PTI rally in Lahore attracts huge crowds. Courtesy AFP.
The details of PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) agenda of change are, perhaps, the best guarded secret ofPakistan’s murky politics. All we have is at best a vague sketch of social, economic and administrative measures and at worst disjointed and random statements issued by PTI chief Imran Khan, mostly on the go. “Our agenda is the agenda ofPakistan. It is all in the newspapers. Everybody knows what the issues are,” says Dr Arif Alvi, PTI’s secretary general.
While this reliance on newspapers betrays a lack of proper homework on the issues facingPakistan, the solutions PTI suggests reveal at least some degree of populist naiveté. “[Everybody knows] where the solutions are. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” says Alvi. “All we need is [political] will and the [good] intention to fix the problems facing us.”
The PTI, according to him, will strive to makePakistanan Islamic welfare state in accordance with the sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as enunciated in his speech onAugust 11, 1947. It is to be a place where everyone will have equal rights and opportunities regardless of religious or socio-economic standing, he says. “This should give you the broad contours of our programme, our manifesto,” Alvi explains.
The problem is everyone inPakistan, barring a few religious and nationalist parties, swears by Jinnah and turningPakistaninto an Islamic welfare state remains a political mantra except for a few regional parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh. Even more essentially, the state as defined by Jinnah’s speech should have nothing to do with religion but an Islamic welfare state is nothing if it is not religious. How PTI reconciles this theoretical problem and its practical implications, in terms of an equal political and religious treatment of all Pakistanis regardless of their faith, will provide some clue to the party’s political philosophy. Will it ever ask for revoking the clearly discriminatory clauses of the 1973 Constitution which stop non-Muslims from becoming the head of the state or the government? What about the blasphemy laws and Hudood ordinance?
At a mundane level, why is PTI so reluctant to provide details of its programme? “We are not releasing the details because we do not want others to steal our programme, cut it and paste it as their own,” Alvi insists.
While such secrecy and vagueness has so far helped PTI to attract supporters from the opposite ends of political spectrum, the party’s critics and opponents say it shows that Khan as a politician is short on programme and long on political rhetoric. A Punjab-based federal minister of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) says, “Khan wants to do a [Zulfikar Ali] Bhutto on us and on other political parties but without a political ideology to attract voters. He must be kidding.” Wanting to remain anonymous, the minister says Khan’s statements and speeches have impressed him the least. “What he said inLahorewas formless. Let him come up with a published manifesto and we will see how he is different from the rest of us and what he has to offer to different sections of society — businessmen, middle classes, peasants, working classes, minorities, women, etc,” he says.
Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi, a Lahore-based political analyst agrees. “Khan does not have a plan of action,” he says. Even if he has a plan, as he claims he has, it raises the next question. “Does he also have the capacity, human resource and the will to implement what he plans to do?” asks Rizvi.
Khan’s answers to complex economic, political, social and strategic problems seem to come straight from the opinions and editorials pages of newspapers and television talk shows. He wants to makePakistanan energy-surplus and self-reliant economy by exploiting the country’s natural resources. That these natural resources require money, technology and elaborate political, administrative and environmental measures does not seem to matter. For instance, most ofPakistan’s natural gas and coal reserves happen to be in Balochistan and Sindh and after the 18th amendment to the Constitution no federal government can extract and use them without the consent of the provincial governments. Does Khan propose to bypass such constitutional niceties, risking further distrust between the provinces and the centre or will he be willing to take the long and painful route of creating a national consensus on how to extract and use these natural resources for the common good of the country? The devil certainly lies in detail.
Khan says he will force politicians to declare their foreign assets and will bring back 100 billion US dollars they have looted from the people and stashed away in the Swiss banks. The most glaring omission in this is that he fails to mention the money taken abroad by generals, judges, bureaucrats and businessmen. But even if one is willing to overlook that, it will take a suspension of disbelief to accept that Khan will succeed where military dictators – in spite of their totalitarian powers – failed to establish the link between political corruption, Swiss bank deposits and foreign assets.
His solution to the economic problems is both short and simple: “Pakistanloses 3,000 billion rupees annually to corruption and in unpaid taxes; if we succeed in stopping this loss (to the revenue) we can turn the economy around, woo fresh investment and achieve self-reliance,” he told theLahorerally. In an undocumented economy like Pakistan, it is difficult to say if his statistics are authentic but even if they are correct, doing something about them will help Pakistan only balance its budget — something that may be one of the many factors in an economic turnaround but cannot on its own put the economy on the right track. What about current account deficit, foreign loans, international and regional trade and, most importantly, a level playing field and an enabling environment?
Khan’s answer to the last is an end tothanaculture by depoliticising the police and abolishing patwaris by digitising the land records. How he will achieve this acrossPakistanunless he has his party’s government in all the four provinces – both police and land records being provincial subjects – remains unknown. In an indication that he is not a fan of provincial autonomy, he opposes the 18th amendment which he says has concentrated too much power in the hands of the provincial chief executives. As a footnote to his centralising ideology, he talks about local governments without first talking about the devolution of power from the federal to the provincial level. This, again, has been a tried and tested policy of the military governments to avoid addressing the long-pending problems between the provinces and the centre as well as among the provinces.
In his Lahore rally, Khan pledged to remove the sense of alienation among the Baloch but did not say anything on the role of the military and bureaucratic establishment in creating this alienation, just as he did not touch the civil-military relations which lie at the core of many political crises that Pakistan has faced in the recent past.
”Khan is pandering to urban, educated middle-classes inPunjab. He has, therefore, focused on issues like governance and reflected what is close to [the hearts of] his followers,” argues Mohammad Waseem, a professor at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. “He and his party are relying on his personality and his rhetoric againstPPP, PMLN [Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz] and theUnited States,” says the professor.
Some commentators, however, are prepared to cut him some slack for not having firmed up his agenda of change yet. “Khan is just starting and theLahorerally was the first event to establish his credentials as a political force,” says Sajjad Naseer, a political science professor at the Lahore School of Economics. “As he moves forward and his campaign gathers momentum, he will crystallise his agenda,” he reflects.
He agrees with Khan that the real issue inPakistanat the moment is poor governance and corruption but he is dismayed with PTI because its leader is speaking only of political corruption and not of corruption among bureaucratic and other institutions of the state. “Accountability has to be across-the-board. You cannot be selective in accountability,” Naseer argues and then answers his own doubts. “Maybe Khan is not targeting others as a political tactic. Maybe, he will also start talking about institutional corruption when his campaign builds up.”
Ultimately, it is up to PTI and its leader to decide if he wants to end ambiguity and uncertainty about his political programme. The onus is on Khan to prove that he is different and possesses what it takes to bring about real change, says thePPPminister. For the time being, PTI may prefer to remain non-committal on the core issues facingPakistanso as to avoid alienating potential supporters.
You don’t need to a genius to know what the problems of Pakistan are. The solutions to the problems isn’t rocket science. What Pakistan needs is good management, honest leadership and people with credibility and integrity in charge. If you have these things in place, it would be easier to tackle security, social and economic issues.
No party which is out of government, should ever get involved in committing to knitty gritty of their policies. In opposition, a party only has to critique the policies of the incumbent government. It is when a party wins an election, you have to explain and implement your plans in detail. This is how politics works in the West and elsewhere.
PML(s) and PPP don’t have any manifesto, if they have then it is rendered meaningless by their actions in government.
PTI should campaign on corruption, injustice and inequality in politics and society. Given the track record and current performance of PML and PPP, PTI should have plenty of that to highlight.
When there’s a will there’s a way. Unfortunately for Pakistan, both the military and civilian leadership never had the will to work towards the progress of the cliched common man. All that is required from IK is a will of steel and that he has, proven time and again. May God bless him for whatever he has achieved till date for Pak and provide him success for all future endeavors. Amen.
”Real Politics” usually needs only empty rhetoric; US president Obama win his presidency only on an empty slogan of change, he never mentioned exact details of change during his long compains and subsequent election as US president. So we in Pakistan are most probably going to see a repeat of the same, ”Empty Change”
As a nation we love to criticize but very have better solution. By chance if someone give some good option we try our best to reject his/her solution instead to rectify it or modified to make more appropriate. If we make fair comparison of our current politicians and will unanimously found Imran khan the best possible option. For instance on the honesty wise, patriotic wise, academic wise and will to achieve some very unrealistic targets then you will have to say there is only one person that is Imran Khan. Let give him good suggestions and better option to tackle the prevailing problems.
Till October 31 2011 Mr. Khan was a person different from the other politicians, but after influx of trialed and tested politicians the things have changed. Now it appears that Mr. Khan has lost passion to change the society. Rather he himself has changed to grab power as soon as possible.
well said!!
