No questions asked
So it did not snow in Boston and Cambridge on Christmas. And unlike last year I am not driving back home on a foggy Lahore night or discussing ridiculous rules of admission to social gatherings on New Year’s Eve. I miss being back home in Pakistan. Apparently, change is on the way. If ‘tis the season to be jolly’ in the USA, then it’s the season to be optimistic back home.
“You are blocking my sun”, is what Diogenes reportedly said to Alexander when the conqueror asked the philosopher if he could do anything for him. Cynicism has its place in life. Lots changed in 2011; not all of it in ways positive.
2011 brought us to the precipice of a great national celebration — a cricket World Cup victory — only to see us fall short in the semi-final. But for those blissful weeks in early and mid March our hearts soared and our collective spirit cheered as Team Pakistan took the field. We mingled with strangers, becoming conformists in the healthiest way possible. Still, the joy and grief brought by sport is, more often than not, transient compared to choices we make in the political arena.
Balochistan continues to bleed; worse, it continues to receive little attention in the media. The governing parties did depressingly little to address the situation — though to be fair any benefits of greater provincial autonomy through the 18th Amendment will take some time to manifest themselves. The senior judiciary continues to pursue allegations of treason based on the rantings of a dubious man while actual bullet-riddled bodies of Baloch youth add to the crimes of our collective inaction and silence. A recent suicide attack in Quetta represents the latest threat to our peace and security and is yet another reminder of our misplaced priorities.
2011 may also be remembered as the year in which Imran Khan became politically relevant — and also dangerously misleading. Politics, like life, is about making choices and those choices have real consequences. Khan’s rhetoric remains based on self-righteous nationalism that accepts everything but introspection. In PTI land, everything is someone else’s fault. In it, the militants are victims and only resort to killing innocents because of drone attacks. In PTI-land, the politicians are powerful and responsible for the decline of this country while the military does not deserve to be questioned. In Khan’s universe scathing criticism is never directed at militant organisations in southern Punjab but there is cheap point scoring through abysmal cricket analogies.
If declaration of assets is the sole criteria that makes politicians honest in PTI-land then the youth of this country needs to read more and go through the list of all politicians who have declared their assets — most of them have done so. If leadership is what makes Khan unique then maybe we should raise the question where was that honest leadership in Karachi where he refused to speak one word against the violence perpetrated by MQM in that city — this just 3 years after he called Altaf Hussain a terrorist and a murderer. Beguiling? Hardly so. Answers? Convenience, establishment, rhetoric.
If you are a young person troubled by corruption then why not let 2012 be a year where the corruption of ideas agitates you? There is corruption in silence and inaction. If a leader tells us that he can create new jobs, improve healthcare, revolutionise education and finish ‘bari bari’ corruption in 90 days, then we should be asking him this: all of that requires tons of money and unless you take on the army, talk about cutting its budget, raising salaries for people in other public services etc, where will you get the money? Now that would be courage. No easy answers there I agree but how refreshing would a difficult debate be. E-government? So thousands of clerks lose their jobs? Protests to follow? Who do you side with? Another difficult question; any debate?
It is laughable yet depressing that thousands believe that Khan will alter the balance after getting elected because ‘right now is not the time’. Once he gets into power — god forbid — he and his ideas will be our liability. He will remain an asset to the narrative that promotes a Hitleresque, nationalistic self-righteous Pakistani youth, that apologises for suicide bombings and that refuses to question the army or the MQM. You may call these the ‘final frontiers’ when it comes to the battle of ideas.
Nothing earth-shattering needs to happen for us to slip into a state where we condemn debate in favour of rhetoric. You do not need to hear screams each day but Balochistan will continue to bleed. Mothers whose children are corrupted by militants to blow themselves up may not be wailing outside your doors but that will continue to happen. The Supreme Court or the media may not be conducting into an investigation into whether financial corruption by politicians or the appropriation of resources by an all powerful military is what threatens Pakistan’s integrity — but that does not mean history’s verdict will be equally silent.
