Supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf (PTI) wave national and party flags during a rally in Lahore March 23, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan lived up to his word.
He had promised to introduce fresh blood into Pakistan’s politics, which has been monopolised for decades by feudal lords and capitalists. And he did just that.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) took ‘remarkable risks’ and awarded 80% of party tickets to political new comers instead of relying on ‘electable’ candidates. The party, however, has full faith in these ‘non-electable’ candidates and hopes to sweep next month’s parliamentary elections.
“We have awarded over 80% tickets to the non-electable who have never been a part of any assembly,” said Imran while announcing party tickets for the youth on Monday. “The PTI is making history today by allotting 35% of tickets to the youth. And this will, of course, make a ‘Naya Pakistan’,” he said.
Imran said his party would field 800 candidates across the country. Of them, over 600 are debutantes – and 35% are below the age of 40, he added.
He also appealed to the nation to contribute to the ‘Naya Pakistan Fund’ which has been set up to finance the election campaigns of young PTI candidates. “They [the youth] are the game-changers and want revolution through the ballot,” he said. He revealed that 250 candidates of his party have not enough resources to run their political campaigns.
“It was difficult to pick out 800 candidates from 6,000 applications,” he said. “Now, a new leadership can fix the state institutions. The nation will fight a decisive battle for a new system,” he added. The party has awarded around 80% of tickets on the recommendations of its district organisations.
“We had decided that tickets would not be awarded to the relatives of party leaders. I vetted the list [of aspirants] myself to rule out nepotism in the award of tickets,” he added. He said that ideological politics came to an end in Pakistan in 1985 – but the PTI wanted to revive it. “Now, Pakistanis want to rid themselves of the two traditional political parties, PML-N and PPP,” he said. The two parties had been partners in the Punjab government for three-and-a-half years while they had been partners in Balochistan till date.
“In fact, they are one on all issues. PML-N leaders have said on record that they helped the PPP-led government to complete its tenure. Now, the PML-N wants to take its turn. The nation will not allow them to play musical chairs,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2013.
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@Ahmed:
for politics ; 40 is a tender age ~ .. Michiavelli would hate politicians younger than 35 . because politics is an art which needs a lot of practice and experience . A child completes his studies usually at the age of 24 [ graduation wont be enough for high office holders ] after that they need real life exposure atleast for 10 years . So; before 35 you can't expect a person to be suitable for practical politics . I would say 40 is an ideal age .. ~
@akram:
Barrister Hammad Azhar.
Imran Khan can not be a game changer. Yes, Bilawal or Maryam Nawaz could be
Recruit. no hope for good
PTI forever
We'll have to see how many of these "youngsters" come close to winning. You can only come to power if you win elections and PTI has more experience in boycotting elections than in winning them.
@JavNeh: history no , , actually history was made when MQM made farooq mayor of mega city karachi when he was just 27, then mustafa pride of pakistan mayor of karachi when he was 33 , so was late imran farooq leader of opposition 29 years of age , the best part that party leader never once sought office , i just pray Imran also follows in this , like giving tickets to young blood and anounces PM ship for some other young blood , and himself remain party head
Till now Imran khan has not cleared its stand on terrorism every time when some one asks him he just says that its due to american attacks that this terrorist are created but even imran khan knows that he cant stop american and cant afford to declare war against terrorist because this will lead to great economic crises and civil war can erupt and even if he declares it than it will be a very long war which even american are unable to afford financially.if imran khan supports taliban than pakistan will move towards an another dark age of about 25 to 30 years. Choice is your and only yours good luck!
