But Imran was no Obama; neither in character nor speech. He was missing the eloquence. He did not rise above petty politics and slapstick one-liners.
It was my first ever political rally and I had imagined that it would be chaotic and mismanaged; that people would not be very gracious. I was wrong. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. All they did after hours of waiting was to shout “Speaker, speaker” — but that too good-naturedly.
There were two big TV screens in the venue. I had thought Khan’s address would be telecast on them but for some strange reason that did not happen. The sound system, too, could have been better. Maybe the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf did not anticipate such a huge turnout and thought that there would be no need.
But the crowd did not seem to mind. I overheard a lot of conversations, the gist of which was that Khan was the only hope; PPP and PML-N voters saying that they had had enough. And then there were the people who, like me, had never been to a political rally. Then, of course, there were the theories about how the establishment had supported Khan.
The media went gaga over his speech. It might have been better than the ones that we are usually accustomed to hearing but it still left a lot to be desired. He touched upon a lot of things but that is exactly it. He barely scratched the surface of most issues. It seemed Khan threw in a lot of stuff in his ‘bullet points’ speech as tarka — like protecting the minorities and ensuring education — but what he failed to do was to elaborate. And he lost me completely at “Thanedars will be elected”.
Despite all my reservations, I admit that the number of people who turned up for the rally was very impressive. People were there because they wanted to be. Whether they will actually step up, by demanding more from Khan, joining his civil disobedience movement if things come to that and voting for him, remains to be seen.
There were some signs of maturity, or shrewdness, in Khan. He seemed to realise that he would have to ‘accept’ America as a friend. Another thing that might score him some points and also make the US take notice of him is the group of people who came from Fata and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Where it was good to see the people come out and cheer, they need to realise that they should have, and deserve much more than, blind faith. They need to demand much more than the one line and one paragraph versions of what Khan says his mandate is.
I don’t think he has a clear policy on anything and I want to know where he wants to take the country and how. If he is just going to impose his own will on the people without taking us into confidence, what is the difference between him, Musharraf and the current government? I am worried about him being a closet mullah. I want him to explain his point of view on women’s issues, rights and religion. He said he will ensure that minorities are protected. How does he plan on doing that? Will he repeal the blasphemy law? And I want to hear why he’s inducting people from the PML’s different factions and the PPP into his party when he has criticised them to no end. Why should he get the people’s votes if he’s no different than the others?
We need to hold him accountable, when there is still time. Accountability should no longer be put off until after the damage has been done because nothing hurts more than being given hope and having it snatched away.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 10th, 2011.
COMMENTS (63)
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Good article. I think the issues raised by the writer are valid and should be addressed by the PTI leadership. PTI seems to be out of depth when it comes to presenting an political manifesto.
@Abdul Rehman Gilani: Are you aware that Imran Khan has said in his latest book that he does NOT support the killing of that blasphemous Punjab governor? So that makes him a non-Muslim doesn't it? And here you are calling him a pious saint! He's fooled everyone!
@babar: This article is about the PTI. But to be honest I'd like to know the policies of all the major parties. The problem is that no one talks about policies when running for election. Or at least we never see them debated in the media. I guess when you have an uneducated electorate talking about economic policies gets you nowhere. Even the educated ones don't bother to ask. So we never know what they plan to do after being elected. That is why democracy sucks!
@Qamar:
Pakistan is a mistake? What a sweeping, yet hollow statement dear. And same is the sweeping statement declaring that creating a country based on religion a mistake.
Pakistan is rightly existing and will remain so till Qiyamat. On that we are absolute.
Secondly, isnt it ironic that in France we speak against Jews and we can be jailed for it? Where's the tolerance now? Fact is this, the blasphemy law must and should remain, and there shouldnt be unbridled freedom of expression. What has the blasphemy law got to do with minority rights? Did it stop Rana Bhagwaan Das to become a judge, for example? Or does it stop minorities from prospering economically? With all due respect, that statement of yours is hogwash.
