Fauzia Kasuri. PHOTO: WASEEM NIAZ
One of the central figures of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and a close associate of Imran Khan, Fauzia Kasuri has previously served as PTI women’s wing president and a liaison person for the party’s overseas chapters. Young party workers call her the mother of PTI and women workers adoringly stood by her side as she visited dangerous terrains in Pakistan, including Balochistan and Waziristan, for the sake of the party.
Today this woman feels she has been “deliberately sidelined”.
Being raised in an influential family and married to an influential businessman, she says she had everything life had to offer. “I didn’t join PTI because I thought Imran Khan will be in power. I joined him for his cause: justice. Today that very cause is at stake.”
With PTI winning six reserved seats - four in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two in Punjab - Kasuri has lost the chance to represent the party in the assembly.
Looking back, Kasuri says she met Imran Khan in Bahrain in 1992, right after the Pakistan cricket team won the world cup. She hosted a small fund-raising lunch for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer and Research Hospital and managed to collect $80,000 from the 50 people invited. Shortly after this, Imran Khan offered her to be a part of his political party that was established in 1996.
“I stood with Imran Khan when he lost all elections; when people made fun of him.” After a pause to hold her tears back, she said, “I have no idea where I am going from here, but I am thankful for the association I have had with PTI.” She stops and adds, “The party has been changing for a while.”
In her opinion, it all started when “compromised people” were given a chance to join the party. Though she realises the dynamics of any political party and the fact that people have to be taken on board, she feels “parties must stick to their ideology”.
She says her colleagues’ apathy and Khan’s silence give her signals that she is not needed anymore, since no one has contacted her or replied to her emails.
On questioning the possibility of electing women lawmakers from Punjab in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly thus giving her a chance, she said making a domicile was the way out. “If Pervaiz Musharraf could make Marvi Memon’s domicile in one day, why can’t we?”
US nationality and disqualification
“I have not seen my grandchildren in months. I am dying to hug them, but I cannot, because the US embassy turned it down saying that I will have to wait for my visa to come from Washington now. This is the price I am paying for my sincerity,” says a teary Kasuri who gave up her US nationality on March 22, 2013 to be able to contest general elections.
During earlier meetings, she said, Khan would tell her to give up her nationality so that her credentials could be scrutinised. She said after she could not get the ticket due to the dual nationality issue, Khan publicly promised her twice of placing her first on the reserved seats. She says she was not consulted when the list was being prepared and her name on the fourth position came as a shock.
The dual nationality issue in Kasuri’s opinion was dealt with bias and she accuses PTI’s Hamid Khan, former Supreme Court Bar Association president, of it. She said after consulting Hamid Khan, who was heading the party’s election commission, she filed her nomination papers and submitted an affidavit on a stamp paper. She was disqualified, while several other dual nationals were allowed to run the elections.
“On March 21, I filed a review petition against my disqualification from contesting intra-party elections. To date, Hamid Khan has not replied.”
Moving forward?
For Kasuri, it is a time of difficult decisions to make. She says she has an offer from several other political parties and non-government organisations, but she is not sure about where she would go from here. She says politics is not the only way to serve people.
“I gave up my citizenship to serve Pakistan. If PTI doesn’t want me, I’ll find another platform.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2013.
COMMENTS (72)
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PTI is left like motherless child and father is lying aloft all along, Allaha may help the die heart followers of PTI
Fauzia Kasuri is no doubt very much founder member of PTI and has remarkable struggles at her credit. It was typical of Pakistani Politics that here people pull others down to show up their height, because they belong to that category where their height is maximum so it becomes necessary to pull other down to emerge outstanding in the lot. In case of her same thing happened and when her fellow found out that they might not match her height they decided to pull her down, this idea was imported though from the new arrival but executed by older one. Now that the cat is out of the bag, some idea came from stupid mind to frame a charge sheet against and with a shameful wording a charge sheet has been formatted, in which the whole charge looks to be fitted in i.e. Imran Khan through his good offices did not appreciate the situation but situated the appreciation to fix her up, thinking that the whole world is blind and will never understand his motives. He has proved him unjust and dishonest politician in his first ever decision making, thanks God it was only within party, what if he made similar decision in case of Pakistan! had he been in power? Look at the victim lady ! she is still giving example with tear full eyes about holy profit's (PBUH) exile! when he (PBUH) was looking back towards Makkah while leaving for Madina. As if she has hope that she will be called back and like a mother less child will join the orphanage of PTI. Where there is no justice Allaha does not like that lot in humanism, so she should be having strong faith and convection that she has taken right decision and do not keep" perhaps" in her mind. God is great
@UMSyed:
I agree with you Kaptan has this habit for 3 decades now. The way he treated the legendary Miandad is an important mention here. IK has always been user of people. Everybody knows how jealous he is of merit. I voted for you but no guarantee next time!! Earn our votes Mr IK.