Please,at least now open your eyes,we have this chance,don't lose it,PMLN and PPP ruled for 25 years and nothing could change,now it's our turn,turn of Pakistani,not Punjabi,Sindhi,Baloch or Pathan,Only Pakistani.Pakistan Zindabad,PTI Zindabad
He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, pampered being the only brother of four sisters, studied in elite schools and universities in Pakistan and abroad. He was popular, rich, and handsome and was a heartthrob of millions over the world. He was living a life of comforts, luxury and pomp and show. But do you remember? He left his life of luxury for the week, poor, deprived and vulnerable of this country. He transformed himself into an ordinary Pakistani, reached ordinary people, talked to them, ate with them and wore their attire. Do you remember, the man who once lived like a prince, crushed his ego and literally begged on streets schools, colleges and abroad to help you and me? He built hospitals and university and homes for sick and poor and deprived without being in power. Whenever, there was some tragedy, he was there to help the victims. Be it earthquake, or floods or terrorism, he was standing with his brothers and sisters and striving day in and day out to rehabilitate them. He even destroyed his personal life but did not leave his people. And do you remember, in return what was given to him, he was mocked, laughed at, disrespected, beaten, jailed and maligned. But I don’t understand this man, he did not start hating his country and his people, he did not run away from them, even never complained. Instead, continued loving them by working for them tirelessly. Not for one, not for 5, not for 10, but over the last two decades. Aah, my innocent country men and women. Do you still doubt his sincerity, do you still not see his commitment to this land, do you still think he is working for wealth, popularity and power and do you still think he does not deserve your support? I think this nation has finally realized who is their true leader? Honor him, respect him and support him. This is the opportunity of a life time. Don’t miss it….
@Sikander Fayyaz Bhadera: wish u best of luck sir. Inshaallah u will win
Imran's intentions are good but his lieutenants will fail him. many fresh faces may be fresh in politics but have a tainted record while in service etc. Imran Knowingly accommodated such fresh faces due to the pressure of his lieutenants, particularly in KP
My support was always with and always will.PTI zindabad.
@asim: Sir, do you fullfill Article 62? The "indirect reference" has not been witnessed by anyone (as per Islamic Laws one need to have witnesses to the said effect). Furthermore, its a matter between the individual and his Creator. Let the two decide amongst themselves as and when time comes. In the mean time, let the Man take care of this unfortunate nation, who are robbed by conventional parties having no ideology at all. For example, just look at PPP. It used to be Leftist Party. Not any more! Let change step into our lives.
Imran Khan has always done what he said. Now is the time for Pakistanis to vote for his party.
IK, u deserve in all respect to be Pakistan's PM
What more this guy needs to do to open to eyes of Pakistanis?
Come one guys I can't find a reason why I would give my vote to other parties who have been in government for the last 3 decades. I will vote for Justice --- I will vote for PTI (InshAllah).
I hope you all are not sitting at home on May 11 and writing comments!
Go and take charge of your destiny or sit quiet and cry for decades to come!!
how many times we want to check Imran that he never speak fault like other politicians, whatever he said he has ability to do that AND i assure that he is only honest in pak politics..now only animal will not vote imran...all Pakistani who love Pakistan will vote PTI.
IMRAN KHAN YOU fulfill your promise and INSHALLAH we know you will done all your promises.
A man of his words. Great Khan.
made the history, vote for PTI
Where is Young Blood PTI candidates in Lahore ?.
Details of the candidates are:
NA-118: Hamid Zaman
NA-119: Mohammad Madni
NA-120: Dr Yasmin Rashid
NA-121: Barrister Hammad Azhar
NA-122: Imran Khan
NA-123: Ashiq Chaudhary
NA-126: Shafqat Mehmood
Just to let people know who are saying that the youth is sons and daughters of PTI members, Imran has categorically said that even if some ticket has been announced so far for any such relative, it will be taken back.
@Usman Khan: You are lying, I live here in Multan and I know none of their son's or daughters got any tickets. so take you lies elsewhere.
Imran Khan will clean sweap the ELECTIONS 2013 In Shaa Allah...... strong text
so finally all the conspiracies about PTI hav been slapped,my ppl wake up vote for PTI
@Ch. Allah Daad: Visionary leadership of Zardari and NS !!!! Enough said.
He has done it again...electable vs fresh blood...now nation will have to decide if they r ready for change....IK you have changed political scenario
Another rocking move by Imran to shatter the old glass of traditional politics where electable play a key role!!!
And he did just that ! :)
Thank you khan for trusting on us (youth of Pakistan).
@Ch. Allah Daad: stop supporting who have done nothing for us. people like you should be thrown out of Pakistan to make Naya Pakistan.
