The certification of genuine arrival as a leader often requires a singular momentous spectacle. In the case of Imran Khan, it happened on October 30. All the positive aspects of the rally at Minar-e-Pakistan have already been repeated to you, many times by now, and hence I will not belabour you with them. Amongst the euphoria surrounding the rally, a new buzzword has entered our rather stagnant political vocabulary, the word being ‘tsunami’. The choice of using a metaphor of sheer horror and utter destruction for political change is at the same time interesting and slightly disturbing. The breezy usage of natural calamities as symbols of political activity is definitely on the rise. We have heard the term boonchal (earthquake) for military takeovers before. There is no likeness here, earthquakes and tsunamis are not brought on by conspiring, malicious individuals or institutions. This was followed by a ‘tsunami’ of uncritical praise even by previous detractors. I have a suspicion that many felt that criticising Khan for his evidently incorrect assertions would somehow be disrespectful to the very large number of young people who attended the rally. Well, it should not be. The rally was admittedly a success, however the courtesy of treating PTI followers as adults (at least most of them) should be extended and they be given our candid opinion. I know of many extremely intelligent and sincere people who believe Imran Khan to be the saviour, and we will just have to agree to disagree.
I do not make a pretence of a neutral, fly-on-the-wall observer regarding my views on Imran Khan. The Lahore rally proved me wrong about the extent and numbers of his following. However, other than that one quantitative aspect, it reinforced the already settled impression of him possibly being an establishment stooge and either extremely naive or purely disingenuous. The towing of the military establishment line while attempting to be a populist leader is a contradiction that to me is irreconcilable, and hence makes him a hypocrite.
The single most anticlimactic moment of the rally was definitely the speech of Imran Khan himself. With the stage set for a historic speech, the opportunity was squandered by him. The unimpressive and apparently extempore speech was largely filled with repetitions of easy recommendations he frequently imparts. Conspicuously absent was mention of any serious military accountability. While Khan rightly exhorts politicians to bring back their foreign assets, he is curiously silent on the military’s multibillion assets in Pakistan. How about we begin at home? The foreign policy element in his speech was equally one-dimensional and simplistic — that of standing up to the United States and befriending China. No marks for novelty here. His argument against drone attacks is cogent standing alone, but it is almost immediately followed by why we should negotiate with the Taliban. Terming these sadistic medievalists as “our brothers” estranged by drone attacks is plainly dishonest and is an attempt to perpetuate the narrative of the military establishment’s discredited doctrine of ‘strategic depth’. I hope I do not have to burden your memory much while reminding you of the consequences of the previous occasions we capitulated, most recently in the Swat peace deal. Advisers like Shireen Mazari and mentors such as Gen (r) Hameed Gul are not confidence-inspiring. Imran Khan made a token statement on Balochistan, I sincerely hope that he follows up, though given his record and affiliations I am not hopeful. The closest he came to a making a serious policy point was while talking about patwaris and thanas, unfortunately he trailed off without a concrete suggestion.
The image of Imran Khan praying alone on the stage in Minar-e-Pakistan is telling. I have no doubt that the theatrical move was orchestrated and calculated as a ploy to reinforce his image of the messiah. I found it exhibitionist, ostentatious and a manifestation of an ego the size of Lahore. Could he not have prayed off stage or conducted a jamaat if he was so inclined — so much for being inclusive. However, do remember it is the same man who titled his recent autobiography Pakistan; a political history. This is quite a contrast with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Lahore speech of 1977 where he said “Haan mein sharab peeta hoon, laikan awam ka khoon nahi peeta!” (Yes I drink alcohol, but I do not drink the people’s blood). And before anyone embarks into drawing hopelessly inexact parallels between Khan and Bhutto’s rise, they will do well to remember Bhutto was fighting the military establishment while Imran Khan has them babysitting him.
Malcolm Gladwell made famous “the Warren Harding error” in his cleverly written book Blink. Warren Harding was one of the worst presidents in the history of the United States. Gladwell attributes Harding’s rise to the Oval office to the fact that the latter looked presidential and stately. Harding was a tall, dark and handsome man with a very perfunctory understanding of statecraft. He was vague and ambivalent on almost all major issues during his political career, but continued on the way up because he just came across as heroic. I am sure this is not the only reason people gravitate towards Khan, but personal charisma remains a major selling point.
