Pakistan

The cult of Imran Khan

“Imran Khan is the ultimate leader for our generation,” a friend of mine pronounced with finality.

Faria Syed April 29, 2010

“Imran Khan is the ultimate leader for our generation,” a friend of mine pronounced with finality at a small get together recently. She had heard him speak at a college lecture and had been converted in to a growing cult of Khan followers. “But why?” I asked. She told me he stood for youth and hope and was against corruption.

I was shocked to hear an educated young adult spout political clichés with unadulterated sincerity. I was even more shocked to see my other friends nod in agreement. How had Khan managed to get my friends riled up when they are generally the most politically apathetic bunch of people I know? Some of them did not even know the name of his party and certainly could not name any member besides Khan. But they defended Imran Khan tooth and nail when I said he could not be the next president of Pakistan.

“We are behind him. The youth is behind him.” “But why? Which of his policies do you support?” I asked. My friends were confused. “Do you think he is rightist or leftist?” Pin-drop silence. The idea that educated young adults could follow a leader with the same unquestioning zeal as PPP jiyalas without even understanding his party agenda was disturbing to say the least. Could they be brought to mass movement with a single tweet or sms alert? The reasons my friends gave for their support of Khan were depressing.

“At least he is not Zardari,” said one. Another pointed out that he had started a non-profit hospital for cancer patients. No one mentioned politics. I eventually convinced my friends to find out a little bit more about Imran Khan before blindly following him. I have nothing against Imran Khan as a person. Not only is he a good-looking Pakistani man of which there are few but he also won the World Cup a long time ago. But if I would not vote for Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger or Jamie Oliver based on sex appeal alone why would I vote for Imran Khan?

COMMENTS (43)

nadeem | 14 years ago | Reply the point missed by most sans shabbar probably is that ik could be the best thing to have happened to Pak after bhutto if he had been original, he had the charisma , the following but he is a fake. he tied to cash in on every sentimental issue but failed to understand that If I want to vote for something taliban jui is the choice ,if usa haters ji is original so on how can a man of playboy past can claim to be pious ( atleast accept/ repent) how can a dictator in a small outfit like a cricket team can be democratic so mr ik stop playing to gallery if u have guts come out with something original

hammad | 14 years ago | Reply The problem is that those who are criticising imran khan don't even know what his vision actually is. They just present lame arguments that he is a political lightweight and has no prospects in politics. Does his being a political lightweight justify us to support zardari, nawaz and altaf who are used to taking u-turns to protect their own interests? However, you can criticize him for his political strategy but straight-away denouncing him without any logical reason is not justified. His credibility can be determined by the fact that whatever he has, it is in pakistan unlike zardari, sharif and now musharraf who would disappear as soon as they find that the situation is not feasible for them.

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Bilal | 14 years ago | Reply Faria not everyone that follows imran khan is like that ... let me ask you is PPP left or right? almost everyone is right in pakistan and i so is he and since you are interested in finding out what his party is all about i think you should go to PTI website which by the way has the most traffic in all of pakistani political party websites which again tells you where most of our educated youth is going

No more BS | 14 years ago | Reply @ Khalid Does that mean we are condemed to having the Generals, Zardaris, Sharifs and Altaf bhais ruling over us for the rest of our lives. Please have mercy, how much more pain do u want to inflict upon us?

Khalid | 14 years ago | Reply Imran Khan could not become a politicain, how hard he try...

Tahir | 14 years ago | Reply Writer herself doesn't know anything about Imran Khan. After reading his articles,listening his speaches,and watching him on TV,Imran wants to bring system of justice and equality based on Islamic principles.I can sense westernized minds do have problems with Islamic principles.He wants to get rid of corruption,voilence and feudalism. Imran Khan is the only hope.He knows how to inspire people.

SALEEM KHAN | 14 years ago | Reply AT LEAST THERE IS SOME PERSON WHO TALK SENSE,LOOK AT THE PRESENT LOT OF OUR SO CALLED POLITICIANS, WHO ARE MORALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY BANKCORRUPT,WE ARE SEEING THEM FOR LAST 30 ODD YEARS AND WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO THIS SOCIETY,PLEASE WAKE UP YOUNG ONES THE NEXT GENERATION OF OUR`S LEADER DEPENDS ON US IT`S US WHO CAN CHANGE THE PAKISTAN BY BRINGING NEW FREH FACES,WHO SHOULD LEAD US TO THE FUTURE PAKISTAN ZINDABAB.