Those living in PTI-land and those living outside it want a better Pakistan and a better 2012 for Pakistan. The only difference is that some of us are willing to argue and debate for that Pakistan while others insist on rhetoric that history may not be kind to. May the best argument win and may the spirit to tolerate criticism grow ever so healthy in Pakistan this year. If you are still reading, Happy New Year!
The writer is a Barrister and an Advocate of the High Courts. He is currently pursuing an LL.M at Harvard Law School. He can be reached at [email protected]
you have written the same article as ur previous one, only change is that u ve named it differently. all you could see was what was wrong with pti and again no solution, what debate we should have and which party is carrying the policy which we should support in your opinion. again u r trying to see pakistan from new york and not from pakistan's. may u assemble some courage and wisdom to talk about the possible solutions as well.
Come on!! you cant be serious drawing analogies between Imran and Hitler. I strongly protest against your article. A very biased, lop-sided, vengeance-ridden, myopic and bigoted narrative which shows if one is hell bent on criticising someone who can do so even the people with the piety of saints and morals of an angel.
I think the quality of Harvard has gone done over the past few years. Harvard, I thought made a person think more analytically and rationally and lessens your bigotry.
MQM is not a clean party but the author's statement that "Imran refused to speak one word against the violence perpetrated by MQM in that city" shows how ignorant the author is about the politics and the reasons behind the ethnic violence that exists in Karachi. Every other political party in Karachi has contributed violence to the city…JI, ANP, PPP ,PPI, and MQM too. And the reasons behind the violence are pretty complex if you scratch the surface. Its easier to put all the blame on MQM.
Imran should talk about the violence perpetrated by MQM but he should also attack the other violent parties involved..
Nevertheless, Imran is a hope for Pakistan and hope is what the nation is desperate for. I wish Imran khan the best and hope that he delivers.
"Its easier to put all the blame on MQM" …. isn't that what Imran Khan used to do before the-powers-to-be started pulling his reins !
Lol. Enjoyed it thoroughly. PTI supporters will not find it easy to answer your questions.
At the very least, I do hope for your sake, that you are getting paid by PPP/PML-N for writing this.
PS I do hope that their is greater accountability of politicians. and NO ONE is overlooked by your shrewd eyes.
Cant disagree with anything you write – simply because pointing out the flaws in any one individual is an easier than defending your support for them… I hope 2012 is the year where you actually have the courage to write in favour of the party you want people to vote for instead of IK….
If I read all the articles you wrote on Imran Khan and PTI's politics, you have failed to highlight the definition of rhetoric or for that matter, empty rhetoric as you put it. Its best known definition comes from Aristotle, who considers it a counterpart of both logic and politics, and calls it "the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion. So, having defined the first segment, lets move on to more sinister topics such as the MQM and the army – areas where your pen has failed to investigate anything but shoddy comments. Despite your lack of analysis, allow me to present why there is a difference between stupidity and politics. PTI made a political choice of staying 'clear' of MQM as it was aiming for a unifying jalsa in Karachi. Even a layman would understand, that for it to succeed i.e the Jalsa, and to attract the 60 percent Muhajirs into a common ground of educated discourse at Jinnah's mosoleum, it was the worst time to attack Altaf Hussein and his cronies. If Imran has publicly supported MQM or Altaf Hussein, your article would have been spot on. Thank You.
with all due respect sir, you seem just to hate on Imran Khan … i mean how can anyone say this..let me rephrase or qoute what u just wrote above :"In PTI-land, the politicians are powerful and responsible for the decline of this country while the military does not deserve to be questioned. "… do u even watch TV TALK SHOWS?? shame on you..he WAS and IS the only guy who lashes out at milatary and their role in FATA n northern areas…you might be right about everything BUT then again its just an imagination..so why not based on that same imagination we the insafians be happy about IK being leader?? you being a hypocrite and us being dumb is not a same equation.. a dumb can be made to understand..but a hypocrite can never be just a normal human being.. u would be a just like a fish without water….
another thing to all my brothers !! being a journalist doesnt mean you have the license to lash out at anyone and everyone and you being a sacred cow can not be criticised for what you write… so face it..when you write a piece n make it publish you should be ready for the feedback be it harsh or soft,,, favour or against it.. just as i m ready for feedback…
congratulations! you just got nominated for the award of excellence of bashing IK without substance organised by the great Nawaz sharif. Final decision will be anounced in about mid 2013. for more details contact the president zardari.
