Promising ‘real democracy’: Imran Khan challenges the status quo
Challenging the status quo, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan vowed on Saturday that his party would bring about ‘real democracy’ in the country and empower people at the grassroots level.
Imran was addressing a public gathering at the residence of former district nazim Yousuf Ayub Khan, where the latter announced joining the PTI along with his supporters.
In his fiery speech, Imran called Pakistani political parties imperialists who, according to him, have deprived the common man of his basic democratic right to power because democracy has been defined as government by the people.
“The forces opposed to the rule of people are supporting the status quo,” he said, adding that the PTI would introduce a democratic system which ensures the participation of the common man in governance.
The decades-old system factually supporting the elements of status quo has made parliament ineffective to the level that its resolutions are not respected – case in point: drone strikes.
“What’s the point of this parliament when it can’t provide relief to the people?” Imran inquired, saying that the nation is spending Rs66,000 per minute on parliament.
The so-called democratic rulers don’t seem to care about the rulings of the apex court, and instead, point fingers at the superior judiciary in order to divert attention from their own corruption, Imran said, adding that the PTI would introduce a system that ensured relief for the downtrodden.
Khan also addressed a gathering at Ghazi tehsil of Haripur where Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid’s former MPA Faisal Zaman joined the PTI.
Meanwhile, former senator Azam Khan Swati, who recently resigned from the Senate and membership of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), on Saturday also joined PTI. Accompanied by Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Quersh, he announced he would join the party at a news conference in Islamabad.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2011.
COMMENTS (35)
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we treust in Imran KHAN and we r not seeing other ppl in the party...... we will vote for IK...because he is the only hope left
Throw the judge's movement under the bus. Invite Mush to have an alliance with PTI. That way Mush would be cleansed too. New party, new faces, and no baggage. The process of political cleansing continues.
real democracy with same old faces. interesting.
kaptaans got game, rest are lame
nawaz government has already brought the change in lahore. let him spread this in the entire country.
Great going Imran. Waiting for the tsunami to reach Karachi. Please liberate Karchiities from the clutches of thugs, murderers , mobile snatchers and bhatta khors
@Anti Truth: Your name says it all. Please do some research and try to find one instance where Imran Khan talks about 'fighting' either USA or the world.
I am with you Imran.
yess, he can having hope, struggling for it in the right direction is the only way, we can bring change, he is doing this for last 14 years,,
IK zindabad!
All status quo symbols are being welcomed by Imran Khan but he still has the guts to talk about change. What a marvel!!!
Please try to understand our electrol system. As most of the readers here come from cities and are not aware of the political system of our smaller towns and villages. All these people are required to join PTI to completely change the system of Pakistan to get a two third majority. We need to show some maturity and trust in Imran Khan, he will not disappoint you if he gets the leadership of this country, you will see a new Pakistan!
Swati Sahib is called "Dollaroon Wala Swati" in his constituency...
That is what Bhutto and he turned out to be the most evil, arrogant and ambitious leader in Pakistan's.
Guess what? IK is incessantly quoting Bhutto as his role model...
God help us!
Be careful Imran, I know you won't compromise on principles.
challenging status quo with Status quo's Stooges. Pakistan turncoats Inc = PTI.
Read democracy with help of Gaddi Nasheens, Feudals and Turncoats ?
Imran seems headed in the right direction. He should not build up the expectations of the people and later get into a position where he can not fulfill them.
@Hope of Youth: "people" means lotas who are joining pti? By the way, some time ask your leader to explain, what is real democracy? A leader who was kicked out of Punjab university by IJT and JI terrorists, talks about fighting USA and the world. This is on record since then MR. brave did not even think of entering Punjab university. "only possible in Pakistan"
IK , the only hope left !
Azam Swati is the person who run from a show where he was exposing the corruption of Kazmi in Haj Scandal. Captain Safdar from his constituency comes in as a live call and exposed the corruption stories of Azam Swati in US and in Mansehra and in JUI(F). So thanks to Imran Khan, he cleaned JU(F) from a corrupt person and Lota.
Good to hear that people are joining the cause, PTI. Other parties were given chance few times but they failed to deliver badly. Imran didn't corrupt for 59 years and I am sure he will not disappoint. His core group is great and I am sure he can lead best with them. Good luck PTI
imran khan is our hope ............. tsunami is getting bigger and bigger day by day.... doomsday of thugs is near..................
@Ali: Agree with your sentiments. But what would you do if you were in his place? It takes a lot of courage to invite criticism by making tough trade-offs than simply walking away from a fight and blaming others for it!
I say give him a chance right now. Lets see how he plays his cards if and when elections come. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
the Tsunami just got bigger !
God won't help those who won't help themselves don't just buy into every rumor, wikileaks has already proven that Imran Khan says the same thing to the US with or without anyone present. As for bringing democracy with his team you shall see Inshallah Imran will prove the haters wrong again! All his life he has proved people wrong and it won't b any different this time.
If Pakistan is to emerge as a true democracy, Characters like Imran Khan should be given an opprtunity to show their strengths and flaws. Society learns from its trial and errors and mistakes.It may take a long time but someday, Pakistan will become a solid democracy. Pakistan Zindabad
The fact that such big names are joining PTI without any monetary incentives is an attestation of PTI's calibre. Swati, Mehmood-Qureishi are all corruption-free politicians who hold large sway in the rural areas and will only strengthen PTI.
This from a guy who recently meet US ambassador without anyone else to listen in or take notes.
God help us!
PTI.... yaaayyyy...
Real democracy with lotas, corrupt and thugs? Please do not befool common people. Mr. Imran you disaapointed me and you are worst than others because you have no plan, agenda or policy and you are proving this again by accepting all corrupt and rejected people.
Solute to ur hard work & patience. Our destination is very near. Insha Allah PTI,s 25th dec tsunami will wash away the dirt of ethnicity, racism & violent politics from karachi & will bring all the ethnic groups of under one peaceful platform of PTI.