It wasn't difficult for Imran Khan to win World Cup, but would he show the same acumen in Pak politics?

By Gautam Thaker*
Results of the general elections held in Pakistan were somewhat unexpected and surprising. Imran Khan and his party Pakistan Tehark-E-Insaaf (PTI) got victory with the highest number of seats. As against 137 seats for absolute majority, his party secured 115 seats.
Presumably, a number of independent party candidates, small and sundry parties, would lend their support to Imran Khan. During the elections for the posts of speaker and deputy speaker, his party proved majority by securing 176 votes. He is the new Vazir-e-Azam of Pakistan.
Over the last many months, Imran Khan had toured through the length and breadth of the country. Not a single town was left where he did not make his presence felt during various events and seminars. He remained in constant limelight in the social media. He received strong and active support of the youths, who for the first time cast their votes.
Looking at the support he has been elicit from the Pakistan army and the ISI, it was certain that his party would surely be victorious. He remained constantly active in politics of Pakistan for 22 years. He sought to project himself as the architect of Naya Pakistan by showing dreams to the youths similar to Narendra Modi’s New India.
It may not be out of place to say that the reins of power in Pakistan is with the trinity of army, ISI and terrorists. It is said that while it would be an Imran Khan government, the overall command of the country would vest in the hands of the army.
Because of this, following his victory, there is apprehension that India may suffer more harm than gain. Since Pakistan’s army is highly fanatic, it remains to be seen whether Imran Khan is cowed down and becomes its pawn. May experts believe, the tendency of intruding terrorists and breach of cease fire or disarmament across the border would increase.
It is obvious that, because of his failure to secure clear majority, Imran Khan would face difficulties in ruling the nation. He would have to bank on the support of other parties in framing laws. He would have to take steps or tread seriously and patiently in order to put in practice the promises and assurances given to the people of Pakistan during the course of election campaign. In the wake of deteriorated economic condition of Pakistan, he would have to see to it that issues such as unemployment, price rise etc. do not come to hound his regime.
During his election speeches, Imran Khan had said, he would make Pakistan as visualized by Mohammad Ali Jinnah. Let us hope that he would transform Pakistan to match the aspirations conceived by Jinnah in the year 1930 during the fight for freedom, waged during undivided India, before partition. It would be better if he minimizes the use of the army in his campaign Naya Pakistan campaign.
Imaran Khan joined politics after retiring from cricket. He is an economics and political science graduate from Oxford University. Thanks to his cricket background, he has remained popular among the people of Pakistan and is ruling in their minds and hearts. His cricket fans believe he would never let them down in politics. If he rises up to their expectations, it would be good for the image of Pakistan and could transform the country.
Doctors, engineers and respectable citizens are associated with his party, hence there is hope for a better future. Because of his impressive personality and eloquence, he has won the affection of the people of Pakistan. Just as Imran Khan had become popular in Pakistan’s cricket three decades ago, by courageously entering politics, he has emerged as an indispensable or inevitable leader of the people of the country.
It would be better if Imran Khan displays in world politics the ingenuity and talent that were demonstrated by four his contemporary best cricket all-rounders – Ian Botham (England), Richard Hedley (New Zealand), Kapil Dev (India) and Imaran Khan (Pakistan).
Always seen in the outfit of pant, shirt and suit while abroad, Imran Khan in Pathani dress appears committed to address the voice of the people of Pakistan. He has begun his second innings with bravery or virility. Presently he is the Dream Man of the people of Pakistan.
Two decades ago, for the first time, he had wished that peace should prevail among the neighbouring countries, and India and Pakistan should spend their resources on developmental works instead of on defence. If he goes ahead with that ideology, it may help transform the country for the better, and it would augur well for both the countries.
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*General secretary, People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Gujarat. Contact: gthaker1946@gmail.com