifesto – does it outline a policy to combat such violence? Furthermore does Imran have an outlined manifesto?
‘Obama also came without a specific manifesto, his slogan change we can believe in energised the Americans.’
Yes, that is entirely correct and the state of affairs in Pakistan also calls for a similar slogan – there is so much wrong with the nation that believable change should be the only realistic aspiration.
‘What should be our realistic hope……’ asked Dr. Qureshi but was interrupted mid-question by Dr. Lodhi’s quip, ‘Well, my hope is to have this steaming cup of tea that you seem to be enjoying so much,’ which was followed by an eruption of spontaneous laughter, a piping cup of tea for the ex-ambassador and the continuance of dialogue.
‘That’s one thing I admire about the Americans, their unflinching attitude that ‘I can do it.’ Nothing is impossible. Back home our attitude is, bus yeh tumharay bus ka nahin, but the Americans instill in their children the unflinching belief that you can do this. This stems hope. This builds the character of a nation; we need to start believing in ourselves.’
Easier said than done – it takes more than a generation, an idealistic cricketer turned politician, or inspiring speeches to make change. On the split side, if we keep viewing the glass as half-empty and focus on the flaws of the un-tested where will that lead us? The tested ones have failed us and the awami slogan of roti, kapra aur makaan that began in the 70s has left us as paupers.
People are intrinsically good, it’s their circumstances that divulge them to do unimaginable things and democratic elections are a promise that circumstances can change for the better. ‘My single vote will make a difference, my democratic right as a citizen of Pakistan can bring the change I want so much.’ Simple words with simple meaning, but very powerful consequences.
Hope and optimism are wonderful words, these words had once inspired a generation to believe in the making of a fledging Pakistan, and now with the winding of the Afghan war maybe they will start to mean something for Pakistan again. Lodhi was clear in her stance that change happens from within; blaming outsiders is never the answer, or the solution to any ill that is afflicting us as a nation or as a people. True, but Imran Khan seems to put blame on the West, on America? ‘Yes, but he blames the forces and people within also.’ Unarguably Pakistan has been prostituted on countless occasions by the West, but the Americans seem to have a somewhat positive view of Imran; he criticizes them unlike many before him. If nothing else, he is different.
As the lunch hour approached Lodhi glanced at her watch and got ready to leave. There was a short photo session and a few predictable jokes about the Las Vegas lifestyle. I assured the ambassador that the Vegas slogan what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas will apply to our exchange of ideas and free range of conversation, but alas in Vegas the unsaid slogan promises are made to be broken wins hands down.
Bisma Tirmizi is a writer based in Las Vegas.
Dear writer, let’s not glorify Imran Khan for keeping Majid Khan at bay for his sub-par performance before the world cup. Imran Khan’s own performance was quite poor in those days and even if we are to give him credit for not selecting Majid Khan at the expense of cousin-hood, there is no comparison between that one act and his present political team comprising of more than a dozen “Majid Khans”. He has invited almost all failed and sub-par players into his team right before Pakistan’s biggest game, not cricket this time but a game that can change the destiny of 200 million.
Unfortunately, we have a very short memory – talking of the same glorifying world cup and the newly disclosed “Majid Moment”, was it not Imran Khan who during the – WC 92 speech was so obsessed with his hospital that he failed to even once acknowledge his team or the prayers of millions of Pakistanis who made this world cup a reality. Let’s keep it real for once!
You are so bitter! God help you!
An excellent piece of writing , with pleasant informations . “CHANGE” is not one person’s job. It is the job of the the people,by the people and for the people of Pakistan , and surely with good leadership of Imran Khan. God bless Pakistan and Imran Khan.
If you look carefully, Imran Khan’s Majid moment has already happened. He dropped Majid because Majid was not the best choice for Imran’s team to win. 18 months ago, Imran started replacing idealists, who could never win, with tested politicians, who can actually win. This is the equivalent of Imran’s Majid moment in politics and thanks to it he does have a chance of winning in Punjab.
I would advise all of our ex-bureaucrats to please enjoy their retirement and refrain from meddling with Pakistan over a cup of tea. You poeple have already sucked this country enough and please have mercy on this nation.
The adage, “All five fingers are not equal”, helps with frustration!
Thought-provoking article.
Given how politics and coming into power work in Pakistan, it will be unrealistic and unfair to expect a ‘Majid moment’ from Imran, while PTI tries to win in the elections.
Mind you, he provided a ‘Majid moment’ when he was the captain, so we should reserve the judgment until he gets the public mandate to lead Pakistan.
I can bet that Imran is THE only politician in Pakistan capable of delivering not one but many ‘Majid moments’ and he will, insha’Allah.
I am confused about the purpose of this article – is it to glorify the ex-ambassador or Imran Khan or to simply cry over issues that are already known!
What is the purpose of your critique, to simply put the writer down, the article down or act like a sour thumb?
All of the them
I hear ya:)
Imran Khan must come clean on many issues including treatment of minorities, sectoral violence, choice of politicians included in his party, to show us that he has spine and cares for these issues.
He has already shown enough in terms of Hospital, University, wisdom and approach to the problems to make Pakistan a self sufficient country. What others have done? have you asked others before? All the politicians are 100% corrupt, nothing else, and you are happy with that.
The ‘Majid moment’ would only make IK look foolish. After all the hubbub since Oct 30 about the rush of the ‘wise men’ towards the party, dropping these ‘electables’ now would only give credence to the argument that the IK bandwagon does not have a set direction in mind. They want change but are not quite sure of what they want to do. He needs to have these men in his party at this point for the sake of showing continuity in thought.