The answer lies in Secularism. full stop…… religion should be completely a private matter and all public display of religion should be banned.
You mean that people should vote for Imran and then hope he delivers the goods?
This is too simplistic. The root problems are over population, lack of educational facilities, too much blind faith in anything that is put in religious terms and utter lack of tolerance.
Imran says nothing of these problems.
We are passing through a phase that can mould us into a nation. If this phase is interrupted by extra constitutional means, then we can only be in for mor misries.
With all due respect Mr. Khadim,
You seem to have taken the article as against PTI which I did not find it to be. Its a fair suggestion to bring out a concrete political plan because as for the educated class, failures have reasons not excuses (as given by all political parties). If for once PTI loses this educated support, it is doomed forever. Writer is just trying to save PTI of it.
Secondly, I think you have not tasted the real politics going in Pakistan, I mean the sociopolitical divide Pakistan is in. Taste it and you will find it much more complex and complicated then “Rocket Science”, where there are only secrets which can be discovered, but no stubbornness like here.
Moreover, no doubt en-cashing opponent’s weaknesses is prudent politics but one has to be wise in choosing the weaker points. And PTI should not forget that majority in Pakistani politics is the like of “Mir Jafars” and “Mir Sadiq’s”. Accusing other of treading the path with eyes shut and falling in the same pit is only …..
Changing the culture of corruption when you are ready to accept those tried and tested (Corrupt) politicians in your party while remain optimistic about change is a very toll order even to imagine. Yes social and political change is difficult then rocket science, that’s why it is social sciences and not natural (rocket) science.
I totally second your thoughts
I agree with the openion that Imran so far has not been able to show how he is different and does he have the required capacity to bring about a change.
He so far has indulge in only blame game on two main political steams. I have not seen him talk about establishment and judiciary curruption. As a matter of fact they are more currupt then the so called politicians.
In my openion Imran is not Mr. Clean as some are trying to portray neither he has the charisma like Jinnah or Bhutto.
Imran khan is honest, and having good credibility. the is tha main thing which we need for our pm or president to have. a person with these qualities. all the other problem will be abolished. imran khan will must bring changes to system if he just bring justice in our system. so that why we are with him.
best luck imran khan
well.. now at least the readers know about problems that exist. The very fact that every other writer is talking about Khan’s agenda says a lot about the hope we all have from Khan’s political stunt. Members of PTI (current and the new comers) are all human and not perfect. People say Khan is inducting the same faces who failed to deliver earlier but i think the difference is “The Air of Positivity”. Team PTI is lead by a captain who seems clear on thoughts and ideas to solution. Under his captaincy, all these faces from past and present will hopefully be tuned to the same positive air.
Concluding: we all should think through the importance of our vote and cast it after a very careful examination of the agenda, the candidates, the hope, the will and above all the SELF.
Voting is the most important aspect of a democracy. You start with rejecting those who tell lies and accumulate wealth by unfair means. You are more than half way to solving problems. Any body who is willing to stand with Mr. Imran Khan need to declare his/her assets makes the difference. There are lots to be put right, if Imran Khan does only one thing out of the lot and does not loot the treasury that should be enough service to the country.
i dont get it. 95% of us believe that no political party has ever delivered, army is not acceptable to us either; then we critisize just for the sake of it the only option which is better then the earlier mentioned options. what do you guys want? Anarchy?
To be honest, EVERYTHING is wrong with Pakistan. There is corruption everywhere, in every corner and every institution in this country. What should Imran Khan do? He is focusing on the major issues and we’re all well aware that somethings are better left unsaid.
Change has to come in gradually, and I agree with Dr. Arif Alvi that the only thing Pakistan needs is a sincere, upright and honest leadership. Atleast the message would be sent across that our leadership is clean and gradually, hopefully this would drain down to the grassroots.
Also – while critisising PTI, which has never been in power, and rightly boycotted the 2008 elections on principle, the authors should provide a viable alternative. If not PTI then who? We need to change the way politics runs in this country. A lot of third and four powers are required and PML (N) and PPP should be liquidated from the monopoly positions they’ve enjoyed for decades.
My advise to Dr. Alvi is to go and read jinnah speech of August 11, 1947. where does jinnah say that pakistan will be Islamic welfare state. Every politician since the death of jinnah has lied to the nation about jinnah and his vision of Pakistan.
Biggest difference, leaders credibility and very important the past regarding achievements but not the least he never hold public office.
I agree with Khadim Ali and would like to add that PTI has given a vision with which no one can dispute. Supremacy of Justice, Good governance at all levels, Integrity of leadership etc. And unlike previous regimes, Khan states that he will involve specialists at every level to forge a best way forward out of this mess and closer to the vision.
Previous regimes suggested a solutions based on one man agenda’s without proper consultations and thus miserably failed. ZA Bhutto suggested nationalisation, Sharif went the opposite direction. In each case working on their personal preferences rather than sound and informed advice.
I think that’s why Imran is refraining from minute details and I think its very positive. Punjab’s CM Shabaz sharif’s Laptop scheme is another classic example of wasting money with no eye on the vision or the future.
There is no doubt that the questions pointed out in your article will have to be faced when it comes to the actual task of running a country. There, however, is no country in the world where political parties come in power with an all inclusive comprehensive agenda. Even in the best shining examples of democracy there is a general conceptual framework and some salient pointer which try to determine the policy of that particular government. The situation in Pakistan is so bad that people have come to accept the corruption of politicians as sort of ‘normal’. That is the sad. After a lifetime of thinking otherwise, I have come to the conclusion that at the very top we should put honesty before ability. An honest man at the top, hopefully, will be able to hire capable people. Dishonest men at the top just bring in more crooks. We have seen that time and again.
Let me just ask you a simple question if we dont support PTI, who should we support, do we have any alternative? You people want us to trust PPP, PMLN again? Why should we try them again.. as they were given 3 chances each and they have shown their incapability to lead this unfortunate nation. Why should I put my hopes on someone who have proven to be failures. I would rather bet on the one where there is a chance of success. May be IK won’t deliver what he promises but its “MAY BE”. Who Knows?
Dear all this country a leader to motivate our inner capabilities and boost the image of our country around the world, at this point in time we are almost isolated in the world, we need a leader with the ability to convince the international community about our image, bring the investor, gain the confidence of different stake holder of our society.
For this if you compare Imran khan with Zardari and Nawaz,,,, the difference is there….
I think currently he is moving into the right direction in the form of enabling an environment that could give him people from all around the country, and right now during speeches and talk shows on the local and internal arena whatever he has defined in the form of Pakistan issues are absolutely real issues of the country like he has always raised the issue for strengthening the institutions, similarly he has also highlighted the role of Election Commission in arranging a free and fair election in the country which is also one of the institution, he has also taken very firm stand towards the tax collection and for showing assets by all the stakeholders so overall, i think his mind is clear in terms of accountability across the board irrespective of any institution influence and weight like military and judiciary and he will definitely not consider these heavyweights beyond accountability but rather his approach will be to address those challenges first where his critics has any biases towards his leadership skills due to any link or relationship and in my opinion right from here he should seriously consider those articles and opinions which are highly critical against his movement because these critics give him a real opportunity for learning and erection before coming into the power corridors.
Currently his focus on adding like-minded people in the party who could make a political association with him on a long term basis in order to save Pakistan more than any other agenda and if majority of the people in his party comes with this spirit which he has to serve the nation and country then, i think he can make a big difference in the political and democratic history of the country whose long lasting effects will be shared by the coming generations of the Pakistan in the form of prosperity and peace and which is a dream of every Pakistani.
Good analysis. But we need to see what other alternatives we have in the present scenario. Zardari, Nawaz, Maulana or may be a military ruler? The problem with we so-called educated citizens is that we start criticizing at once. I don’t support Khan because of cricketing abilities or his still good looks but because of his work which I can see in the form of excellent Hospital and a brilliant university. Now you are going to say Edhi has done more work than Khan in this regard but we should keep in mind if here we should not compare oranges with mangos.
This articles highlights the ambiguity of PTI’s plan for change. However it does not prove that PTI does not have a plan. On the other hand we do known for sure that the tried and failed parties do not have the will to implement any plan at all. So even if PTI fails as well, it wont make any difference. At least we will be able to say that we as a nation have failed by trying something different this time. Therefore seeing past track record of Imran khan I will most certainly like to see him in power for once, and then I will decide (after experiment), if I want to see him again in power. In all experiments there is always a chance of failure. Those who are losers will stop new experimentation in fear of failure, or are too stupid to carry on the same failed experiment twice. Neither I am coward, nor stupid
leghari, tareen, bosan, makhdoom
show me the difference :s
the difference lies in the leadership.A brave general makes an army invincible…a coward general turns an army of braves into sissies.
