Politics is not easy. Just ask Imran Khan who has been trying hard to make it in mainstream politics for over 15 years. It is easy to criticise Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), more than any other party in Pakistan, for its more than glaring shortcomings. With its erratic politics, the PTI is a sitting duck for critics, and most of the time the critics have their guns aimed right where they should be. For some odd reason, the party has not been able to outgrow its image as that of unruly, mismanaged, directionless youth under a leader whose only claim to political leadership stems from his leading the national cricket team some 20 years ago.
But, is that all that Imran Khan and his supporters have come to be associated with? Does it make him not worthy of a leadership role at the national political scenario? Or, does it all make his supporters any less, or for that matter any more, loyal to him as a political leader as compared to any other leader of the country? Are not other parties similarly ambiguous on various national issues? These and many other searing questions can set ablaze a trail of criticism that won’t die away even if the politicians were incapable of corruption, monetary or otherwise.
Too many have written off Imran Khan as another pressure group, branding him a puppet of the establishment. Whether the military establishment has got his back or not, let’s just take a minute here and have a holistic look at the phenomenon that Imran has become. True, all great leaders are not mere flesh and bones, but they are also not all ideas and theories. Much goes on in between. A hundred mistakes may be made and forgiven by the public before a leader establishes his street cred. All because of a simple logical rule of democracy: being the real electorate, it is the public who is the real authority. It is they who in democracy hold in their hand, their own fate and their leaders’. And that’s exactly where Imran’s politics derives its thrust from: the powerhouse of populism.
Everything he claims he will do if he is catapulted into power appeals to the public’s sentiment. Though the veracity of his claims can surely be questioned, popular public support for his agenda is under no doubt. Therein also lies for him the trick to success in politics – other than what are considered to be ‘shortcuts’. This is also what the other political parties are quite familiar with, for certain feats, like the two-third mandate and NRO, are not possible without sacrificing some of the rules politicians publicly claim to hold dear.
PTI has certainly got something good going on for it at the moment: public support is increasing, the so-called silent majority is stirring, mainstream political parties have been jolted from that perch they so easily obtain through feudalism and the manipulation of ballot box, which they sort of have come to take for granted, a successful jalsa in the heartland of the largest province, much better media foot print and a general perception of a clean class of politicians.
Much of the above is debatable for the skeptic, as it should be. At least, I, for one, – and I am sure there are many more like me – am not ready to express my confidence in a politician who lacks a clear strategy on foreign policy, international relations, economy and terrorism. But then again, this should not be an impediment in considering Imran a leader whose popularity has been and is increasing compared to the rest of the politicians.
For a comparison, PPP and PML(N) also have no clear policies on most of the issues. PPP claims terrorism must be eradicated but is clueless as to how, much in the same fashion as PTI is. PML(N) hasn’t even taken a stance on this issue, except for perhaps Shahbaz Sharif’s gaffe at placating the terrorists. A discord between both the main parties earlier on the issue of VAT, and now on MFN status to India, explains the fact that they are as much of an expert at economic policies as PTI. Yes, the party has issues and maybe it is not ready for primetime politics but the popularity it has cultivated over time cannot be wished away.
That perseverance pays off, even in politics, is visible after the 30 October jalsa in Lahore. Talks of a third force in the garb of PTI have become ubiquitous; the youth seems energetic and political awareness among the ordinary citizens is on an upward climb. And that, to be fair, is the real impact of Imran Khan and his style of politics. Even if he loses in the upcoming elections, this is enough of an effort to start a snowball effect.
we trust Imran khan
he has always delivered on his promise
mr sajid rote very well……i do agree with him on frequent points to me"all of us kno dat khan is inxperienced despite 15 years of struggle coz he didn hav enjoyed any ministry or anythng kyk dat………but ppl kno him as a true,brave nd man of conscience,,,,,but its not sufficient coz managmnt is a big issue…i dnt think dat xcpt khan dere is no promenent face in da party……party structure + check nd blc is equal 2 nine……..after khan or in absence of khan his party is zero….contrary dis other parties exist ppl 2 comand………..nd main thing is dat widout establishmnt dis person is a fool if he thinks 2 rush 4rwd
After Zardari you get his son. After nawaz shareef his son. After Imran khan some one from PTI. I think I will support PTI.
