‘If I leave, I’ll be more dangerous’: Let Imran Khan do his work

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s responses during the live telecast Aap Ka Wazir-e-Azam, Aap Kay Saath on January 23, 2022 came across as direct attacks against those who are apparently conspiring to bring him down. When discussing the opposition during the telecast, he stated:

“If I exit the government, I will pose a greater threat to you. Right now I am sitting quietly in my office and watching the drama unfold. But if I take to the streets, you will have nowhere to hide.”

While the PM did go onto addressing other pressing issues facing Pakistan such as inflation and rising Coronavirus numbers, it was evident that he was visibly perturbed by the opposition parties – particularly Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying:

“The office of the opposition leader has respect, but I do not consider him (Shehbaz Sharif) an opposition leader, rather he is someone who has committed serious crimes against the country.”

These statements make it evident that the premier is getting agitated given the constant leg-pulling and ridiculing which the political opposition continues to engage in. Calling Khan names and labelling him as “selected” is of little value and only furthers the existing unrest in the political arena. Regardless of what the opposition might think of him, Khan deserves a full term in office, after which the ultimate decision as to whether or not he should return to the corridors of power should rest entirely with the citizens of Pakistan.

In a country that has been accustomed to having corrupt political dynasties at the helm of affairs, as pointed in the live telecast, Khan has proved to be a welcome change. Despite what the opposition might say, Khan has undeniably helped steady Pakistan after a very turbulent period.

On the foreign policy front, Pakistan had spent decades under heavy western influence and was given little autonomy to chart its own path, independent of American pressure. Khan has altered that equation, and after a very long time, we have witnessed a change in attitudes on the diplomatic front. New blocks and alliances have been formed, and we finally have a prime minister who can truly represent our cause on the international stage.

While we may be observing a degree of alienation from certain quarters in the short term, these necessary re-alignments shall serve Pakistan’s future if we truly wish to rid ourselves of a foreign policy that remains anchored to the needs of other countries. For the first time, we have witnessed our leader asking the international community to do more instead of being told to do more. Additionally, he is also resolving international conflicts by helping to mediate between countries, which speaks volumes about his global stature.

From a financial perspective, the decisions being taken by Khan’s financial advisors are ones that keep the current markets, global situation and Pakistan’s future in mind. Structural changes are trying to be implemented rather than short-term measures. While these changes will not give immediate relief, they will help set our economy on the path of success if there is continuity in the future.

It also appears that there have been no major interventions by the establishment or the deep state during Khan’s tenure, which will hopefully serve to strengthen the democratic process. Defeat in the by-elections has not only given Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) a reality check but has also reinforced the notion that democracy is taking its natural course. Opposition parties are given fair coverage in the media, they are allowed to hold rallies, and pundits have full liberty to oppose the steps being taken by the government – all of which is part and parcel of any modern democracy.

Alongside all this, qualified and competent individuals are being given a chance on merit to join the PM’s advisory team to help plan a sustainable future for the country. This was hardly seen during previous governments where advisors were selected on the basis of connections and relations with sitting legislators and other bigwigs in the corridors of powers.

If this system is rolled back and Khan is sent packing, it would be a major blow to whatever hard work has been invested by him to keep our economy from collapsing. As a result, it is not hard to imagine why the premier appeared to be so frustrated with the opposition during his telecast, and why the likes of PML-N and the Sharifs were subjected to his ire. While Khan may be surrounded by opportunists, he is exactly the leader Pakistan needs. When the elections come around in 2023, Khan will be judged by the masses for the work he did during his tenure. It is the duty of the citizens to have the final word on the PTI regime, not the oppositions. Until then, we must let Khan work and hope for the best.