@Usman Khan: Get yourself corrected my brother, none of them is getting any ticket
May Allah Bless this country with true leadership :) Ameen At least give them chance :) Vote for PAKISTAN
What is the use of awarding ticket to youths when hundreds of youth have abandonded PTI very much dismayed what party did after 30 november jalsa:(, sadly i am one of those,i still have doubts about Ik match fixing with the mqm, and q-league, after all most of q-leaguers are in PTI
@Usman Khan: If you are blind to see 80% new comers and have to vision to to see the 20% then you better be blind
My leader has won the hearts and mind of people who have minds. We proud of you Sir Imran Khan. You fulfill your promise and you are a man of words. We hope that you will fulfill your all promise when you come into power.
now he is truly PAKISTAN KHAN
@Ch. Allah Daad: hahahahaha Burnol for you my friend.
@Ch. Allah Daad:
The most pathetic argument I have ever seen. It's the responsibility of the administration to stop cheating. You can't blame youth for that. Youth learns from what is given to them. If you are presenting a corrupt environment, you will need some angle to stay safe from corruption in that.
How can you even question youth. Youth is the future of every nation. It's our responsiblity how we train and guide our youth.
Very pathetic argument by you indeed....
Thank you PTI for taking the nation forward
Great work PTI to emulate path set by MQM some 30 odd years ago, when Farooq Sattar became the mayor of a mega city like Karachi at the age of 27 and Dr Imran Farooq the Parlimentary leader in the National assembly under the age of 30 and not to forget our dynamic Mustafa Kamal who was 30ish when took on the challenge to rebuild Karachi.
PTI has done us proud by following the model shown by MQM, now other provinces can benefit from forward looking young people.
Once again thank you, PTI
@Gp65: they are mostly fresh people. mostly taken out directly from PTI youth wing and student parties.
Bravo Imran Khan. Once again you lived upto your promise. No excuse for critiques to criticize and not to vote for pti.. ET I must say you have raised the bar with impartial and unbias reporting.. That's why I follow news on ET.
I am from Lahore can ensure you with full confidence that Imtan Khan has selected best team for Lahore, Lahore tigers now it’s your responsibility to convince people to vote for change!
@Sikander Fayyaz Bhadera:
Congratulations and good luck, Sir. Lead the way towards Naya Pakistan, Inshallah.
In sha Allah he will clean sweep and Allah will reward him for his efforts to save Pakistan
He stood on his words.and did what he could , to give people the best option to vote for. even if he is not best in the world.
Yes We Khan.... You proved again you are a true leader and deserve our vote. Vote Imran Save Pakistan
@“It was difficult to pick out 800 candidates from 6,000 applications,” Yes it was difficult but not with the application fees: Rs. 30,000 x 6,000 = 180,000,000. 18 caror man!
@Ali Tipu: After failing to woo the old and electable candidates............yes.......he did again..............first he try for a vice and when he is unable to commit it................he then act and portray himself a virtuous.
IK had tried his best to woo the PMLN big fishes, but failed miserably. His catch was limited to javed hashmi. If he would have been successful he would have called it his success. But now he is left with nothing but to field the candidates he has got.
It is clear that he is a true leader. I hope Allah gives the people of Pakistan the wisdom to vote for him because quite frankly, he is our last hope.
My family vote for Naya Pakistan
He has no other option to give tickets to these unknown people. His party has no role in the last parliament or with the parliamentarian, This is the election gimmick and to fool people. let’s see the results and we will discuss in the next election if he refused to give ticket to the winners of elections 2013.
He is a player and plays shots for innocents as he played renowned life inning in the past by his tactful sweet communications. ,
Now the media will start pestering PTI for the lack of "electable" people.
My support in Imran Khan went from 500% to 1000%.
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO.
You did it, my vote is for IK
I am a 33 years old PTI worker. And I am contesting General Elections 2013 on PTI's ticket! We've been promising the change and we've been delievering it too. InshAllah Naya Pakistan!
This is surely a very courageous decision. It would be interesting to watch how the electables vs. new blood plays out at the hustings. Curious to know from people in Pakistan whether these 500 are really fresh faces or Mummy Daddy youth. I am sure Arvind Kejriwal in India must be watching these events with great interest.
One minor flaw in reporting 600 out of 800 seats is 75% not 80% but this is an ET error not a PTI issue.
@asim: How about you? do you are you a sadiq and amin in real life?
khan sab is last hope for us and insAllah we will proof in on 11 may
PTI the last hope for this nation. Hopefully the people of Pakistan will make smart choices in the coming elections. PTI all the way !!!