Thirdly, nowhere in my comment have I implied that it is wrong to be a non-Muslim. I only gave a viewpoint, why are you so infuriated about it if you continue preaching "tolerance"?
@ unpatriotic
Hiya sorry for coming back again but I thought some more on why I am giving Imran Khan my support, vote and what little money I can donate to the party:
1) He speaks up for the rights of religous minorities in our counry. Members of the Hindu community were killed some days ago has any other party done anything or even condemned this properly. An important indicator of how well a country is doing is by how well we treat our minorities - right now we and our government truely suck at this!
2) As a middle classed woman I feel I can go to his rallies and feel safe there
3) He isn't paying me to attend his rallies and isn't asking me to look enthusiastic.
4) He is attracting people from all paths of life to his party
5) He has engaged the youth and they after a long time feel enthusiastic enough to register as voters - this is very important
6) He doesn't sound like taliban Khan nor does he sound like the extreme opposite
7) He tells us things as they are - we have hit rock bottom, we can go no lower, the only way is up
oh God not another one!!!!!!
@unpatriotic:
Any one can question Imran Khan but what is not acceptable is: 1. Lying about his stand when he has been consistent on his policies from day one 2. Not doing research and asking silly questions that have been answered all ready.
If you do not understand the three following things: Institutions Independent Judiciary Rule of Law
my advice is do not vote and for the love of God do not write articles on politics.
DP fellow, it felt like I am reading some "post" from a forum then an article to a newspaper.
ET? whats wrong with you?
Yes, he does not seem to have a policy on anything and his economics platform is full of non-credible, empty slogans and sound-bites.
To those who say his policies are being worked on, since he has been around for 15 years when might we get a chance to see the policy framework fleshed out?
Finally, ET, I think you have done an over-kill on the subject. Flogged it to death.
Time to move on.
the change Imran will bring? Back to 80s.
What a wonderful idea Ms. Aatekah! All public jalsas should henceforth include little tactical day-to-day minutiae on what the speaker is going to do when he comes into power. The jalsas should last only a few months long, after which time intellectuals like you can start commenting on it, only to point out missing full-stops and apostrophes. Hats off for a truly revolutionary suggestion.
Lets get some things straight.
1.The blasphemy Law is 100% Islamic, and the FSC has said so. There is no question of repealing it, only its implementation needs to be improved. No religious party opposed that. The writer is a secular fascist/extremist that she wants to abolish this law and probably a non-Muslim.
2.If Imran is a closet mullah, whats wrong about it? Should he stop praying and start boozing just to be acceptable to some liberals who are in paucity? His Emaan is the reason why he was able to drag himself for 15 years, most people would have given up hope in this country, but he did not.
3.Minority rights are given in an Islamic welfare state, and that is what we should work to achieve, not a godless one. Pakistan was created in the name of Islam, lets fulfill that promise.
Imran has a better chance by allying with 'clean' Islamist parties, like JI.
What do you expect from a public speech? Should he tell you the new chapters he will include in the subject of chemistry? , etc...this is surely not the platform to discuss each and everything in such detail. Please be logical when you criticize someone. Compare his speech to the speech of shahbaz sharif and you will understand the difference of intellect level. "chowk pai ulta ladka doon ga' is all he had to say.
Very objective and unbiased article.
Hi, I believe that Imran only can highlight the issues but unable to solve them. He Protested against almost all big Issues but none of them is solved yet. He was the only hope for Poor Pakistanis but now sitting with all rich community. Mian Azhar joined the party few months ago but soon will be leading the whole Punjab from PTI.
Alot of questions and alot of reservations!!!!!
One can tell that we as a nation are ready to vote consciously!!! I completely agree with the right to know and understand the point of view of PTI claiming to bring the change. We are surely dying to have a leader....to lead the nation in one direction and in harmony.
A sequel to this article where you answer the questions raised in this article and talk on the reservations would help me vote consciously!
Let's Vote Consciously for Change!
agree with this article 100 %. IK is going to show more of his real face on 13th November.
