Reality check

Change?

It goes to Imran Khan’s credit that he has presented an option other than dynastic politics and has activated the educated youth, most of whom were increasingly becoming cynical about politics and would not care to get registered as voters. The presence of the third choice has, however, led to all sorts of wannabes to make a beeline for the PTI. Running after the figure of 1000, the PTI has opened its doors to everybody. By the time elections are announced, the party would have accumulated sufficient weight. How much of it comprises of unhealthy fat remains to be seen.

The new entrants could cause two developments. With wider media exposure some of them might take over important party positions replacing tested and fairly efficient old timers causing bickering in the PTI. Second, with quite a few well known turncoats entering the party, they are likely to bring their peculiar traits and traditional mindset with them. This is already leading to the charge that the PTI now is in fact old wine in a new bottle. Imran Khan would do well to learn from what happened to the PPP under ZAB after numerous reactionary feudals dazzled by the leader’s success thronged to his party despite having opposed it earlier. A reading of Dr Mubashar Hasan’s The Mirage of Power would explain to him how the party degenerated under the influence of these retrogressive elements and bureaucrats despite being led by an outstanding politician.

Imran’s charisma brought thousands to the meeting at Kasur. The PTI chief would however do well to draw the right conclusion from the pandemonium that occurred towards the conclusion of the rally. The looting indicated that the charisma might be of little help if any PTI candidate is perceived to be disconnected with the masses or seen to be constantly changing political loyalties. A former parliamentarian having won elections several times or having held important cabinet posts may make an impressive CV entry. These qualifications might however be considered negative points by the voters. In an era when tribalism is on the decline, clans and baraderis are fissured, reliance on Nawabzadas, tribal chiefs and clan elders is no guarantee for success. This, in fact, raises questions regarding PTI’s promise of change.