Politics, albeit fuelled with cynicism, will have always a link with romance. And in that way all participants in a political process are, at some level, hopeless romantics. Politics is the art of the possible but it is also an arena for dreamers. There has been and always will be something uplifting about it. But this romance, like all others, has ramifications and risks.
Since the stakes are high, rhetoric and opportunism bring advantages. By fuelling your listener’s disillusionment with another you obviate the need to say anything substantive because, in theory, any change is better than the status quo. Scream populist slogans loud enough and people will stop asking you questions about how you actually propose to change things.
This strategy certainly seems to be working for Imran Khan. His supporters are clearly not in the mood for tackling any criticism of Khan, for questioning Khan (somehow apparently) translates into support for corruption and crooked politicians. Is Khan ‘the rebound guy’ for many of his fans who act like spurned lovers? Or is he someone with real substance? Many forming part of his vote bank have never voted before. At least they are becoming part of the political process and that is always a good thing. But where does Khan stand? The worst case scenario is that we will never know since Khan (and now his supporters) will never let it come down to a debate on his actual policies.
Here is how the classic PTI argument begins: ‘we are utilizing only X percentage of our resources’ or ‘justice is an issue. Speedy justice must be made available’. It goes on: ‘if we achieve that then great things will happen and we can do it. We will do it!’. There is a leap of imagination and logic there that gets lost in rhetoric. The obvious question: of course if all things wonderful were to happen then we would grow at X percent but what is your policy to ensure we get there? There is no answer. A month ago I posed a similar question to a senior PTI official (who had come to speak to Pakistani students at Harvard). His response? Umm, for our policy please visit our website.
Apparently there is some great plan that the PTI has which it cannot reveal—lest PPP or PML (N) steal it I suppose. While I wait for Khan’s great plan to be revealed, I felt like hearing from some revolutionaries who feel he is out to change Pakistan. But I honestly cannot agree with your revolutionary credentials if you think overthrowing PPP, PML (N), ANP et al is a solution for this country. I may not take you seriously but I will respect your point of view (something few PTI supporters have the stomach for). A leader who talks about speedy justice without specifying, even once, how he plans on fixing the over-stretched judicial system makes me not hopeful but worried. You see the slogan of justice is powerful, whether it is raised by the US, Taliban or the Khan brigade. But this concept has nuances which need to be engaged with. You cannot propose or justify any/all actions in the name of justice.
Khan has repeatedly called on the army to implement the Supreme Court’s orders (in various cases)—that is not justice. That is extra-judicial foolhardiness. And yes if any party breaks the law then they should be held accountable too (but not by the army). Since when did it become okay to break the law just because you thought someone else was doing it too? If you think it is kosher for the army to aid the Supreme Court then please stop pretending you are actually seeking a democracy. And no, Article 190 of the Constitution does not say what you think it says.
Khan speaks of enduring democracy and yet his rhetoric never mentions the institutionalized corruption of the Pakistan Army — by far the single most powerful political actor that has never allowed politicians the room they deserve. He will spend hours screaming, ‘look Zardari is corrupt’ but how many times has he said the same about Hafiz Saeed or Maulana Azhar (militant leaders who have walked free from the courts but who openly admit supporting the so-called jihad in Kashmir)? These are questions that are seen by most PTI supporters as legitimising one thing or the other. But before you dismiss the established political parties as citadels of corruption do not forget that they field, engage with and answer tough questions. I may not agree with all they say but at least they say something besides a mention of a secret plan giving us ‘literacy in 100 days’.
As thousands march towards Minar-e-Pakistan, I am sure the rhetoric of the fight against corruption will raise goose-bumps. But what good is fighting corruption if the political culture you believe in leaves no room for criticism? What good is your talk of democracy and change if the ‘electable’ candidates you want to include in your party strengthened the hands of a dictator? What good is justice if the Supreme Court and the Army are given carte blanche as long as they target people you see as corrupt? Bring on the hate mail o young revolutionaries but maybe, just maybe, there is something corrupt about the romance you are cultivated with.
Questioning it is my right. It always helps to ask questions. Is he an alternative? Is his lack of criticism for the army not a form of corruption? And will that sort of corruption hurt us any less than the sums of money you can think of? Ask Khan difficult questions now because tomorrow you, and not him, will look really stupid if he gets it wrong or worse has nothing to offer. Now that will be real heartbreak. Just saying.
The writer is a Barrister and an Advocate of the High Courts. He has a special interest in Antitrust law and is currently pursuing an LLM at a law school in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Im a supporter of Imran khan, but I think the writer has raised some valid points. The personal and irrational nature of the critique raised by ppl commenting on this article and on some of his others only supports his argument that we cant even consider an opposing viewpoint let alone learn from it. Pakistani political culture would benefit greatly if we engaged with criticism and tried to reform ourselves accordingly. We're seriously lacking in meaningful debate which will never come about if we keep thinking that no one other than ourselves and ppl who agree with us has anything reasonable to say. How then do we distinguish ourselves from those politicians whose idea of a debate is abusing and throwing things at each other on tv shows and who we want replaced by imran khan ?
my simple question is.. what plans or policy statements have other political parties brought forward??? atleast we know PTI will not support corruption
First of all you cant say with sure that some one cant support corruption even about yourself. Second thing is this that u should must take a look on PTI members they all are same fake ppls who were with other parties. I dont want to take their names as u should must read about them.
2 wrongs do not make 1 right. Other political parties may have zilch when it comes to policies or practices which is wahy their popularities are taking nose dives, but that's no excuse for PTI to not have any plans !
