- And why the cult of IK is slowly and steadily withering away
The tsunami turned into a wave and swept across Pakistan last July. The struggling, striving, charismatic lot that stirred the tsunami rode it right into the corridors of power. They promised emancipation, salvation and a good life. People believed them. People, however are fast shedding that belief.
Not even their first year in power, the house of Imran Khan and company is not only in utter chaos but doubts in minds and hearts of their acolytes are turning into beliefs. The rising inflation, the sluggish economy, the media in turmoil, the bureaucracy far from being tamed, the jittery business community, the warring ministers, the doubting coalition partners, the cagey opposition, the disenchanted voters, and an overall pall of uncertainty defines the PTI tenure so far.
Is there a silver lining anywhere? Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Can this nightmare take a twist and become something worth owning and living? Tough questions they are. Those who still believe in the charisma and promises of IK are willing to grant him time and support. Those who hailed from the other side of the fence are busy mocking him for turning Japan and Germany as next door neighbours.
An all-powerful president, they contend, will not only be able to govern with a mighty hand but also won’t be subject to whims and petty ploys of legislators that halt decision making in a parliamentary system
And amidst it all, there is talk of a presidential system as sole panacea to all that ails Pakistani politics, economy, society and even collective psyche of our nation. The true believers behind this latest charade are yelling at top of their voice about the urgency to usher in a presidential system that will address all issues of policy making, implementation and governance. An all-powerful president, they contend, will not only be able to govern with a mighty hand but also won’t be subject to whims and petty ploys of legislators that halt decision making in a parliamentary system. They quote eras of Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf as supreme examples of economic stardom they achieved.
Who stands to gain from it all? And who stands to lose whatever they have amassed should better be left to the intellect and insight of the observers.
Two years back, in these pages I wrote that no matter how big an entity one thinks he or she has become, everyone is one leaked video, one awkward audio clip, and one embarrassing photo away from infamy, disgrace and downright vilification. Embrace, dearest sirs and ma’ams, the world of ‘instantaneous denunciation’ where no one will allow you to get away with anything that is slightly bad, remotely racist, reeks of superiority complex, uttered out of spite, or has potential of going viral or downright stupid. IK is in love of uttering all of the above, at times in a single sentence. Back then it was reelo kaata, this time around it is sahiba for Bilawal Bhutto, most certainly a sahab.
Whatever happened is certainly not the end of IK but maybe it is the beginning of the end. He has braved greater, more vicious storms. Those who adore him will keep on adoring him. Those who love to loathe him will keep on nitpicking and complaining. The already drawn battle lines will get starker in coming days as Khanistas will defend their idol-god from all the fire and brimstone hurled by enemies of their faith.
Yet, the tragedy of Great Men lies not in the hands of fate, circumstances or their foes outwitting them. The fall comes as a result of their wrong decisions, their own unpardonable mistakes and their own mighty blunders. In Imran Khan’s case, his hamartia lies in promising heaven as he raised hell while failing to fulfill the most basic of his promises. The eternally impatient masses he presently governs saw in him a deliverer. What they now witness is a clueless man who knows nothing, speaks much, blames others and still thinks he is on top of a container.
In this land of ours, the reverence and respect is reserved for those who have died. While one is alive, even if he happens to be Imran Khan, the criticism, hatred and spite hunt them. The tragedy called Imran Khan is unraveling right in front of us. The only wait is not about how it will end, but when the curtain falls.
Till then, let us all pray that the screenwriter will change the script this time around.