Yes, the KEY word here is BRAVE… This guy is scared to even oppose the local Taliban…” because he does not want to be like Salman Taseer ” … what a chicken… and who is to say that he wont end up like TIPU SULTAN … betrayed… that seems to be the more likely outcome… look at what happened to Musharraf … I JUST HOPE I AM WRONG ….
That is exactly a problem. People fail to differentiate between a political party and army. Army runs on the idea of discipline where general’s order no matter how correct or wrong it is should be obeyed beyond question. On the other hand, people in political parties held together through common interest they share. If the people in PTI have more corrupt politician their interest will going to affect the decision the party will take in future. Remember, right now, before election Imran Khan is the leader of its party and sole authority, after the election, his MPA and MNA will be the power house and hold the bargain value. In some way Imran will be hostage of his party, if comes in power through these corrupt leaders.
Very well said my friend.
Your metaphor is dead where it stands. Most armies that have been defeated/wiped out were headed by brave leadership. Brave doesn’t equal competent.
Very true saying
Well Nasir Jamal the grapes are sour, what is your contribution to the problem and your solution. Let me guess just keep the status quo so that people like you will advocate corrupt parties like PPP and PML-N form dynasties of corruption. We know what the problems are and we know what the solutions are,what we lack is the political will to kill the monster. Its people like you that kiss ass and make a living doing it. Give someone new a chance,if PTI becomes a part of the problem, move on and try someone new not the old
Very well said. I am proud that we have intelligent people like you masha’a Allah who understand and recognize people like Mr. Nasir. I am tired of the corrupt leaders and their pawn supporters.
Dear Mr. Malik,
who are the people joining PTI now are they not part of the same corrupted system, by welcoming them with open arms what does it says about Mr. IK
Agree with malik’s comments.what plans N league or any other party have to run the country?all the systems and laws are in place just need a honest and corruption free leadership to implement them.if the leadership is corrupt it corrupts whole society thats what has happend to Pakistan in last 64 years .will and courage to improve the governance is what Imran possess and with the help of Almighty Allah I am sure he is better than any in Pakistani political horizon.I am an old insafian and very pleased with the growth of my pti.you have to be the part of the system to improve the system ie if you don’t get into power you can never do it .sir Imran khan zindabad paindabad.love Pakistan
Slow down boy!… What the author has written is pretty straight forward and is a requirement of the democratic process; to question the validity of agenda!… Supporting PTI does not mean turning a blind eye to whatever they do. I hope Imran comes in power but we will always have to be vigilant of any deviation from the platform of change…So we need to know in clear terms what the priorities will be, because just tackling corruption will not change everything.
NASA does not design the spacecraft to the nut and bolt detail and then outline their space program. You got to have main top level agenda as to where you should be heading to. Pakistan only needs a just and honest government, everything else false in place itself and that should be enough if Imran is committing to these principles.
Real issues in Pakistan is lack of justice, honesty, integrity and will to implement the law. We are looking towards PTI because we are fed up of PPP and PML-N. People needs to wake up against these dinasties. The kids of these parties gets the birth right to lead the nation. I am sure 100% that Imran Khan’s kids will not join the party and will be the next leader of PTI. I see only one man worthy to be leader of Pakistan at this time. Imran is not perfect but far more honest than Nawaz and Zardari and willing to make an effort to bring change in Pakistan. As compared to this, PPP and PML-N are status quo and they are not even willing to do something for the country.
If I were in your shoes, I would remove your shoes, and wear Imran Khan;’s shoes to understand this problem. At a stage when he is just gathering people to let him work for the country, it is too early to describe his plans. I remember, when Quaide Azam was asked that how it would be possible economically to run Pakistan, he said. That would be our business. Don’t worr5y about that. He never replied. Imran Khan is in the same position while dealing with millions and millions of uneducated people. It would be committing suicide to explain what he would do. It would be almost impossible to explain at this stage.
Though it is not easy to solve all the issue at once but the biggest problem at this time is mismanagement and lack of leadership. India has produced some fine names in form of Manmohan Singh, Narsimarao, Wajpai and so on and so forth. Pakistan has corruption at the highest level. If Imran Khan can provide us 0.01 % of good leadership, at the helm of affair, then I think the job is done. He has some known professionals at high level in his party. There is no point in trying the old guards. For now, PTI has created strong competition that is vital to get out of aristocracy. PTI plan for local government, election for SHO, education curriculum same for all and justice for all are not rocket science. All it require is willing hearth and people of principles. Pakistan Zindabad.
So you want the mistake of Quad-i-Azam be repeated!
You are absolutely right, Ata. Imran doesn’t need to take millions of uneducated Pakistanis into confidence regarding his political agenda.But the least he can do, is to inform educated people like yourself about his plan of action.
Perhaps it is this ambiguity by the Quaid that has left 60 year of clueless governance in Pakistan?
I beg to differ with you sir, you said its bit too early to describe his plans. Really? We are not playing hide n seek here now or are we. He should tell the public what he can do n where exactly will he start. What he says of what needs to be changed we all know, but as a leader of a party n with majority of the people’s hopes pinned on you, you can’t keep the agenda hidden for so long. N it would be well enough if we stop comparing his actions with Quaid – That time was different – We are aware of the problems of Pakistan, Imran Khan needs to step ahead of that n start giving ‘ rational and logical ‘ solutions to everything n if he can’t then he should stop giving such blunder remarks.
You will see the difference when he wins the next election (InshAllah). I could’nt agree more to Mr. Kadim Ali’s comment above, that the details of any political party’s agenda (even in the west) are worked out if and when they win the elections. Imran Khan has repeatedly said himself that his party’s popularity has grown primarily due to the bad governance and mismanagement of PPP & PML(N). So, if the man say’s he can change the outlook of Pakistan and backs it with an agenda (which is short on details according to you), we should atleast give him a chance.
The article sounds more like “giving up on changing Pakistan”, as it raises questions like how can PTI reduce/eliminate corruption, enforce taxes and change government institutions, where other’s have failed. My friend, failing is not an option. Imran Khan has atleast shown us a roadmap. His party will also come up with the details, when the time comes.
Just by saying that everyone knows what the problems are and that we will fix all problems when we come into power is not enough. Talking about good governance, when an organization brings about a change in management, they seek out leaders with proven track records on turning around poorly performing organizations.
The challenge here is that PTI gives a lot of rhetoric without laying out in detail the solutions to the major problems. In addition the leadership of PTI is sparse and does not have proven track records of successful change management.
I have read a number of such serious, well argued critical analysis of Imran’s policies/ politics etc. making Imran look like a simpleton or a dictator or a whimsical idiot. On the fcae of it this is mature journalism. But I wonder why such serious/ objective criticism has never been wasted on any other politician in the history of Pakistan? At a press conference marking Benazir’s first 100 days in office, when asked about issues such as affordable housing provision – her reply was always along these lines: we have just got into office – I will constitute a committee to look into the issue and then we will do something. The point is – she was in office already without ever giving up the “secret” for change. And here you fuss over Imran’s lack of clarity already! Was the ‘roti kapra makaan’ slogan good enough manifesto that lasted the father, the daughter, the son-in-law and (perhaps in future) the grandson with a two-part family name?
How can a country progress when it elects leaders on cult personality rather than policies or manifestos? How will democracy flourish if this is our attitude? Supporters of PTI, demand a manifesto from your leaders before the election, and if elected make them commit to their promises in the manifesto. Make PTI earn your vote. Or else you will be no different than the PPP jiyalas.
Mr. Jamal,
Justice, honesty and accountability are the characteristics that tend to have the trickle down or permeating effect from the top. If you are corrupt, you tend to surround yourself with corrupt and unjust individuals. The reverse is true as well; the honest folks tend to be in the company of other honest, just and accountable people. In addition, a president or a leader whether a Pakistani, Indian or US for that matter is not supposed to be an expert in all matters.Policies are eventually implemented by the bureaucracy, however, trendsetting is done by the leaders. If a minister or a CSP officer knows that he or she will be fired for committing corruption, they will think a few times before proceeding. Pakistani nation needs to move away from the “traditional’ dynastic and feudal politics of old.
M. Mirza,DPM, PhD
USA
Amazing naivete from the PTI groupies! If Khan is just beginning, then what was he doing during the 15 years since the establishment of his party, if not making plans? Be his supporters, but don’t skirt reality by being belligerent in your responses to genuine questions all right minded people are asking.
There is still time for PPP to do something good. My recommendation would be that you advise those that are running the country to do something good before election time. Stop promoting heirs to the throne and start doing something meaningful.
Good writing and genuine questions. I completely agree with Nasir Jamal. If it is just the matter of administration then, with the same old faces how on earth PTI is going to do anything.