Thanks for putting things in perspective. Much appreciated, and much needed.
If people would only stope presupposing they knew what they were talking abt…Kid grow up and then talk…You were just a child in the 70s and wouldnt know anything abt bhutto I was there see now i am assuming stuff
Stop printing garbage by hacks.
Lets just establish one fact first. This country is ruled by military and agencies over 45 years directly and indirectly for the rest of the years. Lets get this fact straight as well that even today, the decisions are made in GHQ Rawalpindi and not Presidency or Parliament house for that matter.
If Imran Khan is the Cheif of Ghairat Brigade, I would appreciate if he could ever criticize the involvement of establishment and army in Pakistani politics, at least once? The day he starts condemning the politicized army and its involvement in all our country policies, I might be able to start considering him to be a politician.
Knowingly or unknowingly he is being used and will not know what hit him!
glad to see there ARE people who get it right!
i fully agreed with Fahd, let s not forget hameed gul the general of ghairat brigade himself has declared and admitted that he created IJI. similarly PML Q, PPP patriot even MMA was made by Ehtasham Zameer. Establishment wants the head of N league to bow before them and intentionally or unintentionally Imran khan is being used for this purpose
I agreed what you say Fahad…. i am realy disturbed to see the children of our schools who cannt look the real picture beyond their emotions.. we need itellectuals like you and Waqas mir. (the writer of this article) to come forward and set some parameters to probe into whats the reality…
I personally feel the need of a very short and comprehensive booklet that can reflect the history of our politics from 1970 till 2011. but it should be based on fact findings and must be so interesting that every child of facebook read it and understand it… is there any volunteer please …… ????
Fahad.. you have stolen my words..even though i am a supporter of PTI but this question always gets pop up into my mind, my uncle is in pakistan army and couple of month back he told me, even if imran khan gets elected as a PM, he won't do anything, he will have a brief in GHQ and after that he will become a puppet… So you have raised a very good question..
Waqas Mirr thanks for your post…
Thanks a lot for penning all my thoughts, and that too, more articulately than I could have.
Some very valid points … hopefully they'll reach those who need to be reached.
Completely agree. Incidentally, I'm on my way to vote for PTI in the next election, but that's only because I feel I can get behind their slogan and because THERE. IS. NO. ONE. ELSE. (tragedy of our times) … not because I'm all starry eyed and ga-ga after Imran Khan. And before 2013 I fully plan to publicly demand, wherever possible, that the PTI explain how it intends to go about doing the things it says it will do, and also to demand that we see a more democratic leadership structure come up within the party. If they want my vote, they will have to produce something more solid than just rhetoric.
Just what the doctor prescribed: a breath of sanity and rationale amidst all the brouhaha about 'tsunamis', 'floods' & 'revolution'. PTI & it's supporters have started to display symptoms of chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome, where any criticism is unpalatable and upsets their bowel movement too. To me PTI has started to resemble the Jacobins more with every passing day. If they have it their way, they would hang/guillotine everyone who disagrees with their perspective of the world. In psychology they teach you a term called 'naive realism', maybe PTIers should google it.
Lesser important issue aside :), (as the author used to say in many an oration), great piece Waqqas and 'keep em coming'.
Well! the same argument can be made for any political party. PTI is youthful and we can expect many mistakes from them as the youngsters do..but i am happy that they are challenging the corruption …corruption is cancer..and nobody criticize armed forces in public like Pakistan..you don't deal with your own army on roads but in Parliament..and look who is sitting there.
What a silly little diatribe. Did the writer even listen to Imran's speech at the jalsa? He didn't spend "hours criticizing Zardari" but spent most of his time giving practical solutions to Pakistan's problems. Did you hear him use the word "computerization" to address the myriad expressions of bureaucratic sluggishness in our institutions from the land office to the courts? Did you hear him mention "de-politicization" of police to render them effective again? Solving Pakistan's problems is not rocket science. What we have is not a dearth of solutions but an absolute absence of sincere political will in the current setup.
But of course the writer, in his rather pitiful petty academic critique can only see the political sphere in terms of "problems" and "solutions". The "problem" my friend, are the people at the top. And we can only talk about "solutions" if those in-charge have a will to actually implement any of the proposed solutions. Right now, Imran Khan is THE ONLY POLITICIAN out there, who EVEN WANTS TO SOLVE PAKISTAN'S PROBLEMS. The rest have only one thing on their mind, how best and fastest to fill their pockets up.
Well said
Very very well said!!
well said. ithink the people like author want practical steps from pti which even have a single seat in assembly.the main point of pti's policy is if u sincere u can do the impossible.
Yes I had the painful experience of listening to his solutions. Regarding energy generation, all his facts were wrong and proposed solution utter nonsense. I say that with conviction because it is my line of work – and if you please we can debate on this all night long.
Computerization? de-politicization of police? sure, but how do you go about doing it? The fact is he wouldn't know. He'd only know if he had some relevant experience, or if he were willing to listen to somebody who did – neither in his case.
The problem is not ONLY the people at the top, but bottom to top! Try getting pure milk from the guwalas in your area then post back!
And yes, solving Pakistan's problems is a rocket science – you'd have to know a little about science to understand what's rocket about it!
… and the blame the followers of Imran to be cultists… have you ever even met a 'jiala' or a 'saathi' in your life? Do you even know what political brainwashing really looks like?
