Pakistan

Mixed reaction on social media to PM Imran's inaugural address

Twitterati lauds Khan's honesty, range of issues covered; others criticise PM for overlooking terrorism, extremism

News Desk August 19, 2018

A man holds his smartphone, as he watches a broadcast of a speech of newly appointed Prime Minister Imran Khan, as he addresses the nation, in Karachi on August 19, 2018. PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday gave his first address as the country' premier with social media quick to gauge what the new leader envisions in 'Naya Pakistan'.

Anila Khawaja, the party's foreign media head, termed the speech as 'incredible' and called for the nation to join hands in achieving Imran's vision.

Incredible speech ... so proud and so real... now let’s all unite and become part of his team to achieve these goals! Whose up for that ? #PMIKAddress #TeamPakistan pic.twitter.com/U8cbOSmob4
— Anila Khawaja (@anilakhawaja) August 19, 2018

PM Imran shares his vision of 'Naya Pakistan' in 1st address to the nation

While journalist Bilal Farooqi questioned why the burning issue of terrorism was not mentioned in his speech despite the recent spate of attacks in the country.

Why is the issue of terrorism way down on Mr Prime Minister's list of priorities? Just three sentences and even that after speaking on promoting tourism. People are dying in terrorist attacks. Candidates were targeted... #PMIKAddress pic.twitter.com/O2QX7AYqMQ
— Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) August 19, 2018

Another senior journalist echoed Farooqi's opinion by asking why terrorism and extremism had been excluded from the address.

Did I miss it or was there no mention of terrorism and extremism in the speech? Huge omission if so.
— Khurram Husain (@KhurramHusain) August 19, 2018

Journalist Sidra Iqbal found solace in the Imran telling the nation that there is no need to worry, as well as, expressing her wishes for a bright future under Imran-led government's reign.

My favourite part of @ImranKhanPTI address: "Aap ne ghabrana nahi hai." (You dont have to worry)
The nation finds rejuvenating hope as Kaptaan leads with indomitable faith and confidence. Inshallah for better days to come. #PMIKAddress https://t.co/8jxIWeLVFN
— Sidra Iqbal (@SidraIqbal) August 19, 2018

Television personality Nadia Jamil said that Imran's words were 'compassionate and honest'.

Id rather hear the compassion I heard today in @ImranKhanPTI speech for the country he loves than the grandest oratory promising sand castles in the air. Id rather believe in the simple honesty I heard today than poetic slogans, or screaming vows of urban elite. Pray he delivers!
— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) August 19, 2018

Political commentator Mosharraf Zaidi lauded the newly-elected prime minister's underscoring the need to focus on youth development.

He said that the negatives from the speech were how he described austerity and fiscal realities.

Grading #PMKhan’s speech.

Plus: Pakistani children the heart of the speech. Unreal.

Minus: the naïveté in how he described austerity & fiscal realities.

Style: privileging social justice by talking up both the Muslim traditions and western welfare states.

Grade: A
— Mosharraf Zaidi (@mosharrafzaidi) August 19, 2018

Writer Osama Siddique commended PM Imran on mentioning that Pakistan's embassies would help the country's nationals languishing in jails abroad.

Talks of legal aid. Talks of vulnerability and poor languishing in jail. This is much more specific and once again commendable. Then goes to Police reforms. Much more need for realistic appraisal that no great structural change. KP Police often extolled as reformed. #PMIKAddress
— Osama Siddique (@DrOsamaSiddique) August 19, 2018