Distinguishing Imran from his heroes

@Umair Khan:
The author works in London for “American and Pakistani” firms. She’s a failed author who’s penned something called “Rodeo Drive to Raja Bazaar.” All this information is gleaned from her website.

It’s not hard to see on who’s payroll she is working. You can promote a secular agenda in Turkey, like Erdogan did, and I am sure Imran is as secular a person as one can find with all his western connections. But secularism is political suicide in Pakistan, Musharraf tried that and the results were visible to all. It’s not hard to see that this article really is criticism for the sake for criticism and nothing else.

I think she’s flattering herself by taking potshots at someone who’s built a cancer hospital, a university and is revered as a hero by so many, and is the future of Pakistan.Recommend5

It’s A No-Brainer Where The Vote Is Likely To Go…..

Political writers and speakers seem victims of the stereotypical political myopia that repetitively comes through in writings and speeches of Tehrik e Insaf (PTI) detractors, who probably seek to curry favor with status quo politicians, both treasury and opposition, regardless of their true merit. Whilst PTI Chairman , Imran Khan, and PTI members, workers, and volunteers have successfully managed to counter most of such myths and perceptions, rather misperceptions, the dragon appears to rear its unsightly head again and again, and requires to be slain for the collective benefit of the political system in, and the populace of, Pakistan.

The PTI is often seen as lacking “administrative experience” attributable to other politicians, but commentators seem to have forgotten the leadership qualities, team work, clean intent, credibility, and supreme administrative capabilities required to build and run charitably a hospital of the stature of SKMT (with annual budget about PKR 8 billion; and now being expanded to the cities of Karachi & Peshawar); establish Namal College with the collaboration of Bradford University, UK; and raise funds to the tune of PKR 2 billion within only 2 weeks to aid victims of flood. PTI’s efforts in social, developmental, and emergency relief sectors may be deemed “larger than life”, for all these achievements came without the party ever having any access at all to national taxes; public exchequer; state machinery; the establishment; the bureaucratic setup, all of which have been enjoyed by political rivals at several points in history, with very little to show in return. The PTI stands a good chance to usher in an era of major reforms whenever in full-fledged power and when they have recourse to all the above mentioned resources. As regards the present government, the entire nation awaits to hear even one, singular, documented, positive achievement, what with Pakistan being ranked amongst the “leading” nations with regard to corruption, economic mismanagement, foreign policy failure, and rigging the electoral processes at the very core.

PTI Chairman, Imran Khan, has often chosen deliberately to sit at the sidelines of political “power” for he happens to be a “non status quo” politician, incorruptible (as his detractors admit themselves), and generally not open to ideological compromises as regards the PTI. It appears strange then that some writers term him an “impatient politician”. If anything, Imran’s principled stance and his visionary political ideas such as accountability, independent judiciary, criticism of the US for sponsoring a “civil war” like situation in Pakistan (all hijacked later by his adversaries for their vested gains), project him even to international media and observers as an independent-thinking and patient leader. Imran may not be a “politician” per se. However, each one of us Pakistanis has witnessed, and now realized, the dismal performances of “career” politicos, each dabbling in politics to make a fast buck. Imran, on the other hand, consistently displays “leadership”. If the electorate can dole out multimillions of hard earned savings to support Imran’s social imperatives, it certainly does not appear unlikely that, given an undisputed track record of public service, he stands to win a whole lot of seats come next election. Afterall, what are the other alternatives? Repetitively tested and repetitively failed parties at the helm of affairs?

Political rivals seem to state that Imran has no “team” with him, which logistically and operationally appears in frontal contradiction to the ease with which he cruises along from completing one remarkable project to another!!! Detractors are perhaps ignorant of the reality of how well organized the PTI is becoming with each passing day, and this, right down to the grassroots level, and right across the country. Additionally, the electorate seem up-in-arms to question our rulers to please shed some light on the amorphous performances in government of parties such as the present one, some granted three shots at power with no progress to show despite having “teams” comprising a 100+ cabinet members?

By PTI estimates, and supported by facts, no less than 90% of the overseas Pakistanis’ vote lies with Imran. The PTI Chairman has gone so far as to state that whilst 175 million people at home have a collective GDP of about £107.26 billion / annum, the roughly estimated 10 million Pakistanis abroad alone have a GDP in excess of £153.23 billion / annum. With Imran and PTI credibility and “no-corruption” record, there already exist commitments to the tune of 10% of expatriate GDP in the form of remittances and / or Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Pakistan. This approx £15.32 billion / annum for Pakistan emanating from our own people, our own sons-of-the-soil, so to say, certainly augurs favorably for Pakistan in comparison to the piddly sum of £0.92 billion / annum through the Kerry-Luger Bill that has unfortunately made the whole nation, and our “rulers” (as opposed to “leaders”!!) completely hostage to the US.

The last issue that is often voiced is that of the “ballot”. So disenchanted and disenfranchised are the people that hardly anyone turns out at the ballot. Pakistan seems to be signaling, “We want none of the above. Could we have a change of face?” PTI has been running a widespread voter registration campaign, and have reached the highest courts of law for electoral