One of the reasons life and politics are described as unpredictable is because of uncertainties.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Mahreen Khan’s article “Imran’s revolutionary road” (October 30) is based on facts, though slightly selective. First, life and politics are both about u-turns and changes. For instance, Pakistan’s founder Jinnah did a u-turn when he returned to Pakistan from England after leaving politics for years. His regretful sentiments about creating Pakistan in his final days can also be regarded as a u-turn. One of the reasons life and politics are described as unpredictable is because of uncertainties.
But this reality aside, I believe Imran has not only matured in the past 15 years of politics but has also grown in stature. This is, however, less because of his own endeavours and more due to the extreme failure of the country’s current ruling elite of politicians and the military establishment. There is a nation-wide sense of disenchantment, people are looking for a change and Imran seems to be the only one speaking of radical change. I am not too sure, however, whether he has the guts to lead a revolution. I think he lacks the widespread support needed to pull such a miracle in a deeply divided society like Pakistan. But I think he may succeed as an agent of the change that Pakistan is already undergoing. Sworn political enemies are talking about resolving their issues through dialogue rather than hurling insults at each other. Imran is certainly wrong in a lot of things he does and says but he’s spot on when he says Pakistan, as a state, is unsustainable if the style of governance is not radically changed to reflect the needs of the people. What will happen in the future, no one can predict. So let’s not rule out anyone, including Imran.
Safder Jafri
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2010.