The speech gave Imran Khan's vision of what PTI stands for. A rally is not the place to chalk out operational details on 'how' would it be done. Otherwise it would be a mundane presentation than a political rally.
@ The Author: have you read his book yet. If you do you will realize that it lays out his idealogy and plans for tackling the countries problems, in particular the Taliban.
leave imran khan alone and for God's sake focus on the current rulers who are in power at the moment..
@Fawad:
So no one is allowed to question imran khan?
@Freeman:
Just like a good imran khan follower. start abusing who ever question him... come to the point.
Just like the author, everybody has his/her concerns depending on his/her social status/awareness/education/interests/affiliation etc. Everyone of us wants our issues to be the headlines in Khan's speech and a guide to his policies. We want him not to ally with other parties yet we want him to win, we want him to protect our tribal people but we are also afraid of Pentagon and Talibanism (both at the same time), we want him to adopt a middle path but then we accuse him of having no clear policy, we want him to protect our religious values yet we want him to liberal, we attend his Jalsa (that too in worse security conditions) yet we doubt his electability, we are inspired by Shaukat Khanam Memorial Hospital yet we question his believe in institutions.
* We are really overloading the only vehicle which can help us escape *
Let us not forget that Imran Khan is a human being (imperfect) and with our such a strict election criteria, we won't be electing anybody. Let us expect rationally and let us measure Imran's capabilities with the same scale we use for other politicians. Let us finish this multi-standard criteria before putting faith in a political party. I will Insha Allah vote for Imran with all my friends and family.
very nicely said! exactly all the points that came to my mind when i saw the hype created by a very random speech...
You know the people of Pakistan are like spoiled brats, who want everything in one package. Imran is offering more than any Pakistan leader has ever offered. He will be the incorruptible leader that Pakistan has been looking for. Even getting that would be a huge step forward. So please instead of nitpicking every single issue that surprsingly none of these "analysts" ever ask the current government we need to really ask ourself, if not Imran then who. Being a critic is the easiest job in the world being an agent of change the hardest.
Omair: I didn't and I doubt my mother would either. Care to explain or do we have to guess? Are we going to have elections in police stations now? As if the police isn't corrupt enough already we will now have them canvassing for votes. Imagine that!
If Imran is elected who will be the new Minister of Finance. Does he have any economists in his party? Who will be new the foreign minister? Does the PTI have experienced diplomats in its ranks? The truth is that he does not have any competent people.
Lastly, if people are already comparing him to Obama then that is a bad bad omen. Obama has been a failure for his country. Do we really want to go in that direction?
@Freeman: I completely agree with you. I also dont understand why people on asking same questions again which are already been answered. BTW, elections are 18 months away, why do you want an election plan today? Are you going to vote tomorrow????
The author should emphasis on asking these very same questions from the elected representatives of the current govt and hold them accountable before raising them with someone who has not been tested yet. Besides, how much detail does the author expect in a 35 min speech?
@unpatriotic
No that is not the only reason why i will vote for him. I will vote for him because:
1) I don't want Zardari as president 2) I don't want Nawaz Sharif as president 3) I want someone who is honest. 4) I want someone who will make a genuine effort in trying to move away from the slave master relationship we have with America 5) Tries to stop drone attacks 6) Makes it a cornerstone of his party's policy to retrieve money stolen by politicians. 7)
Can Nawaz or Zardari do this?
Maybe you would have preferred a 90 mins PowerPoint presentation at the jalsa? I think the objective of a 25 min speech at a jalsa is to motivate the supporters and outline high level points and issues. There is probably a better forum to present detailed plans and there is time enough for that yet.
I do agree with you when you say we need to hold him accountable. But here's an idea...why only him? Why not everyone? Lets start with those rulers who have already ruled and failed over the last 20 years? Or are they exempt from your accountability?
@Miss khan , Why u trying to compare Imran khan to Obama kahn i dont understand america dont have crrupt fuedal system in america all the fuedals pays there taxes very faithfully otherwise IRS knows how to get it. in pakistan we need Imran to solve these problems which U.S.A resolved century ago. and why Obama won we all know.