The writer hit the nail squarely on the head: "The senior judiciary continues to pursue allegations of treason based on the rantings of a dubious man while actual bullet-riddled bodies of Baloch youth add to the crimes of our collective inaction and silence."
The Supreme Court has been sitting on the Missing Persons case for several years now. It takes the judges no time to accept an application filed by a foreigner (a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin) in the memo case and promptly issue notices.
The CJ has repeatedly asserted that the Supreme Court represents the people of Pakistan. His actions belie his words.
Yawn, given the quality of your arguments I would urge Harvard Law School to work harder…..
Well said. Imran Khan has become a hypocrite. All the Legharis, Qureshis, Hashmis, Tareens and Bosans – the feudals – are in the party of justice now. These feudal lords will now give justice to the opressed.
This guy is really sad!!…he needs to feel important and intellectual thus does the cool thing of writing against IK (as if ALL the educated youth and leading minds who are falling behind IK arre incapable of logical thought but this pseudo-gora (notice his oh so subtle references to his harvard linkages to prove his worth) knows better. Seems like hes lamenting his "white man burden" (trying to educate us foolish Pakistanis) instead of doing some comparative analysis with OTHER political parties and then tell the readers what he thinks of PTI. heres just a few point to prove how ridiculous this guys logic (or lack of it) is. 1) Mr. Militancy specialist….u just need to look at the pre-Afghan war statistics of attacks by militants on Pakistan to realise that YES our attack on the Trbials did provoke this war 2) Memo scandal specialist: thank you for ure 2-cents worth on this but i have NO idea what our government would lose through a fair investigation (Mr. barrister doesnt seem to believe in the Law too much) and AGAIN I HAVE NO IDEA how the judiciary should let go of the memo investigation cause there are killings in Balochistan??????…..since when did these issues become a choice…shudnt we work on both????? 3) IK is the only politician who has said formally that the time of militancy is over and we will have to disband all such policies (pls see his u-tube video of interview in India for which the rightist parties branded him a traitor) 4) Mr. Asset declaration specialist: I guess this is the saddest part of ure analysis as one would expect a lawyer to understand first hand how the law can be twisted to hide ure assets…BUT ui guess for u that isnt true. P.S. Pls goto Marble Arch turn right towards Park Lane (where u will see BMW, mercedes etc showrooms and there one of the largest apartment blocks is owned by the Sharif family and NOT declared as uve so naively pointed out in ure article. MAN…shud i really go on or does someone else see the utter stupidity and lack of intellect of this article?
Dear Mr Blithering Idiot!
Two points.
1. The Park Lane property is in the name of Hamza Shahbaz. Why should Nawaz Sharif declare it as his own?
2. Please, for the love of God, use Google and your puny brains before ranting. Imran Khan is using the SAME twisted laws to conceal the actual worth of his own properties, eg: the property in Bani Gala.
Sincerely,
Tomorrow's news
Sir i am all for the bashing of politicians and those who support non-sense parties but i just want to ask you this. Let's say everything you say is correct, then should we elect the Ex-prime Minister Sharif? The same person who calls himself a patriot when he signed the exile papers claiming that "Machar kattay hain?" Or should we re-elect the current government system that has deprived us of basic needs and wants? I know IK is not the most experienced politicians but to me that is his strong suite. He will bring forth plans for the future of Pakistan and Sir let me remind you, Hazrat Umar the most Ruthless killer was turned into Islam's guardian and the Second Khalifa of Islam. A great leader with a vision can change anyone. The Great Holy Prophet is the holiest of Holies and i am not comparing IK to Him but sir the logic remains the same.