All I can say - Opportunist ! I am CEO in one of the multinational company. All I do is choose my Group heads based on their capability - not based on their associated years with company.
IK made wrong decision to put her on 4th in his list - She's worth of last slot !
@ Faisal IK's love for Hamid Khan is but natural since they are cousins. Similarly, IK has nominated turncoat Pervez Khattak as CM-KPK since they are former schoolmates. Cronyism? No?
How many times did she mention that She relinquished her US citizenship to serve Pakistanis?
Once again the time proves that PTI is a bunch of opportunists!
I have heard lots of complains against Hamid Khan. I think he is damaging PTI. Also, IK's inflexibility is not helping either.
This is not crying for seat. When she saw the opportunist who just jumped into the party & then hold of it. Don't anyone think that when the opportunists shall prevail & represent the party,,,, what will happen? & those hold the party ideology are left behind.Why not to cry then......Think about it.
Like a Turkish Soup, Pakistan media gets an idea of making a drama: " Fauzia, Aakhir Mera Kasur kya?"
@kashif: you are right.......with a balanced veiw...i agree.
These decisions and rankings were decided before election, why didn't she say something then? Real leaders don't act like kids
@Rick Van Holden:
there are causes greater than self. US citizenship is in no way shape or form something to covet or die over. she loved her country more than her blue passport. i give her credit.
Aaah! Suddenly I remembered one Javed Miandad. But that's a very old story. Ironically, it has been repeated.
she has done deal with nawaz shareef due to power...
PTI welcomes and rewards turncoats but its diehard workers like FK find it difficult to find a niche despite selfless party work and financial sacrifice. Pity those who still cherish dreams. IK is an arrogant and insensitive person, as anyone else would have rushed to console a genuinely aggrieved person.
Good, bad or PTI
If I were her I will stay in the party and have some say in the formation of future of the party, I know in Pakistani politics some time you will be sidelined but working for some gaol for the betterment of the party and country, it takes persistence and make up of an iron-lady, it is time for you to have meeting with IK and figure out what you want to do with your standing in the party, if you quit the party then you will not be able to contribute to make sure that it becomes strong democratic party. By the way by mentioning Marvi Memon and Musharraf's you have exposed your self for some criticism, Mush was a military dictator where as IK is not and one should not usurp local people's seat any way.Those representing KP are deserving people in their own right.
Pindora Box of PTI is opening!! more surprises soon!
Mrs. Kasuri says: “If Pervaiz Musharraf could make Marvi Memon’s domicile in one day, why can’t we?”
This is so wrong. How can she talk about ideology and justice when she's willing to usurp someone's right from KP by making up a KP domicile and filling that seat?
come on guys do u see Asad Umar whining about not being in the parliament... there are so many of those around... i am so not in the "overdrive crowd" but i think she is over reacting... the party is a babe just now... help it grow n thrive.. help it prove itself... nest time around u could be freakin' governor of punjab n not an MPA from KPK on a forged domicile... i mean honestly i think i lost her on the marvi memom comment.. two wrongs DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT!
The party of Turncoats finally dispersing.
The best thing to do is both IK n FQ should sit together n talk it out.Such old n devoted party members should not b let go that easily.
Mr. Imran Khan comes out in his true color. He is just another politician who thinks condition of the country is right to grab for power.
We have heard promises before. Only fools are swayed by promises. Very soon we will know which way the camel sits.
Nothing surprising. As the whole PTI was crying for "POWER" in their defeated constituencies in the name of rigging, the same is this die-hard worker crying for but with a different name- injustice. In reality PTI is just a power hungry party.
She shouldn't give up her US nationality ! and for the people who say she is greedy for power, I tell you, You can't do anything at a large scale if you don't have enough authority or power to do so.. !! She is founding member and she should be taken so seriously,, 17 years are not so little to be partners.. I believe she is being ignored and deliberately sidelined.. NOT FAIR !
At the end its all about power...