Zulfiqar Haider | 14 years ago | Reply So - as the writer (Faria) emphasises - people must have a good reason for accepting Imran Khan as a leader; people must also have good reasons for denouncing him. I do not see any good point by anyone here who have bashed Imran and PTI come up with one solid justified reason of calling Imran unworthy of leading Pakistan. So here is something for everyone to read. It can be a starting point for people to understand PTI's mission and Imran's ideology!!! http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/03-May-2010/18th-Amend-a-conspiracy-against-judiciary-Imran To know more about the importance of a shadow cabinet, read PTI's manifesto and may be understand how shadow cabinets in the western contries have made a difference to the lives of people in general and their politics in particular.

AliW | 14 years ago | Reply Imran Khan would have been a catalyst in Pakistani politics had he decided to join one of the mainstream political parties. He would have had a voice that would have mattered and the alternative that Pakistan's public always desires. However, he has moved from one pole to another which is not good for anyone who wants to see the country improve. I will consider him non-serious and a person who is unable to achieve much in political space. It was also funny for him to compare himself with Mahatir and Nelson Mandela in Meray Mutabiq yesterday.

Shahryar Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Did I read Imran Khan as our next PM? He is nothing but a Joke, as way as the one he hates (Bhai). Firstly, he needs to figure out what or where he stands on issues, besides so called Judiciary. He is as confused as a 20 something year old. Here in Pakistan, he talk about Islam, jirga & corruption & then he catches a flight to UK, India dons an Armani & fraternize with the Goldsmiths (helping in campaigning) & Hurly's & the rolling stones. I cannot figure out whether he is a confused being or just a hypocrite? He talks about equality & democracy, did he practice does words when he was the cricket team captain & having steamy escapades with a famed bollywood actress of the 80’s in Hotel Taj’s suites? Please spare me this him becoming next PM.

Khatoon | 14 years ago | Reply Every writer out there attacking Imran Khan or Zaid Hamid or anyone who is against USA is a spawn of journalists like NFP. But they forget that NFP was once a fiery leftist who has now become a mouthpiece of PPP and MQM. Writers like Faria are a creation of NFP and the likes. Jeeay Imran Khan!

Natasha | 14 years ago | Reply Imran khan is no presley or jamie oliver. He talks about his country and its problems. Just because he happened to be a cricketer in the past does not qualify him as someone who doesnt know what hes doing. Your comparison is flawed. He doesnt have to be a rightist or leftist specifically to speak for his country. The man makes sense and that is important.

Husain | 14 years ago | Reply The article does highlight an important albeit simple point, that we should have a strong understanding of the ideology of the leaders we follow and of the policies and manifestos of their parties. I personally believe that one of the reasons for this cult is the lack of sincere leadership in our country and the hope of a sincere leadership that Imran Khan offers.

Saad Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Meekal - What you just described about the suburbian bliss is exactly what I meant when I said "dreary". It is mundane, selfish and detached from what is happening on this planet. But it is my personal opinion only. I'm sure most will argue for the blissful suburbian life..and buy their stainless steel appliances and make it a block buster movie night.. @ Sheraz - I think you should definitely spearhead the Imran Khan Haters Club along with the author of the blog. I think you totally get it. If Imran Khan would have paid heed to the constant bickering of the Pakistani press back in the cricketing days , I doubt we would have had the success that we did under him as the Captain of the team. Imran Khan is not a politician but a leader. But the best is that Imran Khan does not need gratification from us. Despite his opposition against corruption, US war on terror and its side effects and bad governence, he is now making a second hospital in KHI apart from the already functioning diagnostic center there. Namal College is operation with is first batch graduating this year (free of cost). So I think his basis are covered. Its jsut a matter of politics now. Either you vote for him or Mr. Nawaz Sharif or better yet, Mr Altaf " the singing canary" Hussain from London - Innit

Shah | 14 years ago | Reply Why Imran Khan... Today is the need of Freedom of Judiciary, Good Governes, Freedom of speach. Does any political party had an agenda like this? Go back last 10 to 15 years parties agenda were ROTI, KAPRA, OR MAKAN. (which is not possible) Do you think these existing parties can provide you these things without any cost? The agenda given by IK is not different or unique from the others. No matter his parties will be in government or not. Atlease he changed the scenario of Politics. Who are The people dont like him because he is straight-forward. And he is directly showing the facts and actual face of the Political parties' leaders. Now the question is why his political party is not as popular then the others? The answer is only one...In his party guns/weapon are prohibited to spread his agenda. He knows the value of blood, he knows the power of speach, he knows the value of his party workers and he knows the value of Youth of Pakistan. That is the reason he is trying to convey his message with "OPEN DISCUSSION".