The last argument which should be addressed is: don’t all of these objections apply to our current political leadership? They probably do, but our current leadership is not prophesying a tsunami. People who vote for them will have a fair idea of what they will get. Nevertheless, Khan’s policies and motivations will be more minutely examined and more criticism will follow, now that he seems to be a serious enough player. A reference I am sure many of Imran Khan’s fans will understand is from the movie Spiderman: “with great power comes great responsibility”. Khan has brought the historically apolitical urban youth into mainstream politics and needs to be commended for that and I hope that they vote for him, if they are so inclined, and elect him. However, if there is to be another attempt at a GHQ-backed test-tube revolution, that will be the real tsunami.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2011.
COMMENTS (43)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1713525343-0/WhatsApp-Image-2024-04-19-at-4-09-16-PM-(1)1713525343-0-270x192.webp)
1713525453-0/Henry-Cavill-in-James-Bond-(AI)1713525453-0-270x192.webp)
May be he (IK) will deliver, who knows. But I will feel safe in knowing that, "All that glitters is not gold."
I would like to say something to all those who see him as a symbol of Hope for Pakistan.
Guys, plain rhetoric can give anyone hope. An excellent example from our times is dear old Bush. Why cannot you look beyond his rhetoric and question the logic of his statements (he doesn't even have sound arguments, just statements)? When has Imran Khan ever said exactly how he will bring change, like End Corruption or End our economic woes, or End War on Terror? He does not say precisely HOW he will do all this, so why do you choose to ignore something that's staring you straight in the face? Why do you choose to ignore his silences? Those meaningful silences when he does not say a word against the establishment, the military establishment!
"The towing of the military establishment line while attempting to be a populist leader is a contradiction that to me is irreconcilable, and hence makes him a hypocrite."
Very aptly put. That is exactly why many do not support him. Unfortunately, many many people fail to question the logic and banality of his arguments (his statements).
I agree with Saroop its an excellent analysis, followers of PTI must learn to accept the criticism of their so called God Father.
Dear Mr. Ijaz,
I often read your views here on the Tribune & was quite fond of them till I read this one. Here is one man who is showing hope to a nation which is demoralized & dejected. Wishful thinking it might be, but still there is something to look forward too. I ask you and all the readers here; doesn't a new face deserves a chance over these "N's", "Q;s" & PPPs? And a face that too of Imran Khan who has made things happen. A person who is a dreamer & one who makes his dreams come true as well. Do you feel it is bad to dream about removal of Patwaari system like he mentioned in his speech; knowing how they cause troubles for poor land owners? If you don't know then go out & speak to someone who has been stripped off his land due to these puppets. Is it bad to dream about having a elected SHO of your area? Maybe in future we are willing to take our problems to the Police Station once we know who he is & he knows that he got elected because of us. And what if he is being backed by the establishment? They all need harmony & trust amongst themselves to get this country kick starting once again. Read stuff, see events and you will find out that there is internal rifts in the military against this war. That's the worst thing that could possibly happen to us. The Generals probably want to end bombing their own people, but unfortunately our government does not have a strategy to do so. What if they are looking towards IK to provide that strategy, or to support the establishment for their strategy. Our Army is not a leased one. They are one of us. Remember!
And his books name is "Pakistan.. A PERSONAL HISTORY"... not a "political history"!!
Dream, write, encourage, educate, tolerate, unite, inspire, be benevolent & radiate HOPE!
Rgds... A Pakistani
In branding Imran as an establishment stooge. Are you suggesting that people should vote for Zardari or Nawaz again? Or you would rather the Military takes over again and Zardari and Co. become "victims" and come to power again in the next elections. Please be clear, at least in your own mind, if you are supporting status quo or are you hoping for a better future for this unfortunate country,
@Sana: I agree with EHM. Most of our people (specially elite) are disconnected from the ground realities. Many tribal elders may have been killed but there are still remnants of the system that can be restored. Secondly, army interventions rarely leads to solutions. Had that been the case, we wouldn't have lost East Pakistan. Army intervention should be used as a last resort and that too, as a short-term solution. Building out local defense capability through tribal system is the only long-term and viable solution to the problem.
@An EHM:
You said that emphasized text IK knows the reality and he knows how to deal with this problem.
Are you sure? Well i do admire IK but his WOT policy is faulty. According to him tribal elders have given him assurance that if army pulls out from FATA then tribal elders will control Taliban. Truth is FATA is not in control of tribal elders and that many tribal elders have lost their lives since this war started. They can't control FATA, only army can. This is something IK can't comprehend.
KUDOS sir ! This should be a reality check for rabid 'Imranoholics' in a 'perfect world' but alas a perfect world this ain't ! Nevertheless, GREAT job brother !!! MORE like YOU and LESS like THEM !!!
'Yes' to another Tsunami. Get used to it.