They have the right slogan but, can slogan alone bring any change? That is a million dollar question.
Imran Khan is the new face of status-quo moving with the same turncoat feudal politicians as the array of people who has been accepted in his fold demonstrates. Not revealing the manifesto and harping on rhetorics is a ploy to cheat the people with the team of people belonging to the same club of power, which he has been criticising for the last 15 years.
If he is really to be the harbinger of change, then the most rudimentary change which will bring the long term change to set off the process, Imran Khan must declare the following:-
1) PTI will abolish feudalism as soon as it is voted to power
2) Impose agricultural income tax across the Board.
3) Abolish quota system in jobs.
4) All appointments in jobs shall be made purely on merits and according to prescribed procedures and not as a matter of patronage.
Any declaration short of the above basic reforms will expose the dubious character of Imran Khan as the issues of change and goverance are different from winning the World Cup.
We are all hoping that wikileaks to reveal all names and details of those who have amassed wealth oversas. Then PTI and Imran Khan will be tested on how he goes about working within the legal system and bringing the looted wealth back.
Nice comprehensive article. I would like to see the plan too. Fact is there is none.
What are the targets of first 100 days and the first year? Spell it out for the rest of us please.
The author raises some excellent points on how is it even possible to make the desirable changes, given the current laws and segregation of provincial and central authority.
It would be beneficial to know what are the means to attain the so ‘obvious’ solutions.
Our fundamental problems are lawlessness, corruption and LACK OF GOVERNANCE. These three are pre-requisite of development any where in the world. If IKs agenda is to tackle these three issues then I am with him. Only a fool can think that the day Imran comes into power Pakistan will be a paradise. The wheel is moving in wrong direction. If he can even stop it..lets not talk about reversing it…Pakistan will be in much better shape. Rest of every thing that author brings up all are secondary issues and point towards typical thought process of asking things to happen overnight. I dont blame the writer for this as 90% of us are used to adhoc fixes. And as side note can author elborate on the agenda of any other parties like PML-N, PPP, ANP, MQM?????????
well, you cant explain details to the huge crowd they will get bored,and most of us don’t even want to listen to the detail. we just want a shortcut solution to our problems.
“We are not releasing the details because we do not want others to steal our programme, cut it and paste it as their own,” Alvi insists”.
The military dictators couldn’t end corruption because they were either corrupt themselves or protected the corrupt. eg Gen Musharaf. All this idiot general had to do was free the NAB to go after ALL corrupt people thats it JOB DONE!!! Pakistan needs a Presidential system of Government with a directly elected president, directly elected Technocratic Senate and National Assembly whose members should have previous public services record. The President to be answerable to the senate and NA and his cabinet to be made up of NON Parliamentary members.Presidents having NO powers of appointment but only the power to NOMINATE and the senate to confirm these nominees. Senate and Presidents nominee decisions to be fully justiciable before the Full SC bench. JOB DONE PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!
Also the NA to have the job of legislating. In this way the president is not blackmailed by every two bit politician and will be free to build up his cabinet of capable people to run govt departments. President can also legislate via presidential bill being approved by the SENATE only. NA bills to be passed by NA and the Senate and subject to Presidential approval or Veto. Presidential Veto can be overturned by 2/3 majority of BOTH Senate and NA in Joint Sitting.!!!!! Hows that for accountable and good governance. President having no power of appointment in any institution will simply depoliticise every institution JOB DONE! Simple!!!!
What Pakistan needs most of all is an honest, diligent leader with a fervent desire to serve the country first and foremost above all personal interests. Amongst the political leaders today, Imran fills that description best.
Patriotic Pakistanis have for 60 years yearned for that quality of leadership and hence the belief, that he and a hand-picked honest and diligent team will act in the best interst of Pakistan and not their own personal self-interest.
To serve honestly, with dedication, intelligence and to harness the energy of the talented people is the agenda of Imran Khan . In my meeting with him at Houston, TX, I saw honesty in his eyes.
The problem with Pakistan and most Muslim majority countries is one of hypocrisy. Wherever Muslim’s are in a minority the are the champions of secularism and democratic principles of equal opportunity. However, the moment they are in majority they start advocating “Islamic republics” and a shariah based rule of law where people of other faiths need to lead a life as “dhimmi” since that is what is prescribed by shariah.
Till the time the muslim majority countries and people such as this author do not drive this change , we will always have a deficit of trust.
This nicely written piece puts forth some very legitimate questions concerning PTI’s manifesto which is ambigious at best and mere political rhetoric at its worst. Let’s hope that PTI’s well guarded secret manifesto doesn’t turn out to be “oh my God, we don’t have a clue!” because that would be really disastrous at the stage Pakistan is in.
Can we actually stop criticizing someone who has the courage to get out of the drawing rooms and draw people out? The easiest thing to do is critique someone as it takes to move just one muscle, the tongue.
Present an agenda yourself, be a harbinger of change, explain to masses especially the farmers who work 365 days of a year in the fields (they represent half of your population and most of the votes that get casted), be it hail storm or a dry sunny day and bring a change or believe in the sharifs and Bhuttos who have the “agenda” to solve this country’s problems and got more than one opportunity to change and they did change their ow fortunes. If you do not believe then please talk to swiss private bankers.
The choice is yours…
Imran Khan is the solution to all the problems we (as a nation) are facing these days. We are a country full of resources with corrupt management (be it PPP or PMLN). All we need is honest and dedicated management who does not need to re-invent any thing, just manage properly.
I do agree. Imran has no plan of action. Sense of execution aside, he does not even have plans. I admire him as the greatest cricketer Pakistan ever produced but his change mantra is no different than the Obama’s change mantra. In the end, Obama was not able to deliver because talking change does not solve anything. I would like to know how would Imran solve unemployment, power shortage, institution building and security issues. He has only expressed vaguely how he would fix all this. Zardari and Sharifs are the two sides of the same coin and Imran is just trying to replace one face of that coin.
The leadership of PTI is well aware of the “very free press” which we have in Pakistan. All sorts of political analysts will be on the talk shows, disecting PTI’s program.
The recent rumour mongering about Pakistan’s President would force even the angels to play it safe in this Pak Land.
MAV
Sweden
It is very easy to point figure on Imran Khan by people like write. Why don’t you put yourself in Imran Khan shoes and try to bring ideas…only then you will realize the problem. It is easy for you to talk rather then do a practical work.
Imran Khan has done enough in his life which no other politician can ever do..1. Strong cricket team with world cup 2. Shaukat Khanum…a institute where Imran Khan is not needed 3. Namal college…going to be knowledge city
I can tell you from my experience that only ONE right person (HONEST with ABILITY to do things) in each department is needed. Result you will see all railway, PIA , Steel Mill ….all others will be in BIG profit soon.
Good luck , PTI and Imran Khan
It’s only the parasites and hangers on who support the existing status quo!!
I assume you are happy and therefore are defending the existing parties and fall into that category.
The difference is some one cares to tackle core values and bring some self respect to the nation, through corrupt clowns Pakistan is on the verge of losing it’s sovereignty. It’s already lost all self respect in the eyes of the world!!
Democracy is like a carcass to these vulture who swoop in to consume the haraam and flee when nothing is left. Democracy also requires respect.
Now, picking issues in a situation, speech, and agenda is one of the easiest and laziest thing to do, whether you’re an academic, writer, politician, or a consultant. I’ve been a strategy consultant with an elite consulting firm (BCG) for four years, and analysis like this piece above will find their way to the trash bin in the first few minutes.
You can give anyone some of the most successful political manifestos, speeches from some of the most successful people and ask them to nitpick on them, it’ll only take a few minutes.
Yes, the problems are known, to a great extent, the solutions are not complex either, whats been missing is the implementation, the will, and desire to fix things.
People are not looking for IK or his party to come up with novel ideas to resolve the issues, but rather the will to resolve them.
The manifestos for all parties are more or less the same, as they’ve always been the same. The past performance of PPP, PML, and the Khakis should not be a mystery to anyone. I’m not since you don’t support the PTI, you must support either PPP, PML, or the Khakis, which is perfectly fine in a democracy. The sad part to this is, you’re satisfied with the way things have been handled in the past, and you must be happy with where the country stands.
Fair enough to ask Imran for the detail but I have not seen the detail plan from any other political party either. Why are we singling out Imran here? Even Mr. Obama’s famous line “Change you can believe in” had no detail plan. Even if Imran to release his economic plan, do you think the masses have the required technical understanding to digest it? I doubt it. If the detail is merely needed for few journalists and analysts than its not needed.
People of Pakistan have been very easily sold on the idea that ‘good leadership will solve the problems of Pakistan’. This statement is far away from the truth.
