Imran appoints 'Global Thinker' as his strategic policy advisor
Scottish-born Ibrahim, who holds a PhD degree from Cambridge University and has served as a scholar at Harvard and Yale, was named as one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers of 2009 by the LSDP European Social Think Tank. He has also advised over half a dozen world leaders.
Commenting on the appointment, Imran said "We are delighted to have Ibrahim at the heart of our operation."
Ibrahim, who also serves as a Fellow and Member of the Board of Directors at the Institute for Social Policy Understanding said: "Imran Khan’s honesty and sincerity in a country where such traits are seriously lacking amongst the political elite clearly mark him out.
He further added that he was impressed by “Imran’s ability to absorb complex information and immediately understand what needs to be done to take Pakistan forward in these challenging times.”
COMMENTS (183)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1724760612-0/Untitled-design-(12)1724760612-0-405x300.webp "article")
I am an idealogical supporter of PTI and the future of Pakistan. Just to play the devil's advocate, will the impressive Dr. Azeem Ibrahim get a Pakistani nationality and give up his British one?
Honestly I am fed up ,drained out and top of all sick of these stupid critism directed at IK all the times.I know one thing for sure that those who oppose IK and his struggle are either ignorant or a part of the same status quo which imran khan s aiming to smash down.plz folks this is time to think about ur future generations in general and pak in particular.I know it sounds rude but those who oppose ik And his visionary ideas can get L0ST.....yes WE KHAN
Pakistan will rise INSHALLAH. Imran is a new person in the field of politics and we must have to trust on him if we want to save our Pakistan.
Pakistan I love you more then my life. My best wishes and prayers are always with you. Mai rahon ya na rahon par mairay Pakistan ka name Qiyamat tak rahay ga INSHALLAH
not a wise move to appoint any outsourced material.
I feel sad that we have someone like Imran Khan being touted as the great promise for pakistan. I have yet to hear anything creative from him and in fact all his policies are reactionary and not original. His ideas are calculative and not based on principles. I am certain he is going to sleep with the devils and play to the galleries taking Pakistan to further chaos into a path of darkness and uncertainity. Being a westerner and unislamic all his life he will work hard to prove his credential by swinging wildly to the right turning him into a dangerous fundamentalist giving free reign to the mullahs and jihadis. He is bad news. What pakistan needs is a true moderate with grounding in the moderate liberal culture of pakistan that seems to be a disappearing species unfortunately.
@Sameer: We need to change ourselves, Do nothing and if someone want to do somthing good always criticize for nothing, I havnt seen an ignorant nation in the world who don't use their braine and bluntly put the elagtions on others for their own weeknesses. You need to clean your house before blaming the outsiders and others.
PTI is over rated and done with. A lot of talk and no real substance. If any of you did any research on Mr. Azeem Ibrahim, you'd realize that recently he was a supporter of Pervaiz Musharraf. This is a joke and so is PTI.
@Maryam: Dear Maryam, I fully agree with you. I read Economics at what is considered a high quality university, and I could not believe the nonsense that I had to listen to in order to get my degree. I was a mature-age student, and I could sense that the younger students fully agreed with the nonsense. Now those young students are mature adults, and running the various Government Departments. By looking at the economic disasters of the various countries, around the world, I can see that the young students of those days still believe the nonsense, and cannot think outside the box. Bad luck Maryam. You are on the ball, but I doubt that the situation will change. Having said that however, perhaps Imran Khan should be given a go.
A home maker
What does he know about the ground realities of a normal pakistani and the problems he faces.......phd on one side living in one of the poorest countries on one side......an advisor. Should be amongst the common man....not people who have only spent a few days in a country
I just googled about him and came to know that he was working with Pakistan's government in 2010 to 'rewrite the economy from scaratch' along with his friend Dr Nadeem ul Haq. I have yest to see a step in the positive direction despite Nadeem neing head of the Planning Commission since long. Hope he doesnt turn out to be a hoax, which I am afraid he seems to be.
But whom has the new advisor advised and what was the outcome. If he's real good at it then congratulations to PTI and if he's just a media created global thinker, then sad then Khan is surrounded by appropriate people. Never Heard about the guy though.
While this sounds good, one of the first things Ibrahim will tell IK is to make peace with India because Pakistan cannot afford an arms race with India. But the establishment who make their living out of enmity with India will never allow this to happen. It will be interesting to see how the Kaptaan handles them.