Secondly, you are true when you said Imran Khan can't be compared to Bhutto. So true. Imran Khan is a role model for everyone whereas Bhutto was the one responsible for breaking Pakistan and not accepting Bangaldeshi's right to rule the country.
How come you find each and everything in Imran Khan as faulty but Nawaz Sharif and Zardari or to that matter any other politician to be perrfect? You cannot judge someone without comparing him to someone else. Because absolute perfection is not known to human beings. You even hate the way he displayed his picture, I think you have already made your mind so not use arguing with you. Imran Khan is a role model for almost all of Pakistan and that is what matters the most.
lOl, seems like a blind can see and judge the obvious what this man can't, hell bent on proving himself wrong & biased, again & again.
Imran's an establishment man? are you joking?when was the last ,Imran khan has been any body's man including jemima khan.
Common ,don't delude yourself with Imran-o-phobia,The man has an excellent track record as a human bieng and as people's man.Count on that.
As in the words of Tariq Ali "Sadly ,there is only one Imran khan in Pakistan"
It is very courageous of you to write this Op Ed. I think you have clearly differentiated Imran Khan against ZAB. While Khan has yet to establish himself as a great leader in all provinces of Pakistan, ZAB was a Titan from day one. Khan cannot win a single seat in some provinces while ZAB contested and won from all provinces. Khan has been languishing this long for recognition and has only started to show popularity in one city. Khan has no revolutionary program and he is the poster child of mullah military alliance and this is the most disturbing point for most progressive elements. While Khan is very popular among yuppies in some areas, he has no roots among nationalist, progressive, laborers, and peasants. Let us not forget that still the large silent poor majority of Pakistanis live in villages and does not have any noise except quietly voting in the elections. Imran Khan needs to show himself different than PML-N, JI, JUI and other rightwing parties. In fact PML-Q is no different than TI in its political character and closeness with mullahs and military. Last but not the least before Khan goes against any politician’s character like corruption, he must answer did he ever work for a living in the last two decades or in his life? Corruption or character is not limited to finances only and once a serious player for the next elections Khan should be ready to answer any and all questions like Herman Cain.
Imran Khan has ego the size of Lahore... yet he is a military stooge. Imran Khan has been kept in politics by military for last 16 years so that they can manufacture a tsunami... what a joke!
not a tsunami. I would call it a flood.
@Abu Bakr: By the way, who exactly are his economic and policy advisers.
Listen to Imran's interview where he replies to PML N accusitions.
http://www.zemtv.com/2011/11/05/policy-matters-imran-khan-interview-5th-november-2011/
As for him being an establishment stooge I regularly watch his interviews and I have seen him countless times criticizing establishment. He has so many times mentioned that he will remove establishment's role in policy and that he regards Erdagon as one of his ideals.
One jalsa with sour throat for which he had to take so many breaks and opposition has opened the pandora box of fault-findings.I always held that Imran was not a politician but now it looks these strong negative remarks will make him one.This silver lining around the dark cloud of challenges facing Imran is the sighn of his true strength.
Imran needs to get rid of this army stooge image soon else he wont gain further support. He is completely quite on this issue one wonders why? imo the author is right
I would love to find out who their economic advisors are and what their economic manifesto says. I was sent something to comment on some time ago and while there were some good ideas most of it was unimplementable fluff.
As someone who does NOT know how the system works or how government works such naivety is understandable. But it is also leading people astray.
Why do we keep talking about what the politicians have tucked away abroad? What about the armed forces?!
To ask that does not make one anti-army. It makes one seeking equal treatment for all. No exceptions.
I recall when Mush was asked why the army was not included in some cleansing exercise, he replied that was because they had their own internal procedures to address issues of corruption, etc.
A non-credible reply and a fig-leaf.
I can not agree more. Yes I wish this urban youth strengthen the democratic process rather than destrying it as that will be real tsunami.
The writer just seems to be jealous of Imran Khan's popularity. My advice to you buddy... just because you've always liked to criticize IK, don't just stand by your words for the sake of it. It would be better to accept now that you were wrong earlier, rather than be forced to eat your words 1.5 yrs down the line. Trust me, you'll look really silly in retrospect.
Factually incorrect. The reason why Harding is considered the worst US President is because of the litany of corruption scandals in his government including Teapot Dome et al. If an analogy of Harding's government is to be made with a Pakistani one, that would have to be Zardari's government for its massive corruption.
And @Nadir Idroos: Ah, of course another diatribe of mudslinging rambling against the mother of all evil in the world since eternity - "The Pakistan Army". The lad just has to drag in the army cum-what-may, even when it doesn't warrant a modicum of truth (or an exceptionally minute component of it).
