Imran versus Trump

PTI chief Imran Khan stinging remarks against parliament must also apply to the provincial assembly

His diehard followers would find it outrageous and even blasphemous if any attempt is made to draw a comparison between US President Donald Trump and their leader. But their sentiments aside, there exists great similarity between Trump and Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Before venturing into politics, both had enjoyed a celebrity status. Trump, a property tycoon, was a household name for his reality TV show The Apprentice. Imran was a legend, who brought cricket World Cup glory to Pakistan. His persona and stardom even transcended cricket playing nations. He was popular even in the United States where people had little knowledge of cricket. Trump and Imran are same because they announced their political foray on the popular slogan of change. They challenged the conventional wisdom and forces of status quo. Trump’s blunt approach, which many may find offensive, captured the imagination of common Americans. Trump is credited with departing from niceties while dealing with his political opponents and critics. His New Year tweet on Pakistan is in line with his unconventional methodology that defies all norms and logic.

Like Trump, Imran is setting new trends and precedents in Pakistan. He is blunt and straightforward. Imran’s recent remarks about parliament during a joint opposition protest rally in Lahore triggered a national debate. His remarks cursing parliament drew a strong condemnation not only from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz but also the Peoples Party’s leadership with whom he shared a stage during Tahirul Qadri’s protest. The National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution denouncing Imran for his diatribe against parliament. But like Trump, Imran stood his ground and insisted that he had still used a mild word for parliament. According to him, its performance or lack of it warranted even a stronger reference. While the US president made good on his rhetoric, the same can’t be said about Imran. The PTI leader has the tendency to change positions. Remember, what he had said about former president Asif Zardari and PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, yet he joined hands with them during Qadri’s protest rally. His paradoxical approach does not end here. He has cursed the same parliament where he and his party members have been sitting since 2013’s general elections. They find parliament an accursed place but do not mind drawing salaries and other perks and privileges being its members. Also don’t forget that his party is ruling K-P by virtue of having majority in the provincial assembly, which in theory is the extension of that very parliament. Therefore, his stinging remarks against parliament must also apply to the provincial assembly.

The PTI leader might be right in saying that if there is a referendum on parliament’s performance, majority or the popular opinion would support his view. But a leader is supposed to lead and not get led by popular sentiments. A statesman always treads carefully. He or she may listen to popular sentiments but does not necessarily follow the same. There is no harm cashing in on popular sentiments. But using inappropriate words for an institution, which has been abused by all and sundry, is not the way forward and does not suit a person, who could be the country’s next prime minister. Yes, people may be fed up with the forces of status quo. True, people may want to see a change and break from the Bhuttos, Sharifs and Zardaris. Many see Imran as a potential alternative, who could deliver where others failed. But for that he has to show grace and statesmanship. Else, he may reach the prime minister’s office riding on the popular support but would end up becoming a joke like the current occupant of the White House.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22^nd, 2018.

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