Jalsa's arent meant to give solutions to problems. They are meant to let the people understand whats wrong and whats right. Unlike other political parties where they cant stop giving names to each other (Zardari Madari and Maulvi Nawaz Shar), Khan hasnt done the same. I agree with Waqas's statement that "Politics is the art of the possible but it is also an arena for dreamers" – my friends dreams do come true at times. So why not let this be the time.
I have always been an ardent fan of PML (N). With due respect to all the parties and Waqqas Sahib, at least someone out there is telling the truth. I know certain things require years to change (patwari system, SHO elections etc) yet again, we can at least try.
The youth can do wonders. No one has ever been to the Noon League or PPP jalsa's the way they came to Khan Sahibs. No one was paid to come 🙂 If the youth can come out of their homes finally, and that too for bringing a change, I guess they will find ways to get their votes registered.
No one knows who stamps where inside the polling booth 🙂
Good luck – May the best party win.
Sorry brother but I dont agree to your statement that Khan Sb did not call names in his Jalsas…. Just to set the record straight "Dengue Baradraan, Magar Mach, Geedar" and what not.
You dont consider this name-calling ?
Major political parties (e.g. PPP) have beautiful manifestos that they have no intention to pursue. IK doesn't have a clearly defined approach, but he has the intention to improve the common Pakistani's life. Intention and sincerity are the main pre requisites to fix Pakistan. If he comes to power, he will hopefully identify good professionals to take the helm of affairs vs. the utterly incompetent leaders today. I just hope he sees himself more as a uniting factor that the country rallies behind vs. being behind the execution. He should spot good people for the execution. Pakistani professionals around the world have the answers and the know-how to set thing straight, we just need the political will to bring about change – that is what Imran Khan brings to the table.
None of the political parties have ever delivered results and their claims had been from last 64 years and we are so fool that we vote them again and again. Why dont we try Imran and lets see what he can do. None of the parties have got ministers who are educated not even matric. Why should not we try imran who is bringing out educated youth. Even wiki leaks has claimed that he is the only person who is not afraid of standing in front of USA. What other leaders do. They wash their toilets!!!!
What i am trying to say is that whether you are trying Nawaz or Zardari…..they both are of the same path and can never bring change even if they are elected for 50 more years. Because they are not loyal to the country and the proof is the assets in the foreign country. And for imran he has declared all of his assets. THINK OVER IT AGAIN
Haven't the writer read the phrase: When choosing between two evils, chose the one you haven't chosen before.
First of all there is a guy talking about change. A change by the people for the people, but i just cant get the writers logic behind criticizing the only man who has been the real opposition without a single seat in the assemblies.
Seems the writer is looking for an Angel here. Although he is presenting himself accountable. If we presume the logic of the writer right, then did we asked the same questions to PPP, PML(N), (Q), MQM, ANP, and JUI F ? I bet no. and yet they all are tried and tested, apart from Bhutto nobody give such a great vision to a nation.
plus the writer needs to have a look at the speech again.
Thie writer's criticism is completely out of context. Before starting his wordy bashing of Imran Khan, did he try to look at the timing of his speech. Mr writer! Do you think it was the right time or occasion to put his plans in detail when audience would have bored with the details. people who participate in jalsa doest not intend to get details of the promises made by the leaders. Man! it is a jalsa not a meeting with power point presentation or lecture of a professor to the students. Did the writer ever interview Mr Khan personally to clarify these things? I am sure he didnt even reseearch on this topic.
Thank You for this really.!!! I needed someone to give my thoughts the right words and you just did. Alot of the above comments are basically doing exactly what you mentioned earlier. Its vaguely amusing. Thank you so much 🙂
If you refer to Imran Khan’s detailed Manifesto, you’ll see that it does cover a lot of the specifics that people want to know about. However, some key areas are still left vague. What we must keep in mind is, even if he doesn’t necessarily state his exact plan of action, we know his intentions are in the right direction. His arguments might not be as clear cut as we would like, but they still appeal to us more than those presented by other political parties for a reason. After having tried the rest of the parties that have ruled Pakistan in the last 15 years and with the consequences of their policies in front of our own eyes, we would not only be ignorant but plain dumb to not accept any change for some betterment. Imran Khan’s not perfect, and Pakistan in the future could perhaps see a better and more directed leadership, but in the meantime we can either sit on our asses and let those that become of our country what it is today keep ruling or we can give someone a chance who has some sort of change to bring. He might not get Pakistan to the idealistic state that he describes, but if nothing else, he can help set us on the right direction. With the present options we have, if not Imran Khan, then I’d rather have no one ruling our country.
I thought a person writing in a national daily would at least make the effort of doing some research. What value are you adding if you can't do the research yourself?
Go through less than a dozen interviews or speeches on youtube or go through the content of the speech in Lahore. You will get an answer to your questions.
I respect your opinion and right but I feel betrayed as a reader. I was looking for more insight than "oh… I don't know how they will do it."
Thanks for this article. Unlike most (see above), I prefer seeing both sides of the coin before I flip it. I may not agree with everything you've written, but I respect that you can raise your head above this "tsunami" and see clearly while others, very obvioiusly, are not. Cheers.
so noones read his party manifesto which is quite detailed, or shall he make a documentary or stage a play for those who cant read? dont just write for the sake of writing mir.