What if one prayed all his life and finds no reward in Akhirat. As the student of human resource management rewards and compensations are the tools to motivate workers. At least PTI should show this much courtesy to provide her a platform where her grievances can be listened.
all those people saying that she was after power just imagine working for an organisation from start building it and in the end some outsider uses his/her connection to get a post in that organisation you being sidelined just think how would you feel about it!!!!
my comment was @ Rizwan and not the Skunk to whom it was addressed inadvertently .
@the Skunk: completely agree with you . if she had gotten in the NA, she wouldn't be painting herself as a sorry figure . through means of this article, she feels IK will most probably wake up (given the criticism) and give her a plush post . if she is sincere she should work for PTI in any capacity & that too unconditionally .
My way or the highway
@kashif: She may also be awarded ticket from NA 48.
Dear Ms. Kasuri, I personally like you as a person and you have always been working for good cause. And I share deep regret on this with you. However, I already understood the situation when PTI started adding already notorious ppl. like Shah Mehmood Qureshi & rest.
PTI started searching for electibles and so they found. Could you pls. shed some light on the efforts you made for PTI during the coarse of 17 years, so everyone should know your contribution to the party.
I wish you all the goodluck in future endeavours and suggest you to work for a part where common is asset to the leader.
Salam & Regards
Ms. Kasuri wants something in return for her contributions, fair enough. But was her support always conditional? If her mission was to work for justice and for the country then why is a seat in NA so important? Is that the only way she can contribute? What about the other workers of PTI who are going to get no favors, no status quo, no money, no positions, no power like other party workers. Should they also leave? And just to be clear I work for no ones propaganda cell. Talk about conspiracy fetish.
In 1996 when Fauzia Kasiri joined PTI the likes of Shafqat Mehmood & many others were in power as members of PPP In 1998 when Fauzia Kasuri was in PTI the likes of Shafqat Mehmood & many others where in power as members of PMl(N) In 2002 when Fuazi Kasuri was in PTI the likes of Shaqat Mehmood & many others were in power as General Musharaf's supporters.
So now in 2013 ......
First thing is that she is true mother of PTI. I respect her from the bottom of my heart and she is must for PTI.
But I can not understand her point of view. All she needs to do is to call meeting with senior leadership and express her concerns. The way she is trying to influence is clearly showing that if she would have been selected as MNA then it was all fine but now hue and cry because we couldn't win at least 17 seats for getting 4 women reserved seats.
It is very simple that she was happy being listed on 4rth position because she was sure that she will be MNA but unfortunately it was disaster results for PTI in punjab. She is responsible as well and she should be asked that we we lost. All the points she is expressing against PTI, should have brought in before election.
It was all fine before election, It would have been all fine if she selected as MNA.
Again she is mother of PTI and mothers don't do things like she is doing in last couple of weeks.
Those social media 'activists' who are criticising Fauzia Kasuri's stance, I ask you this: Have you served a party blindly and faithfully for 17 years and in return you see upstarts like Munazza Hassan and Ayla Malik getting more preference over you? Is this justice? Is this fair?
The old guard has all but disappeared from PTI. I was a PTI supporter since the late 1990s but for the first time ever, I think Ive had enough like Mrs. Kasuri. There is no difference between PTI and the other parties whatsoever,
Pl leave the party,
Why on Earth did she leave her US citizenship? Why would ANYONE give up US citizenship?
Have you noticed the trend in these comments? Initial ones were pro Fauzia K, but the latter ones were more anti Meaning that the propaganda cell of PTI went into extra drive when they saw the initial trend
What ever she did for PTI or for Imran Khan.. She wasted everything!! that is how i believe..
Struggle for Pakistan and to serve? Then why Power is so important? Just saying.. Welcome to politics MRs.KAsuri ;))
Too selfish. If she didn't joined IK for power then why is she crying for NA seat now?
If we had gotten 6 more national assembly seats in Punjab, we would not have been having this debate after all. Fauzia sahiba would have been in the assembly.
Only party working for Womens Empowerment is the Pakistan Peoples Party.
To everyone here saying 'Imran Khan should take notice' , if the chairman starts taking notice of every little or big grievances of party members(no matter how old or loyal), it would set a bad precedent. The list for reserved seats ws compiled and submitted a month before elections, y such delayed outrage. As for the compromised inner circle, I think in a recent radio interview she said Asad Umar is part of IK's inner circle, if that's the case, im not worried.
