- It’s time PTI government started delivering
As an opposition leader Imran Khan denounced the PML-N and PPP leadership, accused them of corruption, called them thieves and dacoits, claimed that they pursued dynastic politics and ruled like kings. He maintained that the 2013 general elections were rigged and tried to moblise public against the PML-N government by holding a 126 day long sit-in. He held rallies all over the country, giving calls for lockouts of major cities, threatened to initiate non-cooperation movement calling upon people to refuse to pay their electricity bills. During the months preceding the general elections Imran Khan again held large public meetings making all kinds of unrealistic promises. With the help of his mentors he managed large scale defections from the PML-N. Despite all the negative campaign and underhand manoeuvring, when the election results came the PTI found itself unable to form the government without the support of some of the parties it had mocked in the past. Feeling vulnerable after assuming power, Imran is now haunted by the prospect of the return of the Sharif brothers and Zardari to active politics through an understanding with those who matter.
This explains Imran Khan’s inappropriate harangue at Namal College against his political opponents. One does not expect the Chancellor of a university using his Convocation address for the advancement of his political agenda and partisan views. He expressed full faith in Buzdar’s capabilities, calling him the “best chief minister.” Worse still he made claims that betrayed his ignorance of the country’s history. Ignoring ZAB’s historic role in initiating and leading the movement against Ayub Khan and the enactment of the 1973 consensus constitution that brought parliamentary democracy to the country after coming to power, Imran Khan claimed the PPP founder had been brought to the corridors of power by the military ruler.
Imran Khan’s aggressive posture is copied by other PTI leaders. Their provocative statements are having harmful consequences for the system. Mindless tweets posted by Naeemul Haq have already led to developments that could make the NA dysfunctional. Being the prime minister, Imran Khan needs to act like a statesman and concentrate on delivering instead of weakening the system.