@unpatriotic: Who are you?????? when you say you are unpatriotic that all says.
In Jalsa no party Leader announce any type of Plans in details. I do not agree with the writter. Imran Khan has so many times on the tv clearly answered the questions regarding these all questions writter raised here.
Imran Khan PTI is also working on the Plans he told just recently on TV interview and will not want to tell openly as other parties will copy their plan as that have been hppening in past.
I do not understand why peopel are asking same questions with Imran Khan which he has already answered several times on TV.
I believe Imran Khan is only the hope for Paksitan and he is honest, brave, best and trust worthy Leader of Pakistan. We need to support him more and more.
We do not want to give vote old family business politicians again, again and again to keep Pkaistan behind of other regional countries.
We do not have any other choice.
If you have the guts ask this question to current President and prime minister. Why are you after Imran as he hasnot become President yet.
@unpatriotic: I think you are patherthic that is best suits you. You said Internet club then I would ask you you are also on the internet giving your opinion. Are you not an human?????
People who are supporting Imran on the the internet they are also human and will vote for him.
@Zoaib:
Imran khan is in politics for last 15 years. Right? And still he doesnot have a 100 days plan.
On one hand he claims he has experts of every field his pocket, who can provide solution of each and every problem of Pakistan. On the other hand, no plan for 100 days. People were dreaming that imran khan has a plan for 100 years not just 100 days, for them and for pakistan.
Another Anti KHAN Author proving IK wrong
@Atekah-Mir Khan : " I don’t think Imran Khan has a clear policy on anything. I want to know where he wants to take the country and how." emphasized text
Let me ask you one question : What's the clear Policy of Asif Ali Zardari? Or even More what is the Policy or Policies of PML(N) on various Issues. Do you Know them? Enlighten us here if you do. What's the energy Policy of Zardari and Where is electricity? Where is Gas and LNG? Where is flood's Money and why people still living in flood areas months after the flood ? What's Zardari's or PML(N)'s Education policy? Do you know that? Enlighten us if you know them. Because We don't know. What's Zardar'sPolicy on Drones beside condemning them? What's PML(N)'s? What's their Policies about the Corruption and Fake degrees and the Money they siphoned from the National Treasury for every time in the Past they came to Power( twice each)? Do you Know their Policies about it? Enlighten Us because Nation would like to know.
lastly, I want to ask a question ," Why are you not a fellow on Imran Khan's Drone Attacks on Innocent Pakistani's Forum apart from being a Fellow on "Daniel Pearl's" organization. At least you know his Policy very clearly on these drones and Violation of basic Human Rights. Don't you? Do you disagree with him on this? State loudly so that the entire nation can hear you loud and clear. Tell me that if you approve PPP's last 2 times Govt. Policies or PML(N)'s? Do you? What those Policies have given to Pakistani people? Can you openly elaborate on them? and finally, Do you think that you can live with the present Status Quo?
very Nice Post !
Pakistani Electronic Media Impose Imran Khan At Any cause !
apparently a deliberate effort to distract imran khan from his focused approach
@Salman Orangiwala: Really? I had no idea I thought in such a fashion. Thanks for informing me. Oh, I almost forgot: You're wrong It's like most people were out celebrating the death of the infidel of the week when the word "opinion" was being taught in their English class.
Wait for PTI's 100 day plan, please. That will answer a lot of your concerns. Note that even in 2002 elections, PTI's manifesto was said to be most innovative in a study conducted by PILDAT. About him being a closet mullah, his autobiography will prove quite illuminating.
@Adeel Ahmed:
Why one believe you? Who are you?
We need to appreciate the way rally was organized by PTI in Lahore. People have realized that other political parties are not going to change and they have only hope in Imran Khan.
Currently majority of his supporters are young (18-40), educated, liberal in life style/clothing/mind set/opinion and mostly are not religiously fundamentalist. But I only see one big issue in Imran Khan i.e having similar mindset of religious parties. Now Imran Khan has two choices: 1) To express his fundamentalist mindset more prominently and more hard words for USA/India and attract votes of PML-N, Jamait Islami/ religious parties & similar groups (2) To keep distance from religiously fundamentalist groups and portraying PTI as secular party.