Please all Pakistanis give Tehreek e Insaaf a chance... its a dream team! Vote for it! Regards and Respect from Canada
The hope of the entire nation is lying with Imran Khan and his ability to make the right decisions and steer this country into better times. I am glad he is getting quality advisors, but I think he needs more home grown policy makers rather then someone who has never lived or functioned in Pakistan. Ground reality is very different, global strategies on economic growth may not deliver the same results as they do in developed or literate societies. So I hope his team also has strong local presence. Wish Imran all the best !
Ok one sec pls. I think some of above people think zardari's or sharif's team is better going.. We don't need a CIA agents if these current people are around. who would agree with me?
Imran Khan will require intelligent people around him, but only time will tell if Azeem Ibrahim is suitable. Obviously, the fact that he has been trained at Cambridge, Harvard and Yale makes him somewhat suspect. It is possible that he has been recruited by MI6 or CIA or Mossad or all of them. With his undoubted intelligence he could be a great asset for Pakistan, but alternatively he could cause great damage. I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
I hope Mr Ibrahim teaches IK to stop criticizing other "leaders" in Pakistan ad nauseum, and to expound on his recipe for change. We all know about these crooks but I for one am sick and tired of the old refrain of how bad everyone is. Lets move on and talk details about HOW change will occur. We are waiting to hear
Nothing special really. It's interesting how we pump someone just because he has a degree from known school from abroad. A starting salary for a PhD in govt or industry in the west is $60k to $80k, less than a professional with 3 to 5 years of experience. Unless this guy has turned around large public agencies or firms etc, it really means nothing.
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs had no degrees - not even college ones. But they changed our world forever. A lesson to be learned.
It's great to be skeptical and be wary of what the news feeds you with but sometimes I wonder if our nation's history had made us overly so. The guy is an ADVISOR. He will be ONE of the people on the team. His word will NOT be final. I want to trust this man because I cannot trust the rest of them. We've tried and tested them and they have failed us. I would say he is our only hope right now and I can only hope that I am right.
kia yar? ab imran khan sochbhi khud nahin sakta.
Thank god we don't have to import foreigners to ruine the economy in India, we have our own MMS doing the same.
@Giri: Umm where is the Islamic state you are talking about here? As far as I know there is no land on this earth where Shariah is implemented.
excellent choice by Imran which only the jealous would oppose - now one of Dr Azeem's first tasks would be to advise Imran to curtail his some of his silly plans to block roads etc ?? ................
@Uza Syed: I find British-Pakistanis or anywhere-Pakistanis more sincere to the cause of Pakistan than the Pakistani-Pakistanis!
I have my strong doubts about this self made millionaire Azeem. Those who are close to him will know that he is a shadowy figure never understanding his true character. He is not academically that bright but appears that he has been propped up. He portrays himself as an all rounder eg fake charity work, fake director of European Mercantile Bank, millionaire etc
Is he really though. His close alliance with top level politicians...hmm
I am convinced he is a stooge put their by those in power for doing their dirty work. Azeem Ibrahim will never come across as a sincere person.
It will be interesting to see his A-Level results or his current bank balance.
I am a proud supporter of IK but I think in this case he picked the rotten apple.
NOT IMPRESSED. Imran is seeking someone who apparently knows how to work within UK economy which as a whole is sinking. That is not what Pakistan needs. Pakistan needs support from people who have reduced poverty, know how to manage economy, who know how to recycle water, how to do drip agriculture, how to educate their people. I hope he does a better talent search than this example.
I do not know if this gentleman is capable of thinking outside the box. Meanwhile UK is a failing economy and he gained his experience there? http://www.opendemocracy.net/openeconomy/jeremy-fox/leading-in-underdevelopment Leading in underdevelopment How has Britain succeeded – if that is the word – in falling so relatively low in the UN's Human Development measurements? ttp://ablog.typepad.com/keytrendsinglobalisation/2012/01/the-incredible-shrinking-uk-economy.html The incredible shrinking UK economy http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/nov/16/why-britain-doesnt-make-things-manufacturing Why doesn't Britain make things any more? In the past 30 years, the UK's manufacturing sector has shrunk by two-thirds, the greatest de-industrialisation of any major nation. It was done in the name of economic modernisation – but what has replaced it?
This is a difference between Nawaz Sharif, Zardari and Imran Khan. NS, Zardari need advisors like Babar Awan and Rana Sainfullah and Imran Khan advisor like Ibrahim.
Pathetic! I thought ( as well as have read, talked with, and learned about) a lot native Pakistanis that have the intellect and commitment to their country. And right there - IN Pakistan. Isn't it a shame? It just reflects IK's own lack of any intellect, forget political savvy.
They need to win elections first :D
These are professionals. Whoever want advise they will give sincerely without any biasness. I think critics at this forum never been professional and does not know professioanl attitude.
Azeem, knows and cares more about Pakistan than a lot of people who are calling him clueless here.