If leadership brings with them entirely different political system (ie Islamic Khilafah) only then we are allowed to support them. Political parties based on secularism, democracy(man-made ruling), socialism or nationalism are explicitly forbidden in Islam. Supporting them is tantamount to supporting prostitution and gambling. The Qur’an explains:
“Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and don’t cooperate in sin and transgression. [TMQ Al-Ma’idah: 2]
In other words, if the ‘objective’ and ‘method’ employed by the political party is based on Islam then we should support them otherwise we shooting oursevles in the foot and we only have ourselves to blame!
Now as of today Imran Khan has gathered the most influential fuedals in his party so please don’t waste your vote on the same old people it’s time to start the struggle as in Arab spring nothing else would do
Mr. Agha Ata, very well said. I along with millions of other PTI revolutionists agree with you 100%.
What Imran Khan is doing, is atleast trying to highlight what are politician have done. If he starts describing what is the balance sheet is and how he will get the economy in the right direction. At least 70-80% of our population will not understand what he is talking about.
Our people are still naieve and let them at least find a new face rather then tested and failed people. These people have not given us anything. Imran atleast has delivered things which every Pakistan is proud of.
Respected Jamal,
To some extent i have to agree with you that PTI hasn’t properly pin points the problems but mostly they are understood to the people within pakistan not to the overseas pakistanis. i guess that gap has also been filled by the vibrant pakistani media.
People like tareen, leghari and bosan joining PTI has hurt lots of its youth fans. but we have to be realistic in the approach. do you believe someone will vote me as a youngerster as a slogan of change? it may be helpful in urban areas but not in rural areas. so one has to understand the situation and then take decisions. I am not that much of PTI Fan but at least we have to give chance to someone new. not to the ones that already been tested and you can see what they have done. where we are now!. so lets give him a chance and if he hurt us then it would be the worst scenario in Pakitan’s history. My believe is this country would survive under PTI govt, because the leader is itself nor corrupt neither he would give chance to any that would let other to corrupt under his umbrella.
Thanks for nice article though.
Thanks to the enthusiasm created by Imran Khan and PTI, the youth refused to vote along ethnic lines. For the first time we will vote as Pakistanis. This is not to be feared but EMBRACED.
Change is honesty and non-corruption. Commitment.
I am a firm believer that if yo have choice between honesty and competence, my preference will be honest person with less competency rather dishonest with more competency.
PIA, Railways, Steel Mill, WAPDA etc., there was no lack of competent people but corruption, dishonesty.
Some so called intellectuals thinks that criticism will raise their intellectual credibility.
Imran has been pointing to the problems which even a common man on the street knows fully. Corruption has been the core issue and it is affecting every stratum of our society. But the matter is what kind of corruption Imran is talking about ? If he considers the corruption by politicians as corruption, then it is not more than 1% of the total corruption. So what about the rest? To even identify the rest, will need a life time. It would certainly require more than a single term as a prime minister. We do know that PTI rely on Imran’s personality and we have no idea about his team which will take care of the country, in case PTI wins the coming election. It always worries me. Though I will still vote for him and we should give him a chance to see if he will be an agent of change? I humbly suggest to Mr.Khan to at least let the people know who will be on his team to lead the country. At the very least, who will be his finance and education ministers, could increase the confidence of people like me by many folds.
Imran should lead by example. I love him when he talks of one education system in the country and hope to God he would bring and enroll his two sons in a Government School before the dawn of the next morning. I am, howevering, wondering which tribesmen Imran wants to talk to: the multitudes who have been forced to live as IDPs or those few who have rendered those multitudes as IDPs?
Imran Khan does not have a magic stick to resolve the miseries of this country even, if he wins the elections, but one thing he has, and which attracts people towards him,a strong character and a clean record. He has the required leadership qualities,truly reflected in his previous assignments- see for example Shukat Khanum and Namal college. The problems of Pakistan are not unique,every country has those. Is US free of economic problems, are China and India free of secessionist problems like we have in Balochistan? And these problems do not require heavenly programmes to get solved – or as some one rightly said,rocket science. Programm do not makes difference but the will to implement programme definitely does. Imran Khan’s programme might not be very different,but his will definitely is- at least his past reflects so. I recall Quaid speaking to Pushtun gathering, in English, and a non English comprehending elderly nodding in affirmation with his eyes wet, and admitting that though he did not understand what Jinnah said but he believed what ever he said was right. There are many- but they are less than what those in past and in coming days likey to furhter reduce.
A well balanced article. Vigorous and total change is never easy. Specially for a country like Pakistan, the problems are massive and the solutions non existent. If a dozen politicians come asking for my vote, my responsibility is to select the person who has genuine visible contributions to the country. Among the present lot, the choice is very easy. Pick the sea of sameness (the PPPs, PMLs, MQMs, ANPs etc) and continue with the loot and plunder which has been a norm for the country, or look for a change within the PTI spectrum, which may not be perfect, but can at least start the process.
Change in leadership is what we want and that will put Pakistan in the right direction. PTI with Imran Khan is the right combination………..
Elect me to see the difference..
At least Imran Khan has a plan to end corruption, collect taxes, bring a positive change whereas the other political parties continue to maintain status quo. The country had been at their disposal for last 62 years and what have they achieved – a failed state and a dead economy! IK has delivered what he promised, Cricket and Cancer Reasearch Hospital. He sets difficult targets for him and his team and ends up achieving them without any one raising a finger that he erred, failed or swindled the funds. We must give him a fair chance. If he makes mistakes in governance, they will be acceptable as honest mistakes. Good luck IK and PTI.
Running a country is not a joke and country like Pakistan which is totally poluted by all forms of corruption having hostile enimies on the borders is’nt it is a ngiht mare for those who wanted to rule it with honesty. Yes indeed it is. Finding solutions for white collar crimes is a hard tasks which requires skills both at adminstrative level as well as at legeslative level. A person who dont have solution for problem but have determination to implement solution to overcome the problem, a kind of leadership is required. In current situation think of all leaders available and what choice we have. Every one can point a problem a defficieny but very few are problem solving. I agree with all the problems that PTI has and almost every political party has, but now it is time to come with problem solutions and it is the task of every intellectual to come forward with solutions. This is required to bring back the money, to halt corruption and relief for our poor country men. The media should ask question form intellectuals, legislators, beuracrates both military and civiland civil society at how we can stop corruption in thier respective fields. Regarding Blashphemy law and non muslim becoming head of state will take time untill society is educated enough to understand the complex global environment.
How many hospital have you made and how many universities have you built in Pakistan. Have you done anything positive for Pakistan other than support corrupt politicians in your life. Please let us know.
Well, I didn’t have to read the whole of the article as the first few lines were more than enough to tell what’s going to follow. With due respect, nothing thought provoking or new has been offered as the same stuff is being repeated in the media day & night by those who can neither matter & nor will they let go.
I see Mr. Imran Khan as one who has tried to matter and make a difference and I respect him for this. I am not any sort of an activist, but I’ll support him in his efforts & I pray that this might be the beginning a prosperous Pakistan as envisaged by our elders.
I am not expecting angels to come and show us the way, but sure do want the devils to go home now. I see Mr. Imran as a human being who can err. I don’t expect him and his party to be perfect as the capacity to err is indeed what has placed the man higher than angels. So I wish him luck.
I don’t think any party other than PTI has given any agenda or priorities. Perhaps those who “Don’t see the difference” have some other alternatives in sight!
We need to wake up to the reality. The election has to be contested in Pakistan and with its people.
Assalamoalaikom! Dear All
First of all Pakistan need a true leader and capable managment, and we believe Imran khan is the one who have the capabilites to do this.
and regarding yours opinion against khan is……..
how about if there are three candidates two of them are truly thieves and currupt and every body knows that, they are not honest becuse many times they got this opportunity, let say Khan is also a thieve but no one prove it till now, so what is the problem if we give a chance to a person who want changelike Khan and whay again we are chasing and expecting something good from ppp & pml N.
Main problems of Pakistan are corruption and inequality. Although there might be corrupt people in Imran Khan’s team but whenever a person at the top is honest and he has nothing to hide then it becomes difficult for the people at the bottom to be corrupt. It is not possible to eradicate corruption 100% from a society but at least he has taken an initiative. Other parties are only busy in plundering this country. It’s not only his job to save Pakistan. We all should pray for him and work with him to accomplish his mission.
4 replies. All in favour of PTI. It shows public opinion. Although I am outside Pakistan but always praying for the well being of my country. I also feel that we have some ray of hope with PTI. Atleast this guy has some achievements and if you try to compare him with the top leadership of either PML (N) or PPP there is nothing to compare.
They have told a number of times that their agenda is to have a corruption free government.