Waqas Mir is way in over his head. like someone up in the comments section mentioned i quote " his rather pitiful petty academic critique can only see the political sphere in terms of "problems" and "solutions"
PTI may just be the only party exhibiting willingness to perhaps bring forth a solution. Personally though, i believe the only way to turn a leaf is to bring change from within. Lets all try and bring positive changes in our lives with focusing national benefit. i am strong believer of the saying "Small things consistently done at strategic place create a major impact" Lets all say no to corruption by ACTING upon it…not suggesting lip service here. when i say lets say no to corruption, i mean lets not bribe our way through to our goals, lets not run that red traffic light, lets not encroach any public property lets act like like responsible citizens lets be HONEST in every walk of life. this is the ONLY EFFING WAY!
thanks for listening.
i've never commented on a blog before this. but here goes my first one.
The author surely has written a pathetic article probably just for the sake of putting his share of head-trash into the minds of people of Pakistan who've already had enough. He has written a comedy about the supporters of PTI probably without reading the history of great revolutions of the world. Not a single revolution was brought by a "detailed plan" behind it. Its people like these (who u made fun of) who actually bring about the change, because its these people who are pure and honest and who do not have an agenda (THE AGENDA i'm talking about). and who just want to bring about a better change. So keep ur head-trash within ur head rather than shitting it out in public. And your knowledge about the Army and its role needs a lot of maturity. Do not make baseless comments about the Army which result in nothing but more head-trash!
Thank you for writing this Waqqas. I personally believe Imran Khan's movement (of sorts) is counter-revolutionary in that it seeks to weaken the parliament. Seems like Imran Khan did not learn the all important lesson that was established by the anti-Musharraf movement: that the establishment must be tamed at all costs if the future of this country is to be secured. He talks about everything BUT that.
However, what is most disturbing is that the urban population continues to support Khan knowing that he is the new blue-eyed boy of the establishment. Speaks volumes about the weak leadership of the lawyers' movement. I continue to believe that the PPP, if led by people like Aitzaz Ahsan, Raza Rabbani and Sherry Rehman provide the only hope for a democratic Pakistan. Khan and his allies have the ability of pulling the likes of another Objectives Resolution on this poor country.
Thank you for injecting sanity into the continuous stream of love rants for IK from PTI followers. I celebrate a new face in our political landscape and how PTI has stirred the most apolitical and cynical in the country. Still the political immaturity of his followers disturbs me. They are his uncritical cheerleaders, happy to blindly follow a man whose political rhetoric is regressive and has alliances with the worse agents of the old order. But then again many of the ‘apolitical’ he brought into the political fold are products of Zia’s Pakistan so I’m not surprised how IK’s right wing conservatism and reverence for the military resonates with them.
Mmmm… you are asking for 'one plan' to accomodate speedy justice. How about the plan to rid the people of the draconian 'patwari' system? The lower courts – where all the 'magic' unfortunately NEVER happens – are INFESTED with patwari based cases. By addressing the core problems, where corruption and nepotism take root, will rid the lower courts of a tremendous workload. Don't you – the writer of this fine piece – think so?
The writer is sooo emotional…lolzzzz….DUDE U shud calm down first..!!!! U need a Break Mannnn….get urself out of this Imranophobia….!!!! this wont lead U anywhere..!!! trust me!!!!!
Your article here is only gud for mentioning in ur RESUME..!!!! The only thing I want to tell U is…before writing in Pakistan Today..Please Please do READ. STUDY…RESEARCH..!!! this is important man…!!! your lack of knowledge leads you nowhere….srsly…!! This is my humble suggestion for You..!!! no harsh feelings..!
“There is a leap of imagination and logic there that gets lost in rhetoric.”
Bingo! That’s the main point.
And it’s very true that you cannot strike up a mature, interrogative, answer seeking, conversation with PTI supporters. The way I see, they are bleeding hearts who think they have found messiah in an expired celebrity who is going to wave his magic stick and solve the problems of this country.
dislike!
Also, what I am seeing these days that people who go abroad and get education from prestegious universities are started to think of themselves as 'very smart' ppl…but dude…i respect u n ur views as well…but the way u tried to redicule PTI workers just showing ur mentality….You are in Cambridge…just be there…study and work there…BUT DON'T EVER REDICULE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOWED UP yesterday to show their anger against this system..!!! YOu are disgracing those ppl….You live outside…just be there…but don't try to make fun of other ppl…!
Basically the writer has slapped himself with his own chopped arm in his article…I had a grim on my face when I read this article not because it was interesting but it was pointless and baseless. You will find several of such writers opposing a change for hope in all the regime changes in all countries trying to get ''noticed'' by proving their point be it worth anything or not.
People are supporting him because they believe he is not the same as our tested and tried politicians, atleast give him a chance…True, He won't be able to set 60 plus years issues right in one term but at least he can start sowing the seeds for future. "My only question to the writer is '' If not him then who, if not now then when?''
Let's give him at least JUST ONE chance where we have given multiple chances to our existing leaders.
It is my thinking that supporting Imran Khan at this stage of our Country's history is not supporting PTI but is to argue for a change and to support a new Thought Process,which will eventually bring about a positive change ….After supporting people like Bhutto ,with all his promises (I sadly voted for him then) I think it is a fairly mild gesture to support someone like IK;who's life and achievements are in front of us; compare him to Zardari;or Mr Altaf Hussain for a moment…and you will understand.As far as the Army of Pakistan is concerned ;they are from us ; if we change then they will naturally change.
dislike. absolutely!