As Pakistanis we are a thankless people - those who try to reach out and work with us for common purposes and to benefit the nation we put them down - and those that massage our egos steal and pillage from the nation and give excuses for the terrorists and criminals we have them to lead us shameful...
thnx to ALLAH he z appointing and taking help of educated and sensible people...IK can bring a drastic change through Ibrahim's opinion..a good change indeed!
GOOD!!! our ountry needs such an Intellectual & Educated People.
Good,,,,Our country really needs such an intellectual and educated people
nice try but looks like
"An england team captain playing in PAkistan team to win ...".............?
Excellent move, didn't expect this from IK - I know Dr Ibrahim and I he brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge with him....
I don't know about the ability to understand complex matters and understand what needs to be done!
This appointment could not be pleasing to those already in the party who think they have all the answers! No names need be mentioned.
there was no one capable enough in Pakistan to be appointed?? I'm wondering what would've been PTI trolls' response if PPP or PMLN had done the same thing...
@mehreen You mentioned his charity work, great job, but BTW that doesn't include Pakistan? Most important: How can someone with no ground knowledge formulate our education, economic policy? Their are numerous Pakistani nationals that are ivy league grads, good credentials, so nothing extraordinary.So y relying on a non-Pakistani, who cd ditch anytime (like Mansoor Ijaz saying Im not a Pak citizen)?
Let's see how long he will last with Imran K! Not for too long.
A brilliant move!! Such minds should be introduced into Pakistani politics regardless of the religion, sects, or creed; as there is a sheer need for a change. There is heaps to be done and it could be done but the problem is that the systems are flawed and only such a mind that can solve complex equations is worthy enough to be a part of IK's think tanks. Break a leg Ibrahim and well done Imran Khan.
@Dr. Syed Alim Adeeb: Hey doc: you missed the point ! Only a con artist can help IK con the voter. Most of his followers are simple sincere Pakistanis who desperately want a change be it thru a glorified "gaind-balla" player or a Global Con Artist, sorry what was it? Thinker. Haha global thinker ......lol.
<3
Oh wow! He has pictures with Haroon Yahya and Pervez Musharraf on his website. Portentous of the gentleman's intellectual ability. Hurrah!!!
PS For the uninitiated, this is a sarcastic comment
Let's see!!!
Have this guy even visited Pakistan before?
If he is good, then surely he will benefit us as a country, But having US-Britain experience doesn't make you fit in our system. I am working in Government Department and we hire many foreign returned graduates but they do not understand the system. I also got a chance to work with Punjab Government, they have also hired such people and their programs are real good. These think tanks should keep themselves out of politics for the positive output. So Either is Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan, they both have good plans.
Something about this persons profile is striking me as odd but I cant figure it out. There's a lot of self promotion and propaganda on his site, genuine or not...?
He might be a genius and a wizard, but something is not right here about this person or what he represents. He makes claims about various things but I am not sure if they are all well founded. Some investigation is in order.
Things and people too good to be true are generally that.
Any way, good luck otherwise.
a non Pakistani becomes imrans global policy adviser? he used to criticize altaf Hussain, that a non Pakistani can't be loyal to Pakistan, after since altaf hussain got British passport. now imran khan another u-turn?
Dear All, After reading the view of both side supporter and anti of IK. I will advice to all please think positively and dont think that you are supporting IK or any other but think like a Pakistani.....
I think this is a good step towards building Pakistan...... We should support the good ideas of Mr.Shahbaz CM punjab and IK chairman of PTI.......
I have read many about the global thinker and found he the best for Pakistan because he is Muslim and follow more Islam basic than us.... We should higher expert of the area for every domain... for Islamic laws we should have Islamic Scholars and for other we should allow them....
Now thats what differentiate PTI from the traditional political parties! Bravo IK, i will surely vote for PTI! I can predict the upcoming revolution!
@Editors, can you please provide a link to LSDP European Social Think Tank's website? The link you have provided is of his own website. I can't find anything on LSDP on google... Moreover his website states that he was recognized by the world economic forum as a Young Global Leader... Can't find his name anywhere on the world economic forum's website... most of the material you've selected for publication is from his website which is full of his praises yet provide no external links for verifications.... you guys seriously need to rethink about your editorial policies this guy looks like a con man, and if PTI has appointed him then God help them because the establishment's help isn't going to be enough
If he fits those credentials and is actually listened to, say goodbye to your anti-West policy hopes.
IK could not find a single Pakistani in a population of 18 Million people. What a pity !!!!
CIA doesn't need to place its agents in Pakistan read the wiki leaks the pakistani leaders are in cahoots with them anyway. As for this guy I think Imran should have hired some one to match people like rana sanaullah and raja riaz because thats who we desrve!