This is for everyone in doubt of PTI's vision. I am feeling so proud now. Supporting PTI for all these years paid off.
@Falcon: Dont be happy sir. I am sure under the visionary leadership of Zardari Sahib and Mian Sahib PTI will be defeated. Raja Parvez Ashraf for PM inshaAllah
Now I have decided vote to PTI
Oh Yes, I love you IK. You did what you promised. I am proud of PTI. 55 of my family members from faisalabad and lahore are voting PTI this time. And I convinced 12 to 15 friends of mine too and yes they are voting for PTI too in these elections. We all are former PMLN voters
@Ahmed: IK himself is 60 yrs old youth
@ usman khan 80% awarded to new comers not 100% and i think this is very very much.no other party n pakistan have such allotment... and this is the very trust of IK on youth.
@Ch. Allah Daad: Sirjee,when are we going to get our heads out of sand? Did you even look at the list of candidates? MOST candidates are young, educated and not related to any politician with a few exceptions. Almost 250 under 40 have been awarded tickets. Please learn to appreciate otherwise don't ever complain about "Wohi ghissay pittay corrupt politicians" EVER.
This is what a true leader is.........He keeps his words no matter what the ground situation is..........He is truly a Pakistan Khan!!!!!!!
As an overseas Pakistani, my support for PTI is for the long haul, all the chancers and people flip-flopping, aggressively coming to the forefront in the party for their own personal goals will be exposed. And believe me they do exist.
The structure of PTI has been developed to do just that. It really is a truly democratic party.
Preparing for a victory, yet realistically expecting the next few years for PTI to sit in the opposition. I hope not, I want a clean sweep but there are still MANY Pakistanis who are support the old two parties (for whatever reason, caste, business interests, their pir said so, dazzled by the "metrobus"), along with my belief that there must be some sort of nefarious plan to rig these elections. Dont rule that out, AT ALL.
Change has come, but as part of that change, you have to go the full haul and not bail out if PTI doesnt get a majority.
so the electables complaint is over. now non-pti people should become pti people!
I'm struggling to find any critique for the sake of critique in this article. For once, E.T. prints a factual report on Imran Khan and PTI. What a change!
We got only ONE CHANCE..ONE IMRAN...ONE PARTY.
For Allah's sake DO NOT lose it or our next generations will never forgive us!
He's doing the best he can. Now if people don't give his party a chance then let The people suffer. They deserve all their miseries.
He got not choice. There are very few mature and wise people in his party. Also he does not know the true value of youth. Majority of present youth cannot pass exam without cheating. Only five percent reach graduation level and eighty percent cannot pass even with cheating. With this kind of youth we have no future.
Khan sb is real leader .. In sha Allah PTI will win this election and its proved that dynastic politics will be history in Pakistan
@Tipu.. .. yes there is excuse not to vote him. Unless we have people among us who says BB zinda hai nothing is going change...
Khan lived up to his words again!
Change has arrived already.
Thanks ET for showing your impartiality. This is indeed a slap on the face of all the naysayers. Long Live PTI, long live IK, long live Pakistan.
40 year old youth!!!!!!!!!!!! IK are you kidding. Don't call them youth.
IK does not comply article 62/63.So why is this article put into the constitution?
Good luck PTI .... Readers please vote of PTI, I agree that they are not the best but they are way best then the rest. They may not be able to solve all of our problems but they will at least will not going to create more .... Let's give change a chance.
My vote is for Imran Khan..no matter who is his candidate. Only because I believe that the change starts from the top and people follow their leaders.
Yes, son & daughters of Javeed Hashmi, Shah Mahmood, Mian Azar, Ch.Amir Hussain are getting ticket and yet they are new in politics...
Really happy to hear that. Proud of you PTI!
Vote for PTI PTI party for change. Proved
This is the change we all wanted to see in Pakistan. Thank you Imran Khan for leading from the front again.
Vote for PTI This has proved esp to the critics of PTI that this is the party for Change.
Pakistan Ki Majboori Hai... Imran Khan Zarori hai
.........And he does it again aganst all odds. How does he do that everytime? Is there any excuse left not to vote this man?