Dixlike ! =s wait Absolutely :-^
super like
http://www.brownpundits.com/2011/10/30/pakistani-…
Now in country the most needy level is low level …. they need their proper rights for living in a peaceful society …they want prices in low that could be adoptable for all easily ….access should be easy to claim on any authority ………and get rights ………………ane more thing the economy systm should have to be well settld …that is need of all …….
mr mirs sb , u may believe to have a greater insight into political analysis, but frankly for a guy who sits 12 hours in heat widout electricity, gets mugged on the road, has to spend extra just to rub mospel 18 hours in a day, who pays his due taxes n still has to rely on eid ul adha for mutton, or has to stay at home just to save gas, still have the stink of a nearby overflowing sewerage stuffing in to his nose…has least the concern what plan or route d guy takes.we tried them, we voted for them, they failed.we move to a more promising option.atleast one who shows concern.n frankly if u think d military is such a corrupt organization, for once also curse all those ppl who donot realize that and are livin in askari, defence or cantt.u forget they are also probably d most disciplined and maintained organization.corrupt ppl in it, sure.but still living in the middle of the city i wud still love shifting to defence.isnt it? respect d organization before u can even criticize it.reading this was a waste of time, n i believe wasting breath trying to convince thick headed ppl is even more waste of time.god help u
Well some of the points raised by the author does make sense but having said that why I have a feeling that he is one of the same type who are still stuck up on the issue of extremism/jihadis ? IK may be a hypocrite over this issue but he is playing his cards very well by not talking against them openly but this is what politics all about and it doesn't make him a Taliban Khan either. Above all, let him have his go than only we can judge his policies in a critical manner.
Excellent I agree with every word. It's simply a KISS… kept it short and straight but Imran's lovers, please forget for a minute that he was your National Hero just because he won the WC (world cup) :p for you. Please recall your memories, all politicians put forward such baseless plans and are nevertheless the same as never ending slogan of Bhutto, "ROTI, KAPRA or MAKAAN"…
“Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy driving taxicabs and cutting hair.”
All thanks to this 'Poly-tics' that kept them so involved thinking of their "ROTI, KAPRA and MAKAAN" that they are least concerned who the Hell is running the affairs of the country.
Everyone should be given a chance, prove themselves one way or another and then we move on.
concerned *about* who the …..
I am supporter of PTI,
a lot of questions mostly replied and sometimes we have to show some patience for the results,
Let say u r right 100% , for the time being lets ignore IK,
now i would like to ask the writer
who do u think is the option now ???
do reply but u have to meet the criteria as defined by u . PLS
PTI is a young party and when we vote for them we should do that keeping in mind that we can expect many mistakes from them. Unfortunately in all the debates and discussions that I’ve seen or read supporters of IK have not been able to hear any criticism. On the other hand, many non-supporters criticize him it seems just to feed their own egos without acknowledging the positive things he has done thus far. I’d rather that this heat on both sides turn into a fruitful discussion, just what the author is trying to do.
And as an IK supporter I’d suggest that we continue to support him through this but keep questioning him rigorously and keep the debates and discussion alive for both sides. This is how countries shape policies, by engaging in debate. The tough policy questions asked can help us pave the way to the goal together. IK has the qualities of a great leader, that’s for sure but it would be unfair if we expected him to do all the work. The youth of Pakistan is capable of doing many things. That being said, we should all unite under good leadership and acknowledge that we will all have to put in the work together and eventually achieve the things we have been unfairly denied for generations. This could be a turning point if we want it substantiate as one. Let’s put all this positive energy to good use and continue to debate, supporters and non-supporters alike. The questions that the non-supporters ask us should give us better perspective and we should look at it as an opportunity where we can develop more positive things and have the courage to face the tough questions so that everyone can benefit at the end of the day.
This is really good article and very well argued.
sir it is very easy to criticize but very difficult to perform in the ground.Your concerns r genuine but premature.PTI has just made an entry into mainstream politics its policy makers are working to find out realistic solution of all the crises faced by Pakistan.PTI is so lucky having support of intelligent people like Dr Shherin Mazari,Haroon rasheed and hamid khan.it is becoming the party of enlighten educated youth who will prepare detail road map of policies before they come to power.we have political will to deliver which others lack,we will deliver,and remove all corrupt elements in army and Mullahas,it is immature to fight with them right now.Currently we are fighting at political front so our target is corrupt polticians.
Brother you have very rightly pointed out "it is very easy to criticize but very difficult to perform on the ground".
Isn't this exactly what Mr. Khan is doing nowadays ?
I couldn’t agree more.
Excellent critique – hard-hitting and to the point. Raises all the concerns that IK's critics have been voicing for years and have still not received any answers to. But that's IK and PTI – all sound and fury and no substance….
They don't have the slightest idea on what governing and governance is all about – yet that's their greatest rhetoric – wonderfully exposed in this article. I wish the youth, who are so desperately searching for alternatives to the disillusionment current politics has led us to, could be more discerning in their assessment. I also wish they would focus on the issues first and then look for the best solutions/answers.
Let us all start by demanding more accountability from our leaders – and focus on building institutions rather than clutching at individuals…..
ao you think that the likes of zardari and nawaz sharif have an idea "on what governing and governance is all about"? what you don't understand is theat IK is actually the one doing what you propose "Let us all start by demanding more accountability from our leaders…" why don't people like you understand that?
Very well put, sir! Also, I shudder to think of a government in power that does not have a measure of ‘rootedness’ at the local bodies level. To date, Imran Khan has said absolutely nothing meaningful about the workers and labourers and peasants. The urban working classes are completely outside of his field of discourse. A government that does not consider these portions of society their constituency, well that is what the shudders are for…
Oh, and this whole idea of how ‘educated’ equates to efficient/enlightened/better/uncorrupt/all-that-is-good-under-the-sun…is an idea that has been disqualified by history time and again, an idea that eventually leads to military/imperialist at the national/global level (respectively), an idea that disenfranchises most of the ostensibly ‘jahil awwam’.