The fact is simple you have no idea of new politics the generation which was follower of Bhutto and Zia are getting over new crop of people are coming on and they know they have been delivered one thing, which was positive in their whole memory of history …Imran Khan world cup
In my opinion Imran will be failed to achieve his goal of Pakistan's PM. He is dynamic but no impressive person(s) or group of people look standing with him as there were many with ZA Bhutto , Benazir, Nawaz Shareef, Altaf Hussain, and President Asif Zardari. Perhaps he is over confidence or some what like this so, it's very difficult to predict without his people as Imran can better be known by the company he keeps and I find him without any company of people so one-man-show may not be enough for his success and to complete his dream of prime minister. Moreover, I don't think that Politics is the only way to serve the people of Pakistan. If he continue his efforts in health, sports, education, etc. every government always help him till his last. Second one must not say bad others except himself. If he reminds all bad it's no new information for any one in Pakistan but if he pray for all then Allah may change Pakistan fate for him perhaps.
if he serves pakistan only by social work,he cannot change pakistan for the next 200 years.in politics ,he has chance to do so.
"Divvy up".Dude it seems you have dived into the minds.Great Job.
Aabpara industry show goes on.
I don't see a single difference in his & Aabpara industry agenda.
In 1940 our forefathers committed a crime against humanity when they aimed to divide subcontinent on the basis of religion.
The only way we can rectify it by converting it to a secular state. Bangladesh has already done it, its our turn to do it.
Imran is very clear about all issues. About terrorism he has said clearly that he will dialogue with Taliban, the greatest military might US is doing the same after ten years into the foray. So once in dialogue, he will isolate the actual terrorists from the general people who are terrorising the society as a reaction to US attacks and presence etc. in the reagion.
Imran has said clearly that he will declare education emergency, remember pakistan is still a very illiterate society . This alone can have a major lomg term impact on the society. Similarly, he is the man who can reduce corruption, collect
taxes and so on so forth can bring the house in order.
We must not forget that all what imran is saying can be done by present government or nawaz sharif. But the difference is fundamental, both zardari and nawaz sharif are corrupt and so make compromises on national issues to remain in power and to conceal thier own corruption. A corrupt leader can not take up these issues because of his vested interests.
We need an honest, upright, credible, visionary leader like imran khan to tackle and resolve these issues.
Rightly said……………
I am Indian and he is the only respected leader of Pakistan in India. All other leaders like Nawaz,Zardari are knows as crooks in India. This is the beauty of your religion Islam and Your prophet that opponet used to call your prophet "Saadiq & Amin". Same thing goes with Your great leader Imran khan he is widely respected in all the countries among muslims and non muslims not just because of his politics but because of his cricket and social work. Here in India muslims did not get any leader like Imran. You guys are so lucky that you have a leader like Imran khan but unfortunately I have to say u guys dont respect him what he deserves. I consider him the best leader in cricket history who can make team like Pakistan a world champion. I have seen interviews of all his cricketers who played with him except idiot Sarfaraz Nawaz all of them admire him and consider him as a role model either inzamam or shoib akhtar or wasim akram or Ramiz Raja.I think he has the best team among all the political mafias in pakistan. People like Dr Arif Alvi,Naeem Ul Haq and Hamid Khan working with him since last 15 years
mr sajid rote very well……i do agree with him on frequent points. to me"all of us kno dat khan is inxperienced despite 15 years of struggle coz he didn hav enjoyed any ministry or anythng kyk dat………but ppl kno him as a true,brave nd man of conscience,,,,,but its not sufficient coz managmnt is a big issue…i dnt think dat xcpt khan dere is no promenent face in da party……party structure + check nd blc is equal 2 none……..after khan or in absence of khan his party is zero….contrary dis other parties exist ppl 2 comand………..nd main thing is dat widout establishmnt dis person is a fool if he thinks 2 rush 4rwd
You should play your part for him if you think he has some good cause……………
I think Rahul understood better the need of help and sincerity which imran needs.
cricket and politics are two different things yet he is an honest leader.
I have no time to read your whole article. but i believe imran is the best.we have no choice other than imran.
said rightly………….
The major part of success of Imran's politics is simply a congregate of hopeless people on a trust worthy name as compared to the other big but failed personalities. And what you say the better is going is simply the time of majority of youth who got awareness through media,internet etc…………..
Dear Sajid. I would like to congratulate You for this superb effort. This the only column I read contain with logical comparison of all parties specially PTI… Great work dear Khan Keep it up…. 🙂
Sajid sb in my opinion IK s honesty and commitment may b unchallenged but wht he ll b able to deliver is still a question.. ur column is quite interesting in this debate whether he ll or ll not… good arguments..
that was a great and logical analysis. IK is honest but inexperienced and have less insight of political matters. He has MOre Jazba than experience. yeah that's true that we don't have reasonable and courageous political heroes But i still want to ask my nation Choose a bad between worse.Time will decide what he can do or not yet we don't have any other option except him. Let him win some seats so that we can see what are his plans for us. Again i want to say i am assure of ur brilliant future in journalism.
Excellent work, waiting for more writings 🙂
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