Another Moin Qureshi / Saukat Aziz??
@Pakistani: I second it
You wont find a single person in other political parties like persons PTI has, its where we differs -- PTI Member
well done Imran Khan you are making your dream team just like you did in the cricket..and you ruled the world..now we wish you the same in politics and rule Pakistan.
Mr. HM the great Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal were also foreign educated people..mind it...
I love the fact that so many people are making so many claims about the guy without having read much about the guy. His core competencies are entrepreneurship in finance and technology, investments in emerging markets, deep pool of contacts to policy think tanks and influential US policy circles, and most importantly de-radicalization.
as soon as Imran takes office in case of an electoral win. That sums it up :)
“Imran’s ability to absorb complex information and immediately understand what needs to be done to take Pakistan forward in these challenging times.” Your above statement is proof enough of your intelligence. It's one thing having good grades all your life. It's quite another being intelligent and shrewd enough to bring a country out of turmoil. If Harvard and Cambridge promised anything, Pakistan's fortunes would have changed long ago.
Well it may be a good step but its really strange to see this guy views on jihad.. Lacking in understanding basic principles!! Apart from his charitable work and other success stories he does not seem to have understanding of Pakinstani mindset.
http://www.azeemibrahim.com/?p=1339
http://www.azeemibrahim.com/?p=1318
We have advisers like these for over 60 years. Anything changed? No. Bad move PTI.
@Giri: I don't know much about this guy but we need experts, experts in their respective fields not only just Mullahs. Mullahs have let us down. I am sorry to say but these Mullahs have contributed little else then promoting terrorism/intolerance in our society ..against the minorities and among ourselves, too. Time to separate religion and state and by that I mean not everything should be judged according to religion and we most definitely do not need Mullahs to help decide our state policies.
@Ch Allah Daad: Your approach is a typical approach of a PMLN supporter, carry on.
real change
He wants Imran to become President of Pakistan! The dude is clueless about Pakistan. Pakistan follows prime ministerial form of democracy; president is a ceremonial post.
http://www.azeemibrahim.com/?p=1480
"In this way, a fair and democratic election for the Presidency of Pakistan could lead to Imran Khan becoming the next President in 2013 and his hugely important task to Save Pakistan can then begin."
Welcome on board Mac Ibrahim.
Please excuse all the insecure cynical and bruised egos present in the comments pages.
They should be aware of the disproportionate positive influence Scots people have had on human kind.
I hope you are able to help us find our compass and get honest and real with it.
Best wishes
A Pakistani citizen duped by his own countrymen . . . the so called leaders, bureaucrats, and army men, since 1948.
Isn't it funny??? The guy already works for Pakistan Government !!!
Love the way the PTI Trolls cheer to ever little thing that Immi bhai does. Even more fun to see them get agitated when anything is said about their Dear Beloved Leader (DBL), its like they get their panties in a twist
See, Mr. z.khan, i have question for you, that why imran khan has to look the smart and ambitious ppl in pak, why they are not joint hand with ik and make sure to change the policies and problems of pak or why they are not coming out by themselves to bring the change. if even ik will try to find in pak, ppl never want change, everyone in pk would like to go abroad, wana get education abroad(europe, or America). than whats the problem if one of the young clean back ground person without the back of politicians or any other agency, is coming forward to take charge, i think we should appreciate IK and team. Now Ms Kanwal, you ppl are saying that a person should be from our country, how can it possible, we dont wana believe on that as well, if he will try to find a person from pakistan, you, me and everyone put finger on him that may the person has back of agency or establishment. now about the ground realities, who can know more than N,league and zardari group. Just be a realistic, why we want to go for typical style of life, why we dont wana ppl who are with new ideas and new policies.
a good addition to the team, PTI needs young energetic scholars to chart a path for the future
Question. Why cant status quo parties ever do something like this Answe. Because they are too busy looting national wealth.
Google him. He is a professor at the US Army War College. So much for independent drone free foreign policy. PTI opponents will chew this guy up. Blunder by Imran? hmmmmm.
What in the Hell is a Global Thinker? Anyone who calls himself a Global Thinker is a con-artists, a scam and a fraud, because the two words, "Global Thinker", do NOT make any sense and there is NO such thing as a Global Thinker. Human brains are NOT capable of thinking globally because the so-called Global Thinking does NOT even exist in the whole world. Global Thinking is only an illusion or an imagination of countless crazy minds. The Global Thinker is a ridiculous, fictitious and illusionary term created to fraudulently or cunningly glorify the Stupid Thinker who is a useful idiot, a puppet, or a stooge of the imperialistic Slave-Masters. PTI Chairman Imran Khan is gradually destroying the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) by appointing many corrupt, criminal, or deceptive scammers as office-holders and top leaders of the PTI. All PTI members and workers must hold Imran Khan accountable now because Khan has wrongly allowed numerous crooks, criminals and thugs to become tyrannical rulers of the PTI.