Well its a tried and tested discourse, it is not the stuff of ‘change’ even as it is problematic as hell.
Excellent article! Totally articulated my sentiments. And after reading some of the comments above, I really hope that someday, our nation will mature to politics along with the political system, and be able to analyze and think with their heads instead of with jazbaati hearts.
This is an extremely well-written piece that asks a lot of essential questions I would be really interested in getting answers to from someone in PTI.
Imran Khan can’t give us anything right now (we all should realize that), except perhaps one thing, HOPE – the one thing no other party can give to this ailing and troubled country.
Whats would the author have us do?? give up even that!!! our ‘hope’ for the future??!!
In my opinion, the article is mediocre at best. Not even well written or put together. It is completely one dimensional, lacking in facts and hardly pointing out anything new. Asking questions is a good thing, but asking them rhetorically, or not really even trying to give your own take on such valid questions is a pointless exercise, if not a waste of time.
PTI followers should love thier leader, but at least stay in limits while portraying imran khan as some devta or nijaat dahinda or bhagwaan who has magical powers and no weaknesses or limitations at all. he is fresh air, no doubt, but at least dont raise your expectations to such a height where it is impossible for him to met. if he can meet some expectations, still he would be under the expectations. the akhri umeed sort of slogans are killing really, esp if power will be in hands.
secondly, the speech was just a speech with no solutions, hum patwari culture khatam karden ge is not a solution, what will be the strategy? no answer. how will they do elections in thanas, no answer. what changes will they bring for women, no answer.
and these issues were highly being discussed in jalsas and rallies from ayub khan, zab to bb, NS and now by him. listen to speeches of other leaders, same topics will be found.
PTI ans now should ask IK about the strategies not just blindly following . shakhsiat parasti masael ka hal nahi hoti, please try to understand.
Thank you . Thank you. For a realistic approach…..for the IK bubble must burst…..he is a man without substance, policy or strategy. Empty rhetoric will not solve Pakistans serious problems.
change is never better than the status !!! so why do we even civilize ?? why not just be like animals ???? the way we are living for the past 60 years??? we absolutely need a change and thats what the country need right now …..writers like you are always a hurdle in countries progress just by brain washing people by blaming others without any proof's ….. at least they are educated enough to bring out the actual situation to the people and purpose an acceptable solution to it ….not just shout at the mic just as we all have been hearing for the past 10 years ……( no electricity no basic food no shelter no health insurance no proper education ……and still all we saw are promises made and broken again and again ) we need to give a chance to at least some literate human beings …….we cant just wait for a better change to magically happen ….we need to make some changes than just relying on our status( even thats even not a sign of pride for us anymore !! )
have some faith .. boy ko easy na lo boyzez .. 😉
We need a leader with some maturity, I hardly see any Policy or plan of PTI, Imran khan has no answer to so many questions He just seems to be excited than ever before.
Benazir's death made Zardari the President, i am afraid the current frustration of the people may make Imran the Prime Minister.
well, I suppose PTI supporter should take this piece of criticism for their soul searching. They need to answer a few questions in a realistically plain manner. what has been this party' rhetoric in recent years? 1. All politicians but IK are corrupt 2. The serving politicians do not declare their assets 3. PTI shall a give youth ov this country a chance to play their role.
Lets analyse what IK has done in last one decade. Having been badly defeated in 1997 elections, he was over-joyed what Musharraf led Millitary coup threw Nawaz sharief govt out. He welcomed the event and became a vehicle of an ardent support for the Referendum. In the following years he got disallusioned with Musharraf and started opposing his regime. once an arch rival of Nawaz sharief , he joined hands with him in APDM and with PPP in all parties conference in London. He decided not to contest 2008 elections and has been blaming Nawaz sharief for that decision. He used to term Chaudharies of Gujrat has a corrupt pair ov cousins and then termed them to be only opposition party. Interestingly, after a few month of this recommendation from khan, chaudharies decided to join the GOVT.
He joined hands with nawaz sharief again during the movement for the restoration of judiciary and ended in hiding himself on the day of trial. Now he blames sharief for hijacking the judicial movement. once he termed MQM as a party of terrorist and promised to pursue aginst them in london but now he shares good relations and receives greetings for Altaf Bhai. Interstingly , he has patched his relatioship with musharraf as well where the latter even talks about a possible alliance in the upcoming elections.This shows how consistent he has been in his goals and objectives.
He talks about change but openly invites candidates from other political parties. Is this garbage recycling gona bring some change??? The political stalwarts in this party already owe salt to many parties. The tax returns filed by IK during 2003 and 2007 as a member of national assembly does not the source of the money he used to build a lavish accomodation of about 400 kanals. Furthermore, he is misleading supporters as well the nation. He refres to 5000 PKR tax paid by Nawaz sharief and then in one of the TV programme he admitted that Sharief has paid 1.8 million as tax but he still repeats those figures of 5000 which is unfair and betraying if you are advocating a changed political culture. To me , PTI is cased in a glass house and is throwing stones on others.
a leader can only be as good as the people he is to lead.. there is more than one year to go, join the club and contribute to the policies you want to see implemented in Pakistan.