IK has to be given a chance. A man of his fortitude, ambition and ability can do wonders. Where he is being let down is by his old stalwarts. They lack the political acumen to make it a game with the other parties. For some reason this wondrous ‘team’ cannot control the flow of debates on TV or anywhere in the public sphere. If it wasnt for IK’s regular appearances, PTI would be losing this battle for the airwaves and public opinion completely. However, for a man leading a party these appearances are a distraction from the work of organizating the party and building the steps towards a winning formula. He is lacking help.
In my opinion the question isnt about when the ‘Majid moment’ will arrive but rather when will IK’s RFK arrive. For those with a liking for modern American history, you would recall the 1960 general election where JFK won the election by a whisker. He was charming, glamorours and untried much like IK but it werent these qualities that gave him the nudge but it was instead the political genius and mongrel nature of his brother RFK, the campaign manager that won the election in the end. RFK managed old mafia and underworld links, leftovers from the days of his father, along with the ‘Harvard club’ to bridge a broad alliance through sheer political brilliance and he was only 35! IK needs an RFK. He has all the other boxes checked of; experience, ambition, glamour, credibility with masses, a team of experienced, expert men capable of turning things around, a general understanding with the west and India. He needs someone deep down in his organization to take his rhetoric and implement it ferociously without any mercy. The cause being both the driver and the end.
Does IK have a RFK?
Great article, very articulate. Sums up the nations expectations from Khan Sahib…..
My sentiments exactly….
To be honest, need of the hour for Pakistan is the Charismatic Imran Khan !!! He has the Vision, guts and the Determination !!!! Long Live Imran Khan………………My fellow brother in Pakistan , Vote for Imran Khan………….The ion of Pakistan !!!!
People of Pakistan have seen many political parties in power and all have seen the results. Let us try
this time PTI. Who knows it may be better for Pakistan?
It was a pleasure reading it !
If you ask me — Ms Lodhi should not wait for Imran Khan’s ‘Majid Moment’ — it may never come because Sheikh Rashid pocketed it — also because right now Imran Khan is too busy ‘promising’ to run the Pakistani car on water.
Your comment should be a good news for the folks who worry about brain-drain (from Pakistan).
Brilliant piece, more & more educated people are realizing what Imran stands for, you may no agree with him 100% of times but what you cannot doubt is his intentions and team building capabilities.
On “Majid moment”, i can’t say that we have already seen a clear example but one recent example is a so called electable leaving PTI to go back to PMLQ mainly because Imran has not assured him that he will get the ticket even though he had massive personal votebank. He is going back to PMLQ due to their alliance with PPP as he thinks it can PERSONALY benefit him. I am expecting many more such people to leave PTI as Imran has already made it clear that no one is guaranteed a ticket, they have to declare assets and no funds for MNAs if PTI comes to power.
Great job again, thoroughly enjoyed the conversation based article
Yes Imran Khan – it is time for your “Majid Moment” and to stop (only) blaming the West. It is time for you to instill the “can do” attitude and for us to rise to the occasion. We are at the end of the line, beaten into submission – all we need is a glimmer of hope and we shall rise, stronger, wiser and (hopefully) more tolerant.
Imran is a beacon of light at the moment which is not so strong but most of the pakistanis are hopeful for a new morning. In my opinion the basis of the constituencies in the rural areas should be different to the urban areas because of the lack of the education and overall the influence of the feudal lords on the voters. If there are more constituencies in the urban areas we can have more knowledgeable democrates in the parliaments.
what imran thinks about merciless killings of Shias, Hazaras, Ahmedis, Hindus, and Christins??
Bisma – Brilliant article. I have noticed the same difference of attitude between Americans and Pakistanis. All I heard while growing up in Pakistan is loud echos of “I can’t do it. You can’t do it. We can’t do it. ” This is a really bad attitude. As for your question on IK regarding sectarian violence, you can get a cue on that from today’s statements of IK while he is visiting GLB.
Mark my words,” Imran Khan will NEVER have a Majid Moment in politics i.e. in his political life.”
He has proved time and again, he has no spine. He has never spoken against the religious hate spewing groups and murderers of minorities.
Apparently, you don’t read DAWN online as often as you should or you would have known that contrary to your undeserved remark, Imran isn’t spineless because he just did what you thought he hadn’t done, i.e., speak against hate crimes in Pakistan.
Imran’s record proves that, directly or indirectly, he has always condemned all forms of violence.
Come elections, before you vote, please make sure that other politicians measure up to the standards that you have set for Imran.
Mark my words,” Imran Khan will NEVER have a Majid Moment in politics i.e. in his political life.”
Gillani was Prime Minister and he the funeral of Salman Taseer attended with many cabinet members…it was live on TV.
The truth of the matter is that if we do not bring Imran Khan and his party into power we as a nation are doomed. Because there is no way that we can survive another five years of this corrupt, incompetent, utterly usless and pathetic excuse of a government.
You just hit the bull’s-eye!
A question to the writer, can American give vote to Imran even on district level, considering his present and past family life? Does this guy speak on family values? C’mon talk to me.
Knowing Americans well, I think they would even respect a foe in the form of IK than a friend in the form of rest of the political leaders. At least he is predictable and principled in whatever he does. And the world has always respected such a person regardless of East or West.
A smart retort, Falcon!
This is absolute brilliant piece of work. Absolute pleasure to read it
It is. I agree one hundred percent.
Oh yes,fully agreed.The bottomline is that America appears to b agreed with Imran Khans view, which is a positive sign.