Ali Sher | 14 years ago | Reply @Ayesha Ijaz Khan...I am sorry but I totally reject your viewpoint. Success or failure in by-elections will not show where a party today stands. In a by-election most parties tend to form alliances with other parties and bring out a mutual candidate. Plus all their concentration is on that one specific constituency so all ministers and party members start campaigning in those areas as if they have nothing else to do. Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf is making significant progress. Jamaat-e-Islaami has been formed since 50 years or what and Tehrik e Insaf has been there for less than half of the time still Tehrik e Insaf has managed to beat Jamaat e Islaami candidate in every by-election without allying itself with any party. Thats an achievement to start with.

Jamil ur Rehman | 14 years ago | Reply If PTI (Imran's Party) doesn't win any seats in the parliment, he is not to blame but we are. He is doing all the effort and is most certainly the sincerest politician we have. We can sit and talk about all the bad things in Pakistan for hours, but when the time comes to do something practical, we are just too lazy for it or think that what difference will it make if I vote or show my support!!! By the way, Imran Khan does have a policy and strategy for everything. Only if people can actually strive to find out, rather than just talk about supporting or not based on his looks. I also however have an objection to the fact that you dislike your friends support for him even though they dont know much about his policies. That is because firstly every one knows that he is honest, he has leadership skills and proven track record of all that. another reason for blindly supporting him is that ALL the alternates are known liars and corrupt in one way or the other. I will stop supporting Imran and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, if anyone can tell me a better alternate. take the challenge, come up with a better option and I'll give my support. but dont expect me to just not support Imran Khan and that there's no one else either, because in that case we will be talking about maintaining status quo and things will remain like this forever! I will vote for Imran Khan or a candidate nominated by him in my constituncy, in the next 10 election, even if the only vote he gets is mine! Without this kind of an attitude, our fate is so not changing!!!!!

Dureen | 14 years ago | Reply Concise and well written. Very valid point that you've tried to raise. Have a look at this page on Facebook where they're having virtual elections and PTI has taken the lead. I'm sure 50% of their supporters don't even have solid reasons to support PTI. Pakistan virtual elections

Qamar, Vienna | 14 years ago | Reply yes most the politicians of Pakistan have no future & clear vision, how to handle the situation e.g two rupees single bread..dont know how to handle now benazir income support program....in future you gona loose this terrorism....dont know what policy should be good About Kashmir...Really is it? Pakistan Railway...how to make it profitable? sugar....how to stop cartelization? best of the best...Judiciary vs Parliament... Not even a single party have a better solution for these problems? do you think Ministers like: Rana Sanaullah, Raja Pervez ashraf, Bashir and Ghulam Bilor(dont know how to talk), Naveed Qamar tackle these problems? they dont know how to solve these problem, they are not capable. Atleast Miss Faria Imran Khan can manage one of these problems? dont you people agree with me? So first try him and then ask...or...like miss faria vote to zardari

Saleem | 14 years ago | Reply Faria I agree with a comment above which talks of Cult of Imran Haters. I think you are being fair to Imran Khan. I think the problem is not with Imran. The only thing wrong about him is that he's expecting too much from Pakistanis. We as a nation has no self-worth and I agree Imran has no chances of breaking into the system and form a future government in Pakistan. We are chronic slaves and would hate to respond to the call of person who demands us to take charge of our lives and at least question the wrongs in our society. We hate change because to make a change we are expected to act and fight against those who oppress us. At times I think Imran has the same dilemma which frustated Jinnah. The British could not stand Jinnah because he stood up to them and said what he believed in - that too on behalf of the illiterate and downtrodden Muslims of India. The brown sahibs in today's Pakistan are doing the same to Imran Khan.

Meekal Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Sheraz Khan, very good! Saad Khan, what is so dreary about living in a suburb? Should I, for example, shift into the heart of Washington DC, the murder capital of the world? Suburbs are typically cleaner, greener, less crowded, better planned, less polluted, safer, with better infrastructure and, in my case, with the third ranked best schools in America. The suburb next door is number one.

Babar | 14 years ago | Reply Imran Khan has totally destroyed his image...He critisize the people who love us,uk and other Europeon states.......But still he marries A british Lady..... :]

Waleed | 14 years ago | Reply HAHAHA at tanzeeel your piece of writing provides a comic relief..........what a cult!!!!

