An open letter to Imran Khan

Dear Prime Minister in-waiting,

At the outset, let me congratulate you and your party for the historic victory in the general elections. I must commend you for delivering a balanced yet powerful victory speech. What struck me the most was your emphasis on removing the gap between the rich and the poor. Your decision to follow certain austerity measures as well as converting the sprawling Prime Minister House into an educational institution is certainly a welcome step. Given your priorities and vision, I humbly want to put forward the following set of recommendations that — if you consider and implement in earnest — can bring your dream of ‘new Pakistan’ closer to reality.

1. End the VVIP culture in this country. Abolish the protocol being given to ministers, bureaucrats, generals and judges. There should be no VVIP lounges at airports. No VVIP wards in public-sector hospitals. Cabinet ministers must not be allowed to use official vehicles beyond 1300CC. No blockade of roads in the name of VVIP movements. No lavish receptions by prime minister, ministers and other public representatives on the taxpayers’ money.


2. End all the privileges and exemptions being enjoyed by the influential segments of society that include politicians, bureaucrats, generals, judges, and journalists, etc.


3. Convert Islamabad Club, a sprawling facility built on government land for the entertainment of the privileged class, into either a university or any other institution of excellence. Such facilities in other cities must also be used for welfare of the common man.


4. Enforce a uniform education system across the country. All children whether they are from rich or poor families must have access to same textbooks. It must be mandatory that all public representatives and government servants send their children to public-sector schools. Similar policy should be followed on access to basic health facilities.


5. Restore the sanctity of the Office of Prime Minister with concrete actions. Ensure good governance. Strengthen democratic institutions in a manner that no subordinate organ of the state tries to defy the elected prime minister.


6. Move Pakistan away from the security-driven policies. There should be zero tolerance for any type of violence and religious extremism. Dispel the impression that the political class lacks the capability and imagination to formulate national security and foreign policy.


7. Ensure freedom of expression. Avoid labelling your own fellow citizens as traitors merely because they may not subscribe to a certain view. Accept diversity and even dissent.




8. Transform Pakistan into a pluralistic society. No religious group or individual be permitted to impose their views on others. The state must treat all citizens irrespective of their colour and creed equally.


9. Avoid sycophants who must be in abundance within your party. When you are surrounded by such opportunists, the danger is you may lose sight of the real problems.


10. You need to beware of a coterie of anchors and so-called senior journalists, who may make you believe that you are indispensable. But the same group when their strings are pulled will turn their guns against you.

The list goes on but I stop it here. I strongly feel if you are able to implement even half of those steps, I have no doubt that you would stay at the helm of affairs even beyond 2023.

Sincerely,

An ordinary Pakistani

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2018.