jinnah said that PAKISTAN FOUND WHEN FIRST MUSLIM ARRIVE FROM Arab AND WE THINK ARMY RULED ON THIS COUNTRY FIRST MARSHAL-LAW AND IN FUTURE TOO IMRAN ALSO BUGAL BUCHA OF I S I ( NEW BAKRA ) AND NOW GENERALS OF ARMY AND I S I REPEAT AGAIN THAT EXERCISE OF I J I, THEY MAKING ITTAHAD WITH P T I AND JAMAT E ISLAMI AND VERY SOON YOU LISTON MOLLANA DIESEL ALSO JOINT MAJLIS E AMAL AND AFTER THAT DAMA DAM MAST QALANDER PPP ,PML, PMLQ, ANP MQM SAB KI CHUTTY AND ======= AFTER THAT BARGAINING WITH MQM, APML,AND PML Q AGAIN PARTNER OF GOVT.
a nation prone to heroes seldom sees logic, indeed a thought provoking criticism is essential to keep the prospective parties informed that Pakistan with its new awareness is not a state swayed by political jargon but cohesive and implementable policy. a well thought out piece. cheers
Imran khan.Not a single word against MQM Altaf Musharraf and nothing direct against Zardari. No word for aafia no tears for lal masjid,no words for responsibles of Drones that ISI n GHQ,no words of weakness of Army Defense ,how could American Helicopter Entered pak's territory,Imran should have saked this question by Military.
on 28th oct Shahbaz sharif bravely asked DG ISI,that how dare US Helicopter intervene in pakistan.Imran khan should have asked the same question,but Match Fix hai sir.
Imran seems to be a puppet of the deep state . . . he has no logic at all, arguing all the time that the government should pull the army out of tribal areas etc . . . this is just nonsense. how on the earth Zarda…ri or gillani dare disagree with the defence establishment. he can fool common people by showing pieces of the destroyed drones or whatever but not me or any discerning person of Pakhtunkhwa
I am not Nawaz liker nor Zardari liker…i will only support the One who takes Gen.Musharaf,Gen.Kiyani,Gen.Pasha into Courts asking about drone attacks,how Us helicopter Intervene into Pakistan,how US drones in Pakistan…Imran will never blame GHQ n ISI Bcoz Imran's Match is Fixed With Establishment..I am Anti-Establishment..ISI must be in Civilian control..Shahbaz Sharif n Ch.Nisar r ready to do accountability of Military who eats 75% budget of poor country,ppl r commiting suicide due to heavy military budjet,and our defense is gone much weak due to CIA's Musharaf's Appoointed Generals,who r now backing Imran khan…
i am not the political worker of PML(N),,i was great suporter of Imran khan 6 months ago,,,But after raymond Davis issue,,US Helicopter Intervention in pakistan,,Imran khan did not say even a single word to DG ISI N GHQ…The Frequent Drone Attacks r due to GHQ..Foreign Policy of pak is run By GHQ..I will support Anti-Establishment party and in current scenario PML(N) is anti-establishment
I bet Drone attacks won't be stopped due to current Establiment Set up, which is appointed by Musharaf n CIA.Establishment is afraid of PML(N)..My country sovereignty is rather imp for me..ppl like SM Quereshi n more winning anti-establishment candidates have decided to join PML(N).
I never lyked Nawaz ,but now i love Nawaz shareef,bcoz all Geedars MQM Imran Zardari Choudhries ANP r against One Tiger,king of Jungle Nawaz Shareef…Love you Nawaz shareef,,,Establishment listen this is not 1990 forming IGI against Anti-Establishment Benezir Bhutto this is 2011 Media is free.every pakistani can see ur great game Establishment,the CIA's backed Establishment…Nawaz shareef has learnt from past now…We only want that leader joo Anti-Establishment Anti-CIA aur NON-Marshal hoo
Leader ZA Bhutto ki tarha hota hai ,,Real Leader Hamesha Anti-Establishment Non-Marshal hota hai..ISI backed leaders ziyada dair nahi chala karte…
Imran khan.Not a single word against MQM Altaf Musharraf and nothing direct against Zardari. No word for aafia no tears for lal masjid,no words for responsibles of Drones that ISI n GHQ,no words of weakness of Army Defense ,how could American Helicopter Entered pak's territory,Imran should have saked this question by Military.
Unfortunately the writer's claim of PTI's supporters being a difficult breed to be argued with has been substantiated by some of the comments above !
Very good piece.
Amazing work gus… I am not a supporter of anyone, but of Pakistan.. I read all comments and the article itsel.. I am too much pleased that at least we have a good team of intellectuals who can think and analyze almost all aspects of the historical stories being written in 2011. This is a real sign of Big changes in near future.. and I can assure you the change will be positive this time.. because the debates media has started will definitely land to the prosperity….
Only One thing to IK’s supporters.. you all are my younger brothers and some like my Son and daughters…. Please Please Please dont follow anyone blindly… though you are emotional about our beloved country but emotions must not overule the wisdom. No Doublt IK is a good personality but he is not a single solution of terrifying problems of pakistan.. ground realities are somewhat different.
IK Must sit with Nwaz Sharif and all other parties to make a 20-years Comprehensive agenda of Pakistan…
IK can play his best role to finalize this agenda and make consences… Believe me if he can deliver this agenda… he will remain alive in history. winning a chance of PM chair is a very tiny thing in front of
“Pulling Pakistan from the well of hell”
And last but not least…. this realy hurts the feeling of true Pakistanis when he says: “O ‘ Mian sab Jan diyo,.. sadi wari aan dio”
My Dear Pakistan is not sip of coke for which you want to take your turn … please do think.
mohsin roy sir,,,i liked yr comment,i am also youth i am 23..but i am not blind..i can see the real face of IK
LOL. What to believe? Over simplification of Imran khan fan club or retarded logic of pseudo-intellectuals. It is a tough job for a normal reader and an ordinary citizen.