There are advantages and disadvantages in both cases. Lets see which path Mr. Imran Khan follow
I like the way you express your thought. 'The main thing that attracts the peoples toward Imran khan is..!! He has strong believe in Allah.. As Islam say that "Muslims are like the brothers".. Every single person who has (EMAAN) BELIEVE IN ALLAH will be agree with him because every person of same philosophy would have same thoughts & mind ... As he (Imran khan) said that.." Allah can do every thing , that you can imagine or not", similarly he said, "After accepting EMAAN i read the Allama Iqbal, & i request to young generation to read him (In program with Hamid meer in Capital Talk) ". So accepting ISLAM & accepting EMAN both are different things.. Islam is being mostly accepted by hypocrates (MUNAFIQ) but ISLAM & EMAN accepted by MOMINS.. These (Momins) are the people who are prommised by Allah to help... So i think Imran will lead & i wish he would do.. I think, being a student of religion ... & science .. These are few points i can share with you
@Mehreen:
So only merit which imran has ...."never tried and tested before".... What a solution to the problem of pakistan.... Keep him up
very well thought provoking questions
Well-said... excellent I imagine following answer from "statesman" of the hour, Mr. Imran khan "once USA is gone from Afgahnistan everything would be normal in pakistan" hahah
I am expecting a lot of stories on "honesty is a best policy" from pti internet club.
Imran is a sincere Muslim, who intends to Inshallah secure Pakistan, from the present corrupt rulers, who have plundered and looted the country. After a long time, there seems to be some hope, for a country, on whom an unnecessary war, has been imposed. He is eloquent, and a crowd puller, by all standards. How ever in the long run, it is his sincerity, and commitment for betterment, of over all standards that matters, and not his resemblance in eloquence to any of the known leaders, you have stated.
Some of the Paksitani newpapers referring Imran to Obama or to be more precise , to an American President .
Be sure what you wish for ..... . No matter how liberal and open the US society might look ,when it comes to choose a President , they want someone closer to an angel .Does that Monica -Clinton issue ring a bell ?
I am aftraid , if Imrran is compared to a US president ,PTIes should be ready for the next BIG revealation ., you know what I mean .Dont you ?
Dont know what else were you looking for in a 35 minutes speech and to what extent.He touched all the relevant points. The dirty politics and 'Patwari's' role in it and how he wants to end his role in the society. Then, he went on to address the most important issue of corruption. If he just intends to end even half of corruption and mismanagement that is taking place these days, he is surely better than the rest of the lot we have here. And what will are you taking about that he is going to impose? Elections are held within PTI unlike the other democratic parties of Bhutto's and Sharif's.Clearly you are not familiar with the problems of a common Pakistani and how does he think or thinking these days. As for his need to realize him being America's friend, I dont think he had ever called for a Jihad against the Americans. He surely has some differences of tackling militancy problems but that's a separate issue.Lastly, off course for some people, him being a closet Mullah ( if that's what you really want to call him) is a far bigger issue than those suicides people are committing due to poverty, hunger , unemployment and injustice.Fortunately, majority of Pakistanis dont think like this.
All completely valid points. I agree! But - trust me its a big BUT - who do we have as other options? All tried, tested, filthy, greedy politicians.
I am worried about his stance on women's rights, minority rights, his policy for FATA and how he plans to steer this country out of economic meltdown and political instability.
I will be giving my vote to his party because he is not tried and tested and as a sportsman and philanthropist he has been wonderful. Unfortunately at this stage its as simple as that.
"We need to hold him accountable, when there is still time. Accountability should no longer be put off until after the damage has been done because nothing hurts more than being given hope and having it snatched away." Nailed it. My personal opinion is if God forbid Imran Khan is elected as PM, he will be hanged by those same people who would have elected him at Regal Chowk just like what happened with Mussolini.