Belittling an iconic high achiever as Mr Chaudhry seems to have done, is unfair
ISLAMABAD: This refers to the article by Shahzad Chaudhry, titled “The messiah complex” published in The Express Tribune on October 18. He is an immensely readable writer, who has been gradually honing his skills to perfection. Citing different leaders and leadership traits, he gradually builds a fairly strong case for just that — gradualism in national governance with its structures and strictures.
The gradualism, however, comes to an abrupt end when the writer comes to the present. He states that both Tahirul Qadri and Imran Khan carry virtues easily confused with our national escapism for new saviours. It is here when the reader is forced to consider whether the writer’s recent political alignment has started to taint his hitherto dispassionate discourses.
Consider, he believes that Imran Khan means well, but understands little. He concedes that he may eventually reach the helm. But he also thinks the messiah is an augmentative, collective effort of the 200 million people of this country, who must toil for years to make miracles happen, and no single person can do this.
Even if one were to accept Mr Chaudhry’s view that Imran Khan understands little, even that little understanding has enabled him to perform four miracles: winning the cricket World Cup, building the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, establishing the Namal College at Mianwali, and of late, inspiring a national awakening. At this point in time, one may question Imran Khan and ask him to make up his mind regarding whether he is just an awakener, a rebel or a revolutionary. One may also ask as to why he settled for a mere tsunami when he could have moved tectonic plates. But belittling an iconic high achiever as Mr Chaudhry seems to have done, is unfair.
Moneir Aslam
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2014.
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