What a fine choice :)
@usmanx: Haha, case closed! you surely don't know how to frame an argument.
@elahi: People with a colonial mentality (like IK and his 'fans') won't get it. The guy believes in imports, be it personal life or public.
So Imran has already insulted all of us Pakistani-borns by implying there's not a single smart, honest Pakistani here. Thanks for the insult. Shame on people who are so happy on being insulted. This just proves the disconnect Mr. Imran Khan has with his fellow Pakistanis. Why can't he find just a smart normal Pakistani. Either he would go for a wadera Makhdoom or a British born foreigner!. If he ever comes to power (Got forbid) all his cabinet members would be imported.
I think our PPP and PML friends want IK to hire an uneducated, illiterate chamcha at the post and make him a minister.
His expertise lie in a total different field. Imran Khan is not going to use this guy to make a policy on Electricity Gas and Employment etc... his role is totally different. Find out more about the guy .... his Entrepreneurial advisory experience is extra ordinary. Pakistan needs to encourage entrepreneurship so the common man does not rely so much on govt. jobs but instead Govt. relies on common man's contribution towards its economy. The man is expert in the field and IK knows how to use him well. Give it a chance !
Imran Khan, let our dreams come true. Nation is eagerly waiting for a big change !
does mr ibrahim understand the complexities in PK.....its just like bringing in people who have no visibility of the ground reality but just have intl exposure......
Expatriate Pakistani's are an economic and knowledge asset,mansoor ejaz notwithstanding, for the country. Remember remittances and the uncluttered knowledge they bring in the form of technology etc.rember patriotism of the religious and or nationalist kind retards your thinking best example inward looking National front in Uk and red necks in USA. Are they not similar to our difah e Pakistan types.
what a hire. salute to IK vision.
I'll quote Marvi:
fake change team's leadership whilst gliterring on the outside was flaky, non detail oriented and inconsistent on the inside
What is PTI's policy on dual national passports for those in public office????
Just to show to people that "if i got to office, then I have the best strategist". You will have it but until you are swimming in the same dirty pool, even your advisor will be taking money from US/UK and from their likes to make strategies the way, that serves them only, not the poor Muslims of Pakistan.
However, if Imran brings a revolution by irradicating this corrupt system (removing the dirty water of this pool and replacing it with clean water) and replaces it with a true system (that really wants to solve human problems) true a real politics that believes not in filling its pockets only, rather taking care of people (in such a pool any sort of dirty fish will get clean, even the likes of Zardari, Gilani and Nawazi).
So people, don't waste your time and don't hope from an already loser.
Wassalam
@Giri: wake up Giri...wakeup....why dont you become the "scholar" and lead the Pakistan in your own islamic way?? Molvies have destroyed the generations…. They have destroyed the intellect...they have destroyed the thinking ability...!!! wakeup NOW!
@Uza Syed: you need to wakeup and become one of "smart guys" so imran dont have to look out side country..!!
IK is an absolute genius. I hope the people of Pakistan give him the chance to come into power. I just saw his interview on an indian channel where he absolutely lambasted Sulman Rushdie.
To every Pakistan irrespective of whether they support IK or PTI, I request you to watch this linked interview:
http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/the-buck-stops-here/mindset-of-rushdie-is-that-of-a-small-man-says-imran-khan/226916?pfrom=home-lateststories
IK rocks
which "other world leaders" has he advised?
@Kanwal
Are you thick or what? Have you ever heard of knowledge pooling? The guy's thinking and ability to advise on strategic issues is exceptional and not easily matched. If he does lack any knowledge of issues specific to Pakistani environment, IK and his team is there to complement his knowledge and fill any gaps. But obviously, your thinking capacity could not grasp this simple fact, and hence you questioned why someone with exceptional thinking capability was being engaged to solve the problems you don't have the capability to solve yourself.
No, your comment here is not a contribution to solving it. It is part of the problem!
Has anyone read this mans biography? . He is at centre of conservative party of britain, his focus will solely remain expanding British hegemony, furthermore his advice to world leaders is as a lobbyist/ policy analyst. He is in the business of making money by sharing information, doing research and providing input. Loyalty cannot be considered from him, hiring him is similar to putting a lobby group in charge of making policy. Credentials do not matter, outlook and loyalties do I truely believe now that Imran Khan has full support of the British establishment in his rise to power, after all he was once married into the political hierarchy and till this day maintain cordial relations.