Mr. Barrister… i agree with you as far as self-righteous nationalism and rhetorism are concerned. i need clarification from Mr. Khan when he outlines his policies but never told the ways, means and sources to execute them..but on the other side you should give me benefit of doubt (legal term you better aquainted with) although reserving right of criticism so that Mr. Khan must know where is he heading towards……
I seriously think that the standards of Havard has drastically gone down after reading this article. The author has failed to come up with any solutions. I think in the "Author-Land" the name of the game is criticize everyone and just sit without taking any initiative. My question to Author is should we try Nawaz Sharif whose stupidity and laziness had almost had us bank crupt not once but twice. Or should we give Mr.10% come 100% another chance who has set new highs for corruption along with Asfandiar Wali's ANP. Mr.Wali of ANP was gifted a mansion in Dubai and in Malaysia in 2008 by Mr.President and since then we never heard a single comment on any issue from ANP.
It is very easy to criticize people but very difficult to come up with solutions.
Well writer sahib, stop arguing and do something too! Mindless article 😛
I am sick and tired of these Imran supporters denying that he is responsible for the terrible mess the country finds itself in. Imran and his ilk have been in power for 25 yrs and Imran has amassed immense wealth at the expense of the masses. He himself is known as 10% and his son has a business worth $1.2bn. The supreme court has the asked the govt to write a letter to the Swiss authorities, which his govt has blatantly refused. Well done for pointing these things out the guy from Harvard i solute your intellect!
Mr. Barrister Sb, to very extent as far as rhetoric and self righteous are concerned i need clarification from Khan sb. you are right when you bash him about ideal talking and chakling out ideal policies without providing substantial ways to execute those policies… but you should give me benefit of doubt (you better understand this legal term), and let hope for the best although we must criticize him for what he is not doing well.
If Imran Khan is really interested in transparency will he make public the financial and logistical "support" he is getting from big business houses and expensive finished cloth manufacturers?
Why are my remarks always filtered while the foulest drivel is allowed to be published? Is this your concept of freedom of te press?
Go to Hell
My Dear Waqqas, I learnt it only today from Fayyaz Mir that you are regularly writing weekly column in Pakistan Today. I have read your latest column with great interest. I really admire your focused approach on political issues and the contradiction in KHAN's politics. You have rightly pointed out the inherent flaws in his declared lofty claims. I wish some one from PTI has the intellectual honesty and insight to answer the very valid questions raised by you.
Mirza Muhammad Yasin/ PSP
I am surprised by so many angry comments on this article.The writer is only saying that all important issues should be debated openly and candidly by the educated people of this country which has been bled to the brink of death by its politicians in the past.Looking back we find Bhutto promised so much with the slogan of Roti,Kaprra and Makaan.Did he provide any of it to even his own Sindi people?Sadly no.And how much did Musharaf promise in his 7 point agenda.He only had his own agenda.People got nothing but suffering.So why not question PTI and Imran Khan's rhetoric.So let us just understand the logic behind the writing.Also,questioning Khan's rhetoric does not mean that the writer is praising Nawaz Sharif or Zardari.Far from it.
Writting good English with selection of excellent pharases is not the key to our problems.One has to take a start from somewhere.Could be a humble start with some adjustments here and there.Still much better than decades of PML(N) &
PPP disasters."If you have faith…nothing shall be impossible unto you"–Matthews.
And i strongly believe Imran khan has the faith in what he thinks he can achieve.
Even if he fails he will do better than Zardari and Nawaz Sharif.
Shaukat Hayat,Seattle,Washington
A little less than speculation..