We still have everything. All we need is leaders who believe in this country more than their foreign accounts.
Dear guys,
All of you must agree on one point at least we share the common goal i.e betterment of our very own country. In a country where there is most of the things are document less and corruption is residing in our bones, political and personal gains are important than societal gains on a whole. People are dying of hunger, taxes, misery. So, if anyone has come up with a will to blow the wind of change then instead of criticizing him we should support him and help him in reaching towards our commonly shared goal i.e betterment of our country.
If you want to question people here, then every single person is questionable and see in our 60 years history what we got so far? Same political parties and military dictators that brought us shame, poverty and slavery of developed countries.
So, instead of doubting people that whether he can achieve his goal or not we should stand by his side if we are sincere to our country. Britishers and Indians hadn’t thought for a while Jinnah will be able to bring Muslims on a same page one day until we were blessed with our separate nation.
So, for the sake of reinstating our country’s stake and honor, support every one who wants something better for it. Don’t argue for the sake of arguments as they will result in nothing, its time for real time action to put our country on right track and together we can do wonders.
Good luck
I don’t think that this type of one-sided and myopic analysis would help the situation in Pakistan at present. I do agree with the argument that there is a need for some sort of coherent and pragmatic blue-print of PTI’s political ideology for the future of Pakistan. That need is there to convince the Pakistani intelligensia and those who can read and write. But given the fact that more than half of the population of Pakistan is illiterate, is it really sensible to place such monumental significance on the need for ”an eleborately written and published manifestoe” by the PTI.
Regardless of what you and your likes criticize about, Mr. Nasir Jamal, we will continue to support PTI, whilst you portray the corrupt governments to be of hope. May Allah give Imran Khan and PTI a huge success and protect them from the vices of the corrupt politicians. Ameen.
If you can not see the difference between zardari and Imran you must be blind. If you dont see difference between Nawaz and Imran then you need glasses. The biggest difference we hope Imran will bring is that leadership should work for Pakistan and not “milk Pakistan” as have been done till now.
country. First and foremost, amongst them is the Army intervention in politics. Have the Army gone to barracks? Our politicians, even now, do not say that they are against martial law and will resist the Army intervention. Army takeover is unconstitutional and action against the Army generals will prevent the Army coups. Secondly is the presence of American bases in the country from where attacks against civilians take place. We should immediately say good-bye to America. Master and servant relationship exist between USA and Pakistan.
I just see him as a tool of the establishment. I think this is the reason he is not criticizing the army as the army is mostly resposible for the situation our country is facing today. You just can’t ignore these crucial facts because I believe at the end controlling the army is what we need. His party is just a new face of Q league as all the leftovers and turncoats are joining him. He used to be critical of the musharraf league and used to say that its ISI party. My question is for the so called khan aint you ashamed of this hypocracy that you’re committing? I think he is just a tool of the military to get rid of Nawaz Sharrif as he is too critical of the army and their policies. Wake up pakistan for god sake get out of control of these idiotic men in uniform.
even if i have no doubt about the sincerity of MR KHAN still i will not buy this idea to have people like kasoori, tareen, laghari, bosan, timan. the right hands of mushraf. how irman can bring change with such ppl. imran is deceiving ppl like me who origenly like him coz of his stance against mushraf govt. by having such people in party means he wants govt by any means
i dont need his written mainfesto but i need to know the people around him and the people around him are the same who bring this country to the point of collaps. every dictators right hands. is he going to be another dictator ?
What Imran did amazing. He give HOPE & OPTIMISSIM
What Imran did amazing. He gave HOPE.
Pakistan’s biggest problem is politicians conservatively playing with religion, every politician want to come in power and promise to make it Islamic republic Pakistan but in fact it is the worse Islamic country in the world. The true Islam teaches to be honest, work for the betterment of your people, and justice for everyone, if you have these then you are success otherwise a fail state. Secondly following the ideology of Quad e Azum in 21st century is not a good idea. He is past and we are living in a totally different era, we have different problems now, we have to compete with the rest of the world. Jinnah wasn’t a God or Prophet that his sayings works for us all the time, so just place his photographs in the currency is sufficient for him to be honoured. We need new ideas and guts to face the present problems. Although Imran Khan political manifesto is not convincible but at least there is no other option for Pakistan, So let him come in the power, He won’ t be worse than other.
It is not easy to bring about change and when change is coming there would be many who would stand in its way. At this stage I would put my money on a wild card than on the usual suspects! After all we have seen things deteriorating and I think at this stage Imran Khan is the only person who has risen to the occasion and accepted the challenge with open arms! Here’s to change!!! Pakistan Zindabad!!
The premise of your argument is that a party requires a manifesto to govern properly. The PPP had a manifesto (5Es or smth inconsequential like that) – whatever happened to it? How about the Charter of Democracy? In Pakistani politics a manifesto is just a gimmick, who has ever followed their manifesto? Even Musharraff, who vowed never to let Benazir or Nawaz back into the country, struck a deal and left us worse off than before. So to start off let’s try to get the basics right, how about not taking bribes for every position or govt. contract? Let’s ensure that people in the govt actually work, instead of enjoying perks and boozing. Once we get there, we can talk about a manifesto.
Allthough the article draws attention to some valid argument,however the short and simple answer to this would be Can PTI do any worse then PPP and MLN.In one hand we are talking about politicians who are tried and tested and on the other we have a decent honest and crediable person who the nation is looking towards to change its destiny.I know WHO I prefer.
None of the Pakistani politicians have a detailed manifesto or monetary plan. They all have slogans and dramatics. Frankly the Pakistani public both uneducated and the educated wouldn’t understand most of the well planned manifestos anyway.
Pakistan’s policies are made by the bureacracy ie the people who understand the situation the best. We only need a elected individual to watch over them.
The difference I show you is that of integrity, Imran Khan has a clean record and the rest don’t. That is the difference.
A few years, even a few months back everyone was worried about how Imran Khan intends on winning any seats because he has no “electables”. Now people are joining PTI and we are all asking for an agenda which will give specific solutions to all of Pakistan’s problems. The momentum is with PTI, and it will carry the party forward. Maybe its time for other Dynastic parties to come up with an Agenda instead of polishing their children to rule over us.
Every people eventually have a leadership reflecting their collective moral values. I personally think that Zardari, Nawaz and Altaf are a good reflection of our collective character. Lets keep voting for these old guards.
Let history be our guiding light and not seek to bring ‘inqulab’ overnight. All Pakistan needs is an honest and self imposing leadership. Socioeconomic justice is always the magnetic force behind the well being and prosperity of the masses. A single person can never bring such change about unless he/she is at the top of this food chain; which he aspires to do.
At such critical crossroads, for Pakistan to have a political figure like Imran Khan is no short of a blessing in disguise. In many ways, Imran is perhaps the only hope for the masses in Pakistan to see the living daylight they have long been promised by status quo leaders and NEVER delivered upon. Imran has a track record and the ability to deliver that no other in the lime-light seems to posses in the political arena today.
Frankly speaking, the title of the article partially points out the irony of the situation. The ‘difference’ can’t be seen Mr. Nasir, till we are there – PTI comes into power and is given a fair chance to deliver on its promises (like PPP or PML-N). Till that point, utterances of the party’s leadership would of course seem more rhetoric and less reality. I would say that ‘show me the difference’ would be a reasonable question to ask when the party has had at least one chance of ‘actually’ delivering on its commitments to the people. If it fails, like you, I would also be asking, ‘show me the difference.’
I don’t think anyone can contest that to “fix” Pakistan is no small task. It will take not just one great leader, but many leaders working together to solve this. Khan has the education and it would seem, the will, to risk his cushy life and try to have a go at the chaos that is Pakistan. From his cricketing days, we also know he is a good leader, a master tactician and a fighter. I hope and pray that he is for real and that he succeeds in bringing about the change that Pakistan desperately needs.
I agree that states should not have power that renders the federal government useless. To that extent, I too oppose the 18th amendment.
As for Nasir Jamal, while I don’t know your political affiliation, I ask you to explain by what measure of skill was Asif Zardari, a former criminal (jailed and exiled) elected into office? Surely on the laurels and the sympathy of his wife. And what has he done for Pakistan except for loot with both hands? Do you forget that just a year ago he watched from London as Pakistan remained submerged in floods?
The people of Pakistan want change and even though Khan hasn’t outlined his tactics, how much worse can he be than our recent governments? It is shameful that while the world has moved forward in the last 50 years, I would argue that Pakistan has gone in reverse and is much worse off than it was 20 years ago. I admired Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, but no one since then has been able to move Pakistan forward.
The PTI agenda is available through their website – it was also mailed out in PDF form about two weeks ago to everyone on their listserv.
Please do your research.