@Uza, British born Pakistanies are not foreigners but duel nationals and love Pakistan as much as any body in Pakistan if not more.
@Giri: Take a chill pill Giri Dude. Installing an Islamic Advisor (which clearly seems like a solution of every problem to you) isn't really a very logical one.
Good move on paper.But it all depends on how conversant this advisor is with Quran and Hadith.Policies prescribed by people without knowledge of life hereafter is bound to fail life at present.
Nice move Sir IK .... we have a firm believe over u and ur loyalty and sincerity with this country.
Bring Azeem Ibrahim in Pakistan now. Let us see how he experiences the Pakistani realities first hand. Then he can come up with his advises to Imran.
Do you want to know the difference between Imran Khan and every other politician in Pak?? - Mr. Ibrahim would never even consider to work with anybody besides PTI!!
Seems like the guy is a specialist in color revolutions like George Soros.
To all those who have an objection to whether this guy knows about Pakistan or not, well please be practical in the sense that just living in a particular area doesn't make you an expert trouble shooter for the locality. I won't even give examples since this is pretty evident. This guy has studied to solve problems and develop strategies, it's his job. I don't know his work but this I know, that typically these people do not deal with a perfect problem every time with which they are well acquainted with the subject. In fact their job is to solve problems in new and different situations every time. Pakistan, being one in this case.
A feudal lord who lives in Pakistan can't run a successful railway system in Pakistan but a professional from abroad can.
@Giri: Pakistan is not supposed to be an Islamic state. Jinnah never created an Islamic State. Islam was never supposed to be the religion of the state. In the words of Jinnah "the workings of a state has nothing to do with religion",
@Giri: Wow. That is such a ridiculous argument. While credible, genuine Islamic scholars who have thoughts about the political setup in Pakistan should be included in the conversation, the discussion should clearly not exclude experts who have ideas about thriving in the global world of today as far as economic politices, trade concerns, industrial management, financial decisions are concerned. This doesn't mean mimicking what the "West" is doing necessarily but doing what suits our conditions. Not everyone in Pakistan is dying to have an "islamic state" in place and so the correct representation of popular sentiment would be to have a mix of both Islamic and secular policies - best of both. Both sides need to understand that no good is going to come out of IMPOSING your set of values and conditions on the other. Tolerance and patience people! And please, this argument about anything west doesn't deserve a second thought is getting a little too ridiculous. It would do better to think in slightly more complex terms and to pay attention to what is good for you.
HM,
You know who else was educated abroad? Quaid-e-Azam, Allama Iqbal... Case closed.
guys, before showing u'r real character ( those who have made negative comments about azeem ibrahim) pls do some research, for God sack. I solute imran khan to bring this diamond to his team !
Same old tactics of relying on imported PMs/Advisors. Do you remember Shaukkat Aziz n care taker PM Qureshi? Wake up guys.
I just went through his 'self-promoting' web-site and on it there are videos of his talks/lectures/interviews. During one of his interviews (Entrepreneurial Exchange) he talks about working on a policy paper for the US government on how 'they' can improve their image.
This IS IT for me!!! This guy is another MANSOOR IJAZ in the making. He will TRASH pakistan whenever he gets a chance. He is already writing for HUFFINGTON POST, which everyone knows what this paper/website is all about. The web-site is always FULL of hatred against muslims/islam. And oh yes, just like mansoor Ijaz, he also got his education at a top school.
SORRY IMRAN!!! YOU CHOSE THE WRONG GUY.
So now Immy will use a "Harvard and Yale" scholar to abuse US...sweet;))
I love the haters comments,these people are achieving nothing but to make people like us to work hard for Pakistan,work harder to support Imran Khan.
This is probably the highest competence a company or an organisation can employ.
This gentleman is a bad choice. He was not born in Pakistan nor got his education there, therefore how would he know our culture, education system and other problems.
ROFL!!! Pakistani SHEEPLE in full action. You go sheeple :D
Highly appreciable.....good move PTI!
bring it on PML-N and PPP!
Another expert like shaukat aziz. what difference remains between musharaf and imran and what favour did shaukat aziz done to pakistan. Can't Pakistan produce at least one scholar to advice Mr Imran on important matters. Wah Wah Mr Imran hiring expert whatever country he belongs doesn't solve any of the problem we have facing.
@Giri @ Pakistani politics @Sameer: You know actually What is the Problem?? you guys actually DESERVE to have Zardari as your PRESIDENT & his jail fellows as your LEADERS ! Of course Nawaz will be a Good alternative for you guys.... you will keep getting what you DESERVE with a new Mask ! :)
@Giri, get a life! Which Islam are you talking about? The failed Wahabi strain of Islam that leads people to self destruct? Damn you and the arabs!