Well I dont understand one thing....She might be a good person but in my view..POWER and SEAT are not the only way to serve. The party is in power she can do soo much...Actually dis is good for PTI. ALl the ppl who joined because of power will now start going here and dere and the people left behind will be the ones truly loyal to the party and working for the betterment of the country not for some seat or ministries or something...
It is really sad that she find herself in this position. I think anyone who has done this much for the party, and for this long, will break like that emotionally!. I don’t blame her for this whole thing! Also as a PTI supporter I believe that Imran Khan needs to get off his Tweeter account for a minute, for god sake you cannot deal your party’s sensitive issues with tweets! Mr. chairman needs to realize that the party HAS NOT SWEPT the elections, and he absolutely cannot afford to loose his core individuals… PTI should do whatever to adjust her in the Senate from Punjab or KPK is not in NA.
It had to happen... : )
The party has just started her journey! She should hold on to it for a bit longer I think.
She wants to serve the people of Pakistan and during the past few days the only thing that I have heard from her and her good for nothing son is: she gave up her US citizenship so? you want to serve Pakistan, serve it, why do you need a NA seat to serve Pakistan and its people? Eidi for sure do not have a NA seat neither Burni. They are bad mouthing everyone on twitter. I respect this lady but CERTAINLY not with her on this and especially after the way she handled it.
ok.she might be right but if she has everything in the world then why is so concerned about getting a ticket and giving up her dual nationality?? if it is justice that you want to strive for then why cant you do it at a party worker level.PTI has unfortunately earned just 2 reserved seats and not everyone can be kept happy with the limited share you have.its a hard time for a newly evolved party and a devoted insafians should stand by the leadership. moreover, it does not shatter my respect for PTI as there must have been better alternatives for the 2 seats and it is saddening to see a mature politician getting teary eyed for not getting a seat in return of long time services and rethinking her association with the party for just one decision that didnt go her way.
@Rizwan Ali: Agree with you, PTI should not give ticket to her for next 5 years, this will be a bad precedent.
She wants a damned reserved seat, and is crying because she wasn't giving one, and in the process she's bringing disrepute to the party she represents. If you have an issue, deal with it internally. By making it public, you're working counter to the efforts you have done to date.
Let her go PTI
After reading the above article, my gut feeling says that there is more to it than meets the eye. What it is? difficult to know. Surely it has more to do than with intra-party wrangles. I could be wrong, though.
Classic case of gender bias! Shame on PTI!
How could Ms. Kasuri be so naive. She should have pulled herself out of the party when the party was pulling itself out of its own ideology. Crying now over spilt milk is useless.
Opportunist
Ms Kasuri, you gave up your citizenship to be part of the national assembly. If you really want to serve this country, help ensure PTI is successful in KPK so you get your chance next time. Life is not always fair !!
I can understand the greviences of FK but she should have acted more mature. If she was called mother of the party, then she should have acted accordingly. I dont know the true cause of this ant size issue inflated into a giant elephant but this is disappointing as now is the real test time for the members because PTI is in power. Both the parties need to resolve the matter.
Express Tribune being anti-PTI as usual. They must be making real good money with the new government. Not read anything negative about them. Or maybe they're just perfect?
"If Pervaiz Musharraf could make Marvi Memon’s domicile in one day, why can’t we?" not a decent solution of course. Her stance is so personal. PTI is in power in KPK she can contribute much right now.
Even then the only suitable party for such a decent lady is PTI.
Fauzia Kasuri can be made a senator, a well deserving one.
If she left PTI im leaving too.... Imran khan may have a different vision from Mrs Kasuri but he should hear her out and address her concerns to best of his ability.
In short she wanted to reach National Assembly, she even relinquished her US Citizenship just for the sake of "POWER" and not to serve the people of Pakistan. I think PTI should issue a showcause notice to her
Fauzia Kasuri is a brave and honest lady. PTI need such personalities in it's ranks. Please don't leave PTI. I know PTI has at times management issues and they end up ignoring their own workers, but your grievances will be heard. Don't leave PTI, please.
Imran Khan! Typical of you to stab in the back your trusted friends and supporters. Learn some flexibility in life, especially, in politics but maintain your ethics of trust and support for your original members. Remember the adage, “Make new friends but never forget the old, one is silver, the other is gold.” This is bad decision making. Salams
I'm totally supporting her stance..Although I am a die hard PTI supporter I know that injustice has happened with her.Shes a founding member after all, she deserves much more. She should get her rights... IK should respond