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.
---
*General secretary, People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Gujarat. Contact: gthaker1946@gmail.com

Comments

Anonymous said…

British ruled our Nation for long by creating fear of British Police Raj. The uniform made the country uniform in size. When we parted, the major portion of the Army went to Pakistan as the western borders were guarded with strong army. A new nation with 9 crore population with big army, naturally falls into the hands of the army as the heavyweights won’t prefer democracy to command their position. Pak is still under the legacy of British Police Raj, therefore, no PM can be freed from the commands and directives of the Army. The new PM has to attend the social sectors, HDI of the country and the Army will command over the foreign affairs and borders.

It is difficult for the new PM to build his case for Kashmir issue against the Stronger India where the developed world is eying on the big market of India. Economic advantage overlooks sentimental issues. Who will prefer whom? For what? Better he work for the internal issues of welfare of the people then to indulge in fight with the Army of Pakistan.

August 21, 2018

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए।

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

Incarcerated for 2,424 days, Sudhir Dhawale combines Ambedkarism with Marxism

By Harsh Thakor One of those who faced incarceration both under Congress and BJP rule, Sudhir Dhawale was arrested on June 6, 2018, one of the first six among the 16 people held in what became known as the Elgar Parishad case. After spending 2,424 days in incarceration, he became the ninth to be released from jail—alongside Rona Wilson, who walked free with him on January 24. The Bombay High Court granted them bail, citing the prolonged imprisonment without trial as a key factor. I will always remember the moments we spent together in Mumbai between 1998 and 2006, during public meetings and protests across a wide range of issues. Sudhir was unwavering in his commitment to Maoism, upholding the torch of B.R. Ambedkar, and resisting Brahmanical fascism. He sought to bridge the philosophies of Marxism and Ambedkarism. With boundless energy, he waved the banner of liberation, becoming the backbone of the revolutionary democratic centre in Mumbai and Maharashtra. He dedicated himself ...

Censor Board's bullying delays 'Phule': A blow to India's democratic spirit

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* A film based on the life and legacy of Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule was expected to release today. Instead, its release has been pushed to the last week of April. The reason? Protests by self-proclaimed guardians of caste pride—certain Brahmin groups—and forced edits demanded by a thoroughly discredited Censor Board.

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor* Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents. The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor* A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

Implications of deaths of Maoist leaders G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya in Chhattisgarh

By Harsh Thakor* In the wake of recent security operations in southern Chhattisgarh, two senior Maoist leaders, G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya, were killed. These operations, which took place amidst a historically significant Maoist presence, resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals on March 20th and 16 more three days prior.

Search This Blog