Although Mr. Mir’s criticism of Khan holds substance; I honestly think he needs to write more on possible solutions rather than just problems. With due respect, If all his articles start looking identical then soon he will become a target of critics just like Imran Khan. His critique, although correct in many ways, will soon be nothing less than Khan’s rhetoric and/or just mere banter. I do not consider myself a PTI supporter neither do I support any other political party at the moment. You may term me as someone who is equally disdainful of all political parties or just a pessimist. (That is my twisted way of being neutral) Perhaps I am disillusioned with the corruption in my country but that does not mean I am clinging on to PTI as my last hope like most of us are, or as Mir implies in most of his articles,. Also it certainly doesn’t mean that I would say “if you want a better Pakistan; vote for the self styled revolutionary Imran khan. He was the only one who brought back home the World Cup back in the day and so he might bring back the Pakistan Quid envisioned of.”
The above was kind of a disclaimer and now comes the real content. For some Pakistanis, supporting Khan is a protest against a moribund political system. Buoyant youngsters and even some of the elderly see hope in form of Khan’s probity, even though the logic of his strategy to do all the wonderful things that he says he will to promote democracy gets lost in rhetoric and slogans. We must not let our reasoning sway with stories of swords and sorcery rather we should pose tough questions to all the party heads in order to find out if we are supporting another fortress of corrupt practices, and what meaning our vote would hold five years down the road.
Imran Khan is accused of ranting about half-baked ideas and no concrete policy making by Waqqas Mir and many others and maybe rightly so. I will not start listing the things he talks about without any tangible solutions because previous writers have done that at length. But we must bear in mind that the same criticism should be applied to all political parties. Why just Imran khan? At least PTI has a more prescriptive stance on issues like education, civil services reform, etc. The point is that critics should hold all candidates to the same high standards.
Zardari failed to prevent a deteriorating economy and that plunged his poll ratings, and the main opposition challenger, Nawaz Sharif, has failed to take advantage of this misfortune. Then comes the self styled revolutionary Mr. Khan, who is light at the end of the tunnel for many citizens, a knight in shining armor for youngsters out there who probably don’t even understand democracy and who are going to vote for the first time. This has surfaced a few questions that we should ask ourselves and the party leaders: Are political leaders becoming the new puppets of the military establishment when they keep their barbs away from the Military? How do we make sure that these party leaders talk about a “real” strategy and give sound answers? Most importantly, which party supports which solution? Most of them are already replete with examples of folly and that gives us a reason for being reasonably skeptical of whatever they propose.
All I say is that why just PTI? Why not question the leaders in the past and what they propose? When have they come up with plausible solutions? Take a hard look at the government and know that Zardari’s indifference to matters of governance and policy is a big problem but another problem is that even if he were to show interest, he doesn’t really have a team that can rescue the situation.
We should not blame citizens of Pakistan when they want to bank on a new face in form of Imran Khan. I mean look at the situation as a whole and then tell me if they are to be blamed for taking Khan as their last ray of home. I’m not judging if they’re right or wrong but their vulnerability is justified. The preferences come election time will likely be shaped by the actions of three players: Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan.
Zardari is someone that no one trusts. If he wins then a second term is unfamiliar territory and this possibility is viewed with anxiety by many. Another problem is Sharif’s Punjab card and unless he attenuate his rhetoric and makes some solid policy changes, he will be viewed with suspicion.
The safest option among the three is someone who suffers from being a politically unproven entity. Outside a military dispensation, a genuinely electable party and its leadership are a better bet. Khan’s novelty is appealing to many…let it be the “face book” crowd .
We might be putting all our eggs in one basket to play it safe and yes the elections ahead remain dangerously unpredictable.
Read the article…don't agree with majority of it. Its a lopp-sided view on IK….BUT its his view….isn't that what democracy is all about? Should be able to criticise and question one another. It is good to read such articles becuase to me it means that these people CARE about IK/PTI what it stand for. I'm relatively new to this Online paper and as off yet I have not read any articles written about PML-N or PPP by this author…why? Perhaps he does not have respect for them and therefore does not want waste his time.
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