The readers need to understand the history of Pakistan. My humble request to the mentality of Khant’s is to look things in perspective. As Imran said that tickets will be given to those with only clean past (imagine in Pakistan ?) All these corrupt lords are from within. It will take time to clean up the mess we generated from our existence, be patient and wait. If the leadership at top is honest with clear vision, it trickles down to the bottom, it is not other way around. No party is Pakistan has worked for interests of People, he is the only hope wether you like it or not?
The agenda is simple and has been there for years for everyone. Protection of the constitution. Do you need anything more than that, isn’t constitution good enough agenda for the liberties and welfare of the Pakistanis? Imran Khan has always been promoting justice, education, health from day one and still is promoting the same cause. Articles like this are just getting too old and lame. People are just sick and tired of the current setup and the two main political parties so having a third viable option is a change in itself and anyone can see that.
Well written and the points you raised are genuine which every intellectual person wants to ask. But let me remind you the majority of our educated people still have zero clue about policy or agendas to solve issues. So Imran Khan tries to deliver his message to uneducated and educated visionless people (sorry no offence).
I remember when he started his politics, he used to speak of numbers how to improve our system by spending huge budget on education & health but no one understood him. So I suppose he is doing right thing to target the masses and get their support first and then show what can be delivered once in power.
I heard him last night replying to Mubashir Luqman’s question if he couldn’t deliver and his answer touched my heart again, when he said “when i was building Shaukhat Khanum Hospital, I had no clue but I tried and put all my effort and had belief in Allah and Allah helped him. So he said he will try his best and will make honest struggle and success lies with Allah”
Lastly when I see other parties and based on their performance, I personally think its time we try PTI. If PTI doesnt perform then we will move forward and look for other good people.
Mr. Nasir Jamal, I read the article, not very convinced with your thoughts and observation. you believe the chor parties that they have an agenda of the party and Khan does not. Let me tell you something. Imran khan runs Shaukat Khanum, and a university on his own, entirely for poor and needy people. Can you give me an example of Zardar or Dengue brothers running anything same. If he can do so much for the people welfare while not in government, then imagine how much he can do while he is in government.
Imran khan is the one leader, I have seen in my life, who can explains the real problems and have a strategy towards the solution. I have heard Nawaz (wheat focussed), Benazir and Zardari (party ki qurbanian) speeches. They don’t know how to speak, they dont know how to make relationship with external world. they are only counting dollars. Nawaz did Qarz utaro mulk sawanro, and steal all the money and extended his business. Zardari has hijacked the country and you call him a politician with agenda, I don’t know where you live?
Imran khan is the only one who can bring change and he is not the only one, we are going to support him. you need to look at the ground realities and base your opinion on that.
We would have to give a chance to Imran Khan otherwise, we will have the same condition n will be seaching for Massiha. …….
which other party has agenda other than to loot Pakistan and favour their own kind..! I hope people of Pakistan elects Imran Khan as we really need him to move Pakistan forward..! He may need some old and tested Politicians but it is the sincerity of top leader which will be important..!
The mainstream political parties and their so-called “Leaders” have been thoroughly exposed and discredited. Unless of course we are foolish enough to give them more chances! Imran Khan is saying the right things so far, something that I have never heard from the lips of any of the old guard. Considering everything, Imran Khan should get the chance to run things; I dont even know if he will be allowed to because there is no real democracy in Pakistan. The problems are quite clear. Just improving GOVERNANCE and making it more HONEST and COMPETENT, will go a very long way towards saving Pakistan from a horrible fate!
Antanu g – Pakistan biggest problem is Generals who pretend to be very brave and the only Patriot but they are one who split Pakistan – Read bbc report http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/pakistan/2011/12/111219_hamood_1971_rh.shtml
We don’t need any civil or military Generals any more – we need leader from the people and for the people of Pakistan
A commendable piece that highlights the hypocrisy in the nature of the agent of change. Comparisons with Jinnah are odd his focus was achieving a semi-autonomous region for muslims before the British left India. Imran has no deadline to abide with, the dogmatic support shows the prevalence of illiteracy and ignorance amongst the general public. Running a country is a very complex matter, if he doesnot have a solid plan before moving into office he cannot achieve anything. As for him it is odd how he is being treated as the solution to the issues. Pakistan according to my last reading was a parliamentary system, not a presidential dictatorship. Unless he can convince all the people in parliament and cabinet he will be but a mere joke.
This article supports the thoughts of many educated. The Lahore rally does not indicate at all that Mr. Khan is the solution of all problems. His team is changing every day with no serious program being made and published.
Mr. Khan needs to elaborate what will he deliver and what are going to be the actions necessary to put Pakistan on track. In my opinion, Pakistan needs a leader who can stop the slide and maintain status quo for next at least five years. He should also take care of people who have worked with him for the last 15 years (The Talent) and should not ignore their advice.
Will Mr. Khan Carry the load? NO.
Well… honestly its so easy to talk about possible solutions… every problem looks so easy…. nukes are problems… lets all sit and destroy them together… world is free of nukes… wasnt that so easy… but its life.. people change and they dont do what they were supposed to do… Imran is getting over excited and committing too much… that only makes it sure that even if he does wonders, no one would be happy…. i feel somewhere he is sure he wont win… so he wants to just get as much limelight possible… cause its not so easy to think that all the roads that look straight would be straight beyond eyes can see… good luck to him… but i think if he has brains and still talking all this… he is sure he wont win…
Imran showed his Double Standard. I do not see any poor or middle class leadership in the PTI. KHAN EMBODIES THE HYPOCRISY of Muslim elites who inveigh against the West by day and enjoy its pleasures by night. His fame in Pakistan comes from cricket not politics: But in London many remember him as an even greater playboy. Throughout the 1980s Khan was linked to a string of beautiful women. In 1988 he told Australia’s Sunday Mail, “Pakistan society encourages marriage.There, I lead a very steady, comfortable life. Here, it is more exciting. The pace is faster. Because of the nightclubs and parties, it is a very good place to be single.”
Dawar Naqvi
USA
I’m afraid the author will have to wait like many of us for PTI to formally announce their 100-day plan which is being prepared by the think tanks working under PTI. Many announcements to this effect will be made during the Karachi Jalsa. But there are some political compulsions that PTI has to keep in mind, e.g. the tendency of some parties to copy-paste ideas and present them as their own. We should let PTI unveil its agenda in due course…timing is very important in politics.
Nice commentary…. Mr. Khan is all fluff no depth no vision. Anger and hatred does not bring long lasting changes. See Mr. Obama…What a disappointment to his core base. Mr. Khan if elected will be the same type of disappointment.
After saying that please let the democratic process keep marching on ..time will slowly make our institutions stronger and less corrupt. Ultimately, in a long run nation’s progress do not depend on their leader’s rhetoric but only on WORK ETHICS, MORAL VALUES AND HARD WORK of their average citizens.
Our so called intellectuals show us how afraid they are of change and happy with the corrupt status quo. They are actually more afraid of an honest man than the criminals running around in karachi who they are afraid to say a word against. We as individulas have become self centred and corrupt and don’t really want a change for better.
Difference will only come if you allow genuine democracy. We will always have military intervention, its the sadest state of affairs. Dictatorships and when parties get elected they are bribed and tricked into submission by the military. Please need to look at the dynamics of politics in our country. When a general retires he takes up a position in government. How pathetic
IMRAN KHAN is fully aware of the problems existed in Pakistan today and he also knows the solutions of them, however he is reluctant to go in details as he is building the party at the moment. In a working democracy the whole party then discusses and decide the course of actions. As he is challenging the status co it is better for him to reveal his card on time. One thing is confirm that present government and previous governments have brought Pakistan to its knees. They are the one who are clueless and they must be answer able to the public. Imran is coming with a vision of reforms in every sector which are long over due in Pakistan.
All valid points, but I’d still take my chances with someone like Imran Khan than the the thugs and jokers from PPP, PML-* and the rest of the pack. They have had plenty of chances to ruin the country.
You’re not thinking straight, if you insist on asking PTI about the problems of Pakistan. Everyone know what the problems are. The writer is the part of the problem who believes in status quo. All we need someone to manage this country better, bring self esteem to our country and get rid of the rascals who are running (ruining) the country
It leaves me speechless when I hear the kind of objections people are raising against PTI. As someone said it in comments above it is not really a rocket science, you really don’t need a Sherlock homes to figure it out. People who are raising objection on PTI like PTI does not have strategic action plans. My question to them is does all other options (PML-N, PPP etc) are showing strategic action plan, if not then your objection is irrelevant as it is constant across all parties. I would put some weight to that objection if they can demonstrate that PPP or PML have showed their detailed action plan and PTI has failed to show such details, even then one can say PTI is a new party and details will flow down gradually. Both PML N and PPP have ruled country few times already and both of them failed to show any details of strategic action plan not to mention their implementation , this is the reason we are having energy crisis, economic crisis, inflation, poverty and the mother of all CORUPTION. PML will try to blame all of that to PPP. PPP will try to blame PML for that, and that’s all they are good for. PTI is the only party which has human resource (people who really know their work) such as Jahangeer Tareen, the leadership has proved management ability (university and cancer hospital). So people get over it, it is time for PTI, you can not confuse us with your childish objections.