Left, right, centre, democracy, establishment, Shaheeds, Jiyalas, cults, fans, jihadis, mullahs, Ihtisab, Insaf, Qanoon, Jail term, political acumen, siyasat, waderay, jageerdaar, roti kapra makaan, Khadam e Aala, Sindh Card, Karachi terrorism, NRO, Jeddah, Jemima, Yahudi Lobby, status quo, anti-status quo, Independent judicary, judicial movement, the lion of punjab, Bhai of Karachi, the owners of sindh, Drones, Taliban, America, Aafia siddique, Media, Anchors, hysteria, Bomb blasts, Khilafat, Tablighi Jamaat, India, Sabaz Patka, Tribals, Lal masjid, Akbar Bugti, corruption, cronies, PIA, steel mill, Railways, Spot-fixing, Tsunami…………………….
Do you see the picture? Or you still want to play establishment paranoia card? People are afraid that if Imran Khan messes it up either before election or after election, there will be no hope left. So they want complete answers. They want guarantee. Little that they know there is no guarantee. It is all a game of faith. Probably a gamble of your life. Are you willing to bet? Or you still waiting for details plans from Imran? The irony is i know what Imran says and i know he can do it but I still want to side with the opinion of this author. Why? Is it all negativity? No more belief left? Or i just want to be sure this time around that i should not be coned. Indeed a very tough ask from me. But what can i do? Imran you have to be everybody… a leader, a motivator, an inspiration, a hope, a solution, a sure-shot gamble….. We want this match to be fixed for the betterment of the country…. Imran i can't take it anymore … There are millions like me who can't take it anymore …… We need relief Imran … You have to be our doctor, you have to be our teacher , you have to be our soul-mate, you have to be a father ……….. Imran i know its a tough ask … But who else to turn to ………. Should i ask Nawaz how he got so rich and an educated ordinary Pakistani can't get a job? Should i ask Zardari how much is enough for him to stop accumulating? Should I ask Altaf if 1600 people dead in karachi are enough or not? Should I ask Asfandiyar Wali if the name change did the trick for Pashtuns? Should I ask Bugtis whether Akbar dying has done any good? Should I ask Maulana Fazal ur Rahman which next government he is going to join? Should I ask Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani how does it feel to kill your own citizens?
I am lost and this is a gamble of my life Imran……
PART (1) of PART (6)
I understand the writer shall only concentrate on his study by pursuing an LLM at Cambridge – UK. The writer is born to wetern interest elite family and he is too young to know what is change and what is revolution and he does not know how and when the revolution erupted. Moverover, I'm solid sure that the writer does not know what is hunger, what is injustice, what is intrigrity, what is poverty and what is transperancy.
In my openion the writer did not listen to Imran Khan's speech.
PART (2) of PART (6)
Imran's speech can broadly be broken up in three parts. One was purely focussed on the internal situation where eradication of corruption and injustice from the society was his fundamental responsibility. He said there would be major reforms in police structrue and revenue collectors. Imran wants the SHO to be elected like the American Sheriff.
PART 3 of PART (8)
All the practices of the west cannot work in Pakistan, we need to study it in our context. The British system of Zaildar and Numberdar proved its merit, it would in the better interest to bring the system back to its original pedestal and let it function with full government support. While it was in vogue, law and order situation was close to 100%.
PART (3) of PART (8)
Then talking on economic recovery he said, he would curtail reliance on foreign aid and loans. Indigeous resources would be exploited, agricuture and industrial economy needs to be strengthen and expanded. He mentioned about the abundance of coal reserves, gold, silver and other minerla resources that can turn around Pakistan's economy. He said that Pakistan ha the potential to produce 60,000 of hydel power
PART (4) of PART (8)
His third major area was the focus of his foreign policy. He wants friendship with all but with honour and dignity. A clear message was sent to the US on the issue. He told them that now more army operations and done attacks. Pakistan can not take any more beating on his account. Pakistan can help America for an honourable exit but would never support her expansionist and hegemonic design in the area. This message has made some heads spin in the American Corridors of power.
PART (5)
After a longitme, a message was sent to India over Kashmir issue, he reiterated that after coming into power, he would extend all moral and political support to the freedom fighters of Jammu and Kashmir. India must remove her close to a million troops from Kashmir and the people of Kashmir must be given their fundamental rights
PART (6)
Imran also emphasized to further the relationship with China to a new height for the mutual benefit of both the countries. While talking about China he also announced that after this rally, he is leaving for China at the invitation of the Chinese Govt. Now with American and NATO ingress in Africa and their design to move into Central Asia to contain China, it has become imperative for the Chinese also to further strengthen her ties with Pakistan so as not be concede her interests to US and NATO.
PART (Final)
So my country fellows… everything is clear crystal and it will all be possible to excersized when given a chance…… my advise for all is to be a Pakistani, Think like a Pakistani, listen to a Pakistani who lives in Pakistan and fight for the right of Pakistanis and act like a honest, caring, committed and responsible Pakistani.
Imran Khan is nothing but a puppet who works for agencies,He can take no decisions on his own Pakistan is ruled by GHQ ASAT(as simple as that).
Excellent piece and thank you…i hope it will be an eye opener for the blind followers of PTI and its dictator leader Imran Khan…you said ask him difficult questions you must be kidding us on that as mr khan become angry even if you ask simple questions.
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