@jun: There is much difference. You need to understand. Our present government is not honest and I do not think they will ever apply those things whatever this young man advise them. Imran Khan is a practical person and will apply good things where this person will advise.
Good job IK
His fee is more than $20,000 per month. How will Imran pay him? Who are the financial sponsors of PTI?
@Pakistan politics: Stay positive. You do not have to scratch everytime to find only Jewish lobby. He seems to be very intelligent and educated person. Imran Khan decided really well.
Proud to be PTI and IK follower....Change is coming for good....
A good leap forward to devise and recommend ways and means to help solve pakistan's neck-deep problems. Imran Khan is a practical person he doesn't make lofty claims which he can't achieve. Well done Imran. May God Almighty give you energy and courage to materialise your vision of a changed (for good) Pakistan.
@ all (including me)! please if someone is trying to do something good let him do it. If you can do something like that (like Ibrahim) please come forward and prove yourself instead of being an ENERGY SUCKER.
Another "imported" implant. Why not take someone from Pakistan who HAS been to Cambridge and Harvard and/or is working abroad in prestigious universities/think tanks? How would this guy know about ground realities here? He could have been part of a team where majority could be from the land so they know what is going on.
Without commenting on the personality of his choice, one should praise the step of IK at least he is thinking on right direction. For visionary policies and good governance Pakistan desparately needs good guidelines from think tanks. In order to solve inner challenges he should try local truthful, sincere and honest expertise. No need to see outside the country.
Mein to dekhun ga.....
Pakistan needs people like him badly. Good job PTI.
@Pakistan politics: I hope you are not from the jewish lobby as well
@Uza Syed: Who gives a crap about what you think :D
Good choice my Khan.
Born and bread outside Pakistan and now will make policies for our country...I think someone needs to explain IK about the importance of the local context! Why importing such nonsense!
Ibrahim, a Harvard scholar and multi-award winning entrepreneur whose parents emigrated from Pakistan in the 1960s
@Giri: Dear. I dont know what is wrong with people like you. By the way what does "implement western infidel policies on islamic state" mean? Saudia may survive without interest because they have oil. They can live without seeing women on the streets because they go to have fun in UAE, Europe. We only have dimwits like you who think that that system can work in Pakistan. It cant. We dont have Shariat but look at how we treat our minorities. thatis not the way that minorities were treated by the Prophet (PBUH). One just has to say that XYZ person committed blasphemy and look at our nations reaction. Justice is never served (contrary to the principle of Islam). You think that all the killing and intolerance takes us closer to God or makes us more Islamic? Think again.
I think the West is more Islamic than the so called Islamic countries. Why? ALL faiths are free to practise whatever they want. They consider you human (care about Haqooq-ul-Ibad). Name any Islamic country where there is respect for a muslims life let alone the minorities.
http://www.azeemibrahim.com/?page_id=2
He operates a private grant-giving foundation (www.ibrahimfoundation.com) and founded and chairs a number of charities which tackle problems as diverse as family and marriage breakdown in the Asian community in Scotland, (www.unityfamily.co.uk), lack of access to higher education for Bosnian students (www.benevolencefund.org). He has recently increased his involvement in independent charity initiatives. He launched the first think tank in Scotland which is dedicated to providing education in authentic Islamic teachings, which can help to reduce the appeal of perverse extremist Islamic narratives!
and not to forget his parents are or Pakistani Origin moved to Scotland in 1960...Dream Team in the making....
@HM...Because the top professionals and bright students from Pakistan are leaving Pakistan to settle abroad and make their careers there..bro for 4 yrs i worked 24,7 in Pakistani hospitals in worse kind of conditions only to get 40 K at end of month..After failing to meet my own needs,i had to go abroad for a better pay package..its a similar story for most of the educated ppl here..so stop criticizing and appreciate if someone is doing some good.
I think one of the first pieces of advice this guy should give Imran Khan is to sever his ties with Difa-e-Pakistan Council and other right-wing groups. He should teach Imran to be not gullible enough to sit on the same stage as the likes of LeJ, LeT, SSP, et al. He should also educate Imran on the art of reality - that complex social and societal problems are not solved in "90 days" or some other number plucked out of the sky.
No more "Zardari sab par bhari" or "I'm not a peon...I am PM". I cant wait to see IK in power.
PMLN and PPP will brand him as JEW lobby etc
Good Shot IK keep up the good work...team in the making
First energy policy, soon economy and local government policy will be announced (by next month), now this appointment. Man Imran is ready to take over.