To Imran's credit he has bought about a much needed impetus that was lacking in the current political setup. Having said that, I totally agree with Saroop, Khan is pro-establishment, part of the social political re-engineering of public opinion orchestrated by military establishment.
Interesting as always. The way I see it is that our military and political leaders have failed us, big time. The people are frustrated and fed-up and Imran just happens to be there at the right time with the promise of change. This is a gamble but then what other option is there ?
Hamza, you need to differentiate honestly. Zia came because ZAB bruttaly handled the nizam-e-mustafa movement plus the movement which aroused by ppl due to his decision to associate with communism/ USSR. Marshal law had become inevitable. On the other hand Musharraf coup an established and developing government.
@ Nadir I dont belong to any of what you said. In fact I am a critic of army role. But I strongly believe in IK. People like you and the author dont know the ground realities of FATA and FR regions in KPK. You dont heed to IK and dont ponder to listen to him. You just take one sentence and start criticizing him. People you sitting in warm beds watching the news and reading the articles like this make your own opinion but you are not capable of any pragmatism either. IK knows the reality and he knows how to deal with this problem. So first give him a chance and if he does not perform then criticize him. Dont make yourself scholars on everything with a bit of biased information.
All you need to do is without bias, do more research on the Tehreek-e-Insaf. Find out who their economists and policy advisers are, and what exactly their manifesto is. Had you done this you would not have been proved wrong on 30th Oct, today you would realize that Imran Khan is not a game changer, but has set the bar for others to follow, and you would have also known that his book is called "Pakistan: A PERSONAL History". There's nothing hard about taking an emotional speech and finding flaws in it. What is the point of a column that has absolutely nothing new in it?
Not another anti-Imran article, please ET, spare us this tripe.
It's great that you openly accepted you were wrong. I guess, you will have to writer yet another one on accusation without proof.
Dear author,
I fail to understand the deep sown hatred you have in regards to Imran Khan. Here we are today, burdened with a leadership that lacks even the will to affect a change and when a person rises to confront them and break the status quo, we spend hours researching in a desperate attempt to try come up with little qualms against him to preserve the status quo.
All in all it's more like right now you have a batsman who averages 05 playing in the team and you refuse to draft in a replacement with an average of 45 since he does not matches up with bradman's average of 100!!
I know its easy for us to sit back and criticize this guy but this is in itself is a true reflection of how far we are removed from the ground realities majority of our population faces as off today. It might be convenient for you to draft up this article from the comfort of your drawing room but try doing so after you have spent a whole day toiling hard yet failing to put the food on the table for your dependents.
Imran Khan is another Bhutto, a political invention who will gain power due to the backing of the establishment and has undeniable sway over the 'youths' of this country.
What he achieves remains to be seen but I hope he does not disappoint his supporters.
One another thing to note is that Bhutto was promoted and made under Gen. Ayub, a secular leader while Imran Khan was helped by Gen. Gul, an ardent Islamist.
Lets see how things play out.
In my view Imran's speech was mainly to motivate the crowd and secondly to outline PTI'S thinking on some issues, and not a detailed discussion on all issues. There is time enough for that yet.
Also there is no evidence that the army is supporting pti. But I guess people who follow that premise are not really bothered by evidence. Bit surprised that you as a lawyer are following that line..
But you do state that you are not neturel in your views so i just see this as another hit piece on pti. But you are entitled to your opinion. Just don't be surprised if you find your opinion to be amongst the minority in the coming weeks and months.
Its hardly surprising that the so called "revolution" toes a socially and economically conservative line. The urban middle and upper class who are thronging PTIs rallies have been brought up in DHAs, Cantonments, shopped at CSDs and Pasbans and have found memories of their relatives in the Armed Forces booking messes in Murree and Bhurban for the annual summer break in the hills. Does anyone really expect them to question the role of the military? Policy towards, or the lack of policy towards the Taliban and the romantacised views of tribal societies by urban folks are disapointing but hardly surprising. But all of this doesnt matter. This is not to question why people support PTI, which is ofcourse there right to do so, however, there inability to appreciate the right of others to question PTI policy shows how there is very little difference between PTI activists and those of other mainstream parties. For PTI to be truly revolutionary, Imran Khan should surround himself with critics who question his assumptions and policies, and formulate truly revolutionary policy prescriptions.
Instead of demonizing the military for everything wrong, I think Khan should be given a chance to bring change. The war in Afghanistan was US's war. Not ours. And we should do dialogue.