Zeeshan Qureshi
“fish always rots from the top” and “when the head is rotten, the whole body gets affected” These critics deep down in their minds and hearts know the fact that status quo cannot deliver to the problems and insist on a state of denial that if they cant, no one else can. The cabinet and [atleast] civil establishment’s brass is handpicked by the elected ministers. If they do the right choice and keep a close vigil, chance of economic failures naturally gets minimised. Military establishment takes strength from the weakness of political mandate. Once they realise the backing of the masses behind the govt, they cannot dare to oppose a popular political mandate, as is the case in turkey and our neighbouring India. We must not forget that army takes the bulk of their expenditure from our taxes, though not presented and approved by the assembly at present for the fact that they know they can bully the politicians and extort their undue share of slice. When this practice gets abandoned, they will start respecting the constituitional hierarchy. Eventually everything boils down to the lawmakers’ demeanor, if they begin the charity at home, rest wont mind to follow.
we know what ppp and nawaz did in their tenure.nothing except looting.
we dontknow what pti can achieve ?but atleast we can hope for some good.
give the Govt .back to nawaz or ppp. then we have learned nothing,they will loot again .
If Imran Khan can eliminate corruption alone from Pakistan and inspire people to work hard to change their lives for better, he will have a place in history.
I LIKE PTI PARTY
nice pti chairman imran khan
I agree with the writer that PTI has no ‘objective’ agenda. It merely is rhetoric revolving around general ‘goodness’ that one should have. Like one should not lie, or one should not hurt anyone or we must respect and be kind to other fellow beings. The basic stuff that you teach your five year old.
But this is not a five year old kid that we are talking about. This is a big country that needs a bit more deliberation and sophistication.
However, if we see at our current situation, do we see current ruling parties following their agenda? Was gas load shedding part of PPPs agenda? The downfall of PIA, the inflation or Railway. I fail to see one step that the current government took that was right out of their agenda booklet and was done without due pressure from the other parties.
If parties have elaborate agendas that they don’t follow, I would rather have a party that has a minimalist ideological agenda that it follows.
It appears to be a fair suggestion to bring out a concrete political plan for a long term political survival. It is more important also because, for the educated class especially, failures have reasons not excuses (usually given by all political parties). Here PTI has to play carefully because if once it loses this educated support; it is doomed forever, given to reason that they are against hereditary and power politics.
Secondly, I think real politics going in Pakistan is more complex than understood; I am talking in the context of sociopolitical divide Pakistan is in. So I consider it much more complex and complicated then “Rocket Science”, where there are only secrets which can be discovered and deciphered, but no stubbornness like we have here in the political field.
Moreover, no doubt en-cashing opponent’s weakness is prudent politics but one has to be wise in choosing the weaker points. PTI should not forget that Pakistani politics is heavily infested with the likes of “Mir Jafars” and “Mir Sadiq’s”, so PTI please tread carefully. Accusing other of treading the path with eyes shut and falling in the same pit is also naivety.
we have belief in him.u are talking about corruption done by generals whose duty is it to regulate the money to them of course politicians(prime minister) if he himself is corrupt how can he stop generals.one thing more what agenda did PMLN or PPP brought before coming to power?
I buy all criticism by the author to an extent.. but what options do we have other than IK?
Imran Khan if given chance can eliminate corruption from Pakistan and inspire people to work hard to change their lives for better. Furthermore we Welcome Javed Hashmi in PTI
i don’t think that Imran can do some revolution—-he is same as others—he too is corrupted———
jaisi qaum hoti hay wasay hi leaders—————jaisa aadmi hota hay us ko wasay hi biwi milti hay(you can see in Quran)——————–imran sari zindiga zana karta rah us ko wasi hi biwi milli———————-ab sooo chahay kha kar chalii billi haj ko hahahaha——————————-hamari qaum agar apany aap ko aur apnay ghar ko sahii kar lay to hur cheesssseee sahih ho jaya gee…..even har aadmi sirf apnay graiban may jhankay na kay doosron kay—————-agar koi doosra ghalat kar raha hay to let him/her do laikin aap udhar na dekhain aur sir apnay aap ko sahi kartay rahain———————-is tarhan INSHALLAH app sub ko koi ACHHA leader mil hi jaayy ga————
A very good well written article. Imran Khan; either he is too naive unable to plan and execute the manifesto or he is too shrewd not to commit with people anything that is practical. Anyways, we must keep in mind that he has more finanacial resources at his disposal to expend on political activites than Zardari, Nawaz Shareef, Altaf Hussain or anybody else in the arena. We should be well prepared that this expenditure will be recovered only when he comes to power. From who? The answer is very simple.
Dear all!
We have seen this drama been played so many times in the history. All leaders say these beautiful things and masses have been mislead by these. Please for God sake open your eyes and come out of these crisma things. Reality is very bitter. We are being fooled again by the establishment. Those are things what were promised by IJI, PML,PPP, Musharraf etc. Can,t you see the lust of power in the eyes of Khan and he is willing to sacrifice every thing to grab it
I read the article and also went through some of the comments. My apologies if I do repeat some of the comments again.
Whereas I have seen a lot of criticism both in print media as well as TV media on the minute details of PTI’s agenda, I have not come across a single critic who has provided a viable option. Yes we do not know how he would do it, but the important thing is the end result. Yes the country wants a clean government, yes we all want to be rid of corruption, yes we all want functional institutions, but it is not just the responsibility of one individual but a collective effort for all of us. How many of us bribe the traffic police to let us go without a fine, how many of us pay bribes in each and every thing we do just to speed up the process. As people of Pakistan demanding something from the government, we need to be disciplined ourselves also to bring about a change.
All PTI is saying that they will ensure that if you have a complaint that complaint will be resolved in a shorter period of time. Improving economic situation, budget deficits etc are secondary because that is a system which functions when there is law and order. We may not agree with the Musharraf era, but we all agree that the economic performance of Pakistan was excellent during that time. Stable exchange rate (barring the last few years), no IMF reliance, inflow of FDI etc. If we have an honest government there are various avenues of development. The example which IK gave of computerizing land data is a good idea. We have all forgotten what a hassle it used to be to make new Passports / NICs previously, Post the use of technology, any person can go and issue it and no one can break lines. The idea is to use more and more technology to ease the processes for people. Providing Justice to all is important. How will he do that, yes that is a grey area, however, where others have failed I see no reason for not giving IK a chance because if he fails status quo doesn’t change but if he succeeds we all have someone to look at to for other issues. So for the people of Pakistan it is a win win situation by giving him a chance and putting him infront of the world. For track record, well he has proven himself as a Cricket Captain, as a visionary to have established a world class hospital and a university. On the political scene, he is a man who has stood to his commitments e.g. boycotting elections when he could easily have received supports from others etc. I personally believe that if critics, or people who point out the deficiencies of his agenda, do not have a viable option to suggest then it does not mean that we continue to support existing leaders.
By the way, I don’t know why it is called an Islamic Welfare State, but in my opinion, a Welfare state is atleast 90% Islamic if not 100%. So call it Islamic Welfare State of just Welfare State, the system remains the same i.e. the Government / Rulling Class need to provide the basic resources to the masses. So if someone says that Jinnah wanted a Welfare State, then its not wrong is saying that he did want an Islamic Welfare State even though the country needed to be Secular in terms of governance.
Change is the law of nature, but in case of Pakistani politicians they do not want to change the system because it goes against their selfish interests. what is wrong if Imran has a will to change the system to bring Pakistan back on the right track. The old guards have done nothing impressive and whatever they have done during their tenure is before the people and unfortunately Pakistan has been labelled as the the failed state and who is responsible for this, and what they have done for the integrity and sovereignty which is vital for every nation and that too is at the verge of destruction. People should give chance to new politicians may be they may do better for the survival of Pakistan and hopefully change should be positive and which seems clear from the Imran’s statements.
Imran is fake like his hollow promises! He is no ZAB to play ZAB on poor Pakistan who still have not forgotten ZAB for playing a fast one on them. May God protect poor Pakistanis from IK since nothing would be left once he is done with Pakistan. He is a fake Rolex watch which is worthless! Sooner the people understand the better for the country.