To all critics;
He is a global thinker read it "one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers of 2009 by the LSDP European Social Think Tank. He has also advised over half a dozen world leaders."
He is not coming to issue you religious fatwas.. !! He will advise on Education Policy, Corruption Elimination etc.. !!
IK do have already intellectuals in his team, recently he initiated "Insaf professional Forum" too. He knows better who to appoint. so pls stop pulling his legs and let him do what ever he is doing in interest of the country.
economic hitman?
@Sameer, nobody becomes CIA agent like a flick. If you accuse somebody then back ur accusation with facts and evidence. I met Azeem in his key note speech in Cambridge. What a brilliant brain. In watch full eyes of west he as a Muslim has gained what most of us in Europe cant gain. We as Pakistanis should not forget what we have done with our own talents. In this complex world you need people who can think out of the box. As far his appointment goes with current Pakistan government, then i must remind my fellow brothers and sisters, this government never listens to any precious advice. either it has to deal with NATO, Economy, Education or what ever. There are dozen of brilliant and expensive people who advises Government of Pakistan but has any body implemented their advise. NONE.
Good Work Imran Khan, Good Work Tribune in bringing such news. Cheers.
@HM: Have you ever heard of Fozia Kasoori, Akbar Shah Babar, Dr. Shireen Mazari, Firdos Naqvi, Dr. Farid Malik...these are all US university graduates and Pakistanis who are already on IK's top leadership team...have you heard about them (except may be Shireen Mazari)? No. Because media doesn't give coverage to all these people.
Anything better than Ali Moeen Nawazish
What a fine step by IK.
first page of his website says he is already advising government of Pakistan and planning commission so whats new Mr.Imran is bringing .The guy is already appointed by current government . www.azeemibrahim.com
@ Dr.Abdullah, there are plenty of young and educated Pakistanis living in Pakistan, who have worked in Pakistan policy circles, in Pakistani institutions, are NOT corrupt and are strong supporters of democratic governance and good governance. Why is IK unable to tap these people? The Pakistanis he finds are the same old bogus politicians from other parties and then the educated, intelligent people he finds are NOT pakistani.
hahah i'm loving the hater comments.. oh "he's not pakistani" "oh he's CIA agent" this is the think tank this is the dream team IK has been talking about! This guy knows who to pick in his team! Pakistan change is coming, tsunami is here and its all coming from PTI and his team!
If Imran takes in a traditional poltician within his ranks,he is criticized for bringing the same lot with him.If he brings somebody young and educated on board with him then he is criticised for trusting foreign educated ppl..lol..Anti-IK ppl can never be happy and the deserve ppl like Nawaz and Zardari to rule them.
this is what we call a huge wicket . impressed !
big fish in the net of imran khan
so azeem ibrahim's experience is in the UK, Europe and US policy circles? what is his experience on the ground in PAKISTAN? according to his biography, he spent 7 years in the British Army (IV Battalion Parachute Regiment). How will this Euro-American policy experience (technocrat experience, not even development studies/econ expertise) help him understand the challenges faced in Pakistan?? Its a bit bizarre that IK (if he was to become PM) would be relying on the expertise of a foreign-born, foreign-educated, foreign-dwelling individual after all his patriotic fervor/zeal...
@Abrar R: he is talking about Islamic monetary system and trade rules etc... have some common sense
Go Imran Go!!
Man what a person Azeem Ibrahim is. One of those self made people whom everybody would have dreamt of becoming. He certainly would do something extraordinary for IK and Pakistan keeping in view his experience
@Giri
He is not being appointed an advisor on religous affairs. What r u talking about? Have some common sense.
Proud of you, IK!!
CIA Agent ??
Why are people so pumped up when you see this guy has western education...He is not a scholar in islam, so every one should be ashamed that for that being an islamic state. Does he plan to implement western infidel policies on islamic state?
I hope this man is not associated with Jewish lobby
dream team it will be, as promised by IK....
It's irrelevant what Ibrahim said about Imran and the otherway round----this they just have to, don't they----mutual back slapping on discovery of eachother. Though this Ibrahim chap does have impressive credentials except he isn't a Pakistani ------- the world is full of smart guys, no doubts about it, but how can Imran questions sincerity of other foreign well meansing friends and trust this foreigner---I don't.
Simply brilliant. I can already see a brilliant team heading Pakistan's future.
Another step towards the 'Dream Team' promised by Chairman Imran Khan.
Good. But Imran Khan must give him the job-to-do list, and this guy must only decide about the small details.
The overall plan must be Imran's.
this is what a real change is all about, very good news
good job IK :D