Zulfiqar Haider | 14 years ago | Reply Faria "In fact as a rule I support being attractive as opposed to being ugly" I'd rather support someone who presents himself/herself well. Being ugly or attractive isn't something we can control. But anyway back to the point. It is quite fair that you have written about a simple fact that people should have good knowledge and reason of supporting anyone but then you must realize that by doing so you have showed your readers only one side of the coin. You might be the one who understands that your article is only emphasising a simple principle but if you do not show the complete picture then readers can get all sorts of ideas. For example, the comment by Sheraz Khan is clearly accusing people of being ignorant and they just support Khan because he can talk nonsense for hours. Now if you had written a few more lines and explained with solid reasons whether Imran should be supported or not and what your friends could do to explore Imran’s vision a bit more then people like Sheraz would not have just commented what they have done out of the blue. And he hasn't backed up his claim either. One thing I have against some bloggers like a few who write here is that they go on and on about Imran Khan's personal life or PTI's inability to win seats in the parliament so far (without looking into the clear facts about past elections) or similar baseless accusations. In all these years no one has ever come up with strong reasons to back their claim that Imran Khan is not the right leader for Pakistan. They just accuse him of things that are not even vaguely relevant to Pakistani politics or the myriad of problems that the people of Pakistan face today. Take for example Nazir Habib's comments here. He has blamed Imran for something which Nazir has not (and I am sure, cannot) proved. Just to press the point again, you might have emphasised on a simple point (of having good reasons of supporting a person/party) but as the comments have shown your readers did not take your point but blamed Imran like most people in the country do. And just like your friends these people do not have good reasons for accusing him either. I hope this makes sense! Finally, how about you write another blog giving people like your friends or my fellow readers here a few ideas as to how to gauge a person’s political ideology and then deduce whether Imran is the right leader as opposed to the Zardaris and the Sharifs of our beloved country!!

Ejaz Asi | 14 years ago | Reply @Sheraz Khan, do you imply that so-called Mummy Daddy Generation also curse US/Israel/India as well? I hardly think so.

sheraz khan | 14 years ago | Reply Sadly the MDGPs (Mummy Daddy Generation of Pakistan) idea of a leader is someone who is Delusional, can talk nonsense for hours, point fingers at others and most importantly can curse the US/Israel/India (the unholy trinity of Evil) for hours but say nothing about those who kill people in the name of Islam.

Nazir Habib | 14 years ago | Reply Being a social worker, philanthropist, world cup cricketer and an aspiring politician does not mean he will be a success. Word of mouth on talk shows is capitivating for many people but turn the pages of the book and you will read a different story. He rode rough shod over Karachi cricketers and his visits to Karachi are few and very far in between. Imran has to look at Pakistanis equally and not from his 'hit the nail on the head' point of view.

Saad Khan | 14 years ago | Reply There is another cult that is not mentioned in this write up and that is The Cult of Imran Khan Haters. It usually comprises of Non Resident Pakistanis that are ideally located in the suburbs of US cities ( a dreary existence) and find themselves totally detached from the reality other than what DishNetwork provides them about Pakistan. What I like about Imran Khan is that he is indifferent to negativity coming from such ranks. That is the only the way forward.

Ali Haider | 14 years ago | Reply I think, a major reason why many people gather at Imran Khan's events is because they want to see Imran Khan live. Well, maybe!

Sheraz | 14 years ago | Reply

Imran Khan is regularly in all the news channels in Pakistan.  If you don't know his views by now than you must be totally clueless.

Faria | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Mr Haider, Thanks for your comments. I have nothing against good looking leders. In fact as a rule I support being attractive as opposed to being ugly. I never denounced Imran Khan or mocked my friends. If you support Mr Khan for his politics than I think that is great. My piece was about blind support of an individual - regardless of his or her actual merit. If you genuinely beleive that Khan represents you and has the ability to lead the country than that is you right. Personally I feel that our reasons for choosing a leader need to be based on more than charisma while yes, as you point out a leader can and should be charismatic.

Zulfiqar Haider | 14 years ago | Reply Faria First Point: Just a couple of paragraphs about a short conversation between you and your friends - Look at the response you have got! That is the cult of Imran Khan. You would not have got these comments if you had written about anyone else. I, for one, read it because it was about Khan. In fact I have only been to this website once before, that too because the writer had written about Imran Khan. I have read many blogs/articles from writers like you who somehow mention Imran Khan, no matter what they are talking about to catch the eyes of the readers. The least you novice self-proclaimed journalists could do is appreciate it! Second Point You have mocked your friends for their not-so-solid reasons of supporting khan. Now it would be interesting to know your reason of not supporting him or mocking those who do support him. You would do well if you could do some research before denouncing him and then give reasons for it. Supporting someone just because he is good looking is just as ridiculous as denouncing him for being charismatic. Surely a good looking person can be a good leader too!!

Sundas | 14 years ago | Reply Muhammad Shabbar change your words Imran Khan is a great leader. He is not Bechara.

Muhammad Shabbar | 14 years ago | Reply I think Imran Khan is "Bechara" he is the most unlickiest politician in Pakistan for sure, no offence to all those who support him, he tried all known formulas to gain publicity but to his dispair nothing works so far, he tried to cash in on the hatred of MQM and Altaf in Punjab but did'nt gave him any significant advantage, he tried to cash in injustice but did'nt work either, he tried to cash prevailing and ever growing Anti Americanism in masses but that only caused him to be kicked by Americans in his trip, I guess only Mullahs know how to cash it, he tried to cash in public conception of Taliban by supporting them but unfortunately that too cased him embarrassment when Taliban turn their brutalities to Pakistani citizens, he was played for his charms by Musharraf, who showed him Pakistan, one can imagine that it hurts when the dream of becoming prime minister came false like for Imran Khan-Dictators are Dictators. I pity for those who find sex appeal in Imran Khan.

Dr. Altaf ul Hassan | 14 years ago | Reply @Tanzeel.Strongly agreed.

Imran | 14 years ago | Reply Inshallah one day will come When this nation know about his vision and vote him for PM.

jamshed | 14 years ago | Reply can't stop laughing at tanzeels link// wonderful man !!!! :)

rehan | 14 years ago | Reply Well if he aint Zardari,he surely is Nawabzada Nasrullah Part 2.

Tanzeel | 14 years ago | Reply The cult of Imran Khan could be experienced in this write up.

ishtiyaq | 14 years ago | Reply I 100% agree with Sabahat,but to win he has to start aggressive campaigning right from day one,and try to move youths they will vote him to office.How I wish to see him as the PM of Pakistan.

Sabahat | 14 years ago | Reply You need to take part in his events and watch his talk shows!! His ideas and his stand for politics have not changed in these 13-15 years. He was the first one to stand up for an independent judiciary! and he still stands by it!.... its not about his hospital or world cup or college he built.... its about him being the "man of his words" His words have not changed all this time.... and that is why the youth of Pakistan should really follow him!! I hope and pray that he be the next PM of our Country! we need such leaders!!!.... desperatly!

Ayesha Ijaz Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Faria---don't worry about your apolitical clued out friends. Imran Khan's political success can be gauged by the recent by-elections in several constituencies and by the Gilgit-Baltistan polls. Perhaps next time you have the same discussion with your friends, you can ask them why Imran Khan didn't at least contest elections from one of the by-election constituencies himself? If you go on the PTI website (hopefully that is easy enough for the tweeting crowd), you will find them celebrating that one of their candidates made it to number 2 from the Lakki Marwat constituency and debating whether or not IK should have contested the by-elections himself, with the bulk of the opinion leaning against the idea, because "if he had lost, then that would have really been the end of the party"! So IK may be wooing a few apolitical youngsters here and there, but it is of no political consequence.

Nadir El Edroos | 14 years ago | Reply Imran Khan has gone the way of George Galloway and other populist leaders. He says those things that we like to hear, but in our hearts of hearts we know that nothing is going to come off it. While Imran Khan may be electable himself, in our parliamentary system from where is his party going to get the remaining seats to form a government? Imran Khan has been successful as he is able to articulate the frustrations of young, middle-upper class, urbanites. His anti-American rhetoric fuels support, but his views don't seem pragmatic. While he suggests breaking of ties with America, he hasnt suggested from where and how the massive financial hole that would be created by such a policy would be filled from. In addition there is the risk that he will fall prey to provincialism and ethnic politics, vis a vis his fought relationship with the MQM in Sind. His relative success may be explained less by his own appeal but more by the general disillusionment with everyday politics. However, at the very least young people are now talking about politics, getting involved and showing concern for their country, for that Imran Khan deserves credit. Lets just hope that the same people register and cast their vote in the next election assuming that his party runs for it. After all thousands of facebook fans are worthless at the ballot box.

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