Political dissent: Imperialism, not democracy reigns in Pakistan: Imran

PTI chief says a small fraction of elite enjoy all facilities, vows to build an egalitarian society

PESHAWAR: A small band of elite continue to rule the country, blocking the path for talented youngsters — who should have been provided with opportunities — to progress.

This was stated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan while addressing two separate gatherings in Peshawar on Friday.

“There is no democracy [in Pakistan] rather imperialism and this is the reason why the country could not continue its growth and this is the reason why we have failed to have a democratic leader,” Imran claimed.



He stated that youth was the future of any country which should be provided with opportunities to grow. However, the situation in Pakistan was completely different since only a small fraction of the ‘elite class’ enjoyed opportunities. He added that those studying in Urdu-medium schools and religious seminaries also desired to become doctors and must be offered opportunities.

“Around 0.15million children study in private educational institutions and the rest [of the country’s school going population] study in Urdu-medium schools or religious seminaries,” he lamented as he vowed to “build a new Pakistan, a Pakistan where the underprivileged will be offered opportunities, an egalitarian society.”

The cricketer-turned politician said that Pakistan at one point was counted amongst a few developing countries.



“Pakistan was expected to become an Asian tiger, but was left behind,” the PTI chief lamented

Imran said that the countries which Pakistan was competing with at the time continued to invest in their people, which is why countries such as Malaysia, Singapore developed.

“I always get inspired whenever I meet youngsters and you should continue hard work and never look back,” Imran stressed, adding, “You must stand firm on the truth [what is right] and the victory is yours.”



Focus education

The PTI chief said that when their government took over, there were only 136 schools around Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa which had computer laboratories.

However, over the past five years, Imran said that PTI’s education ministry had introduced labs in more schools and at the moment, around 1,350 schools across the province were equipped with computer laboratories.

Addressing the rising unemployment numbers, Imran suggested that the government, in collaboration with the private sector, should form different departments on small scale and offer employment opportunities to youngsters.

Addressing youngsters at the K-P Impact Challenge at the Nishtar Hall, Imran stated that there was no shortcut in life and only those who are incompetent chose shortcuts.



Taking a swipe at former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Imran claimed that three-time prime minister [brought by former military dictator Ziaul Haq] was the biggest drama in the country along with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari who preached politics of inheritance.

He further stated that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had become the leader of a major political party without any hard work.

He went on to claim that a number of politicians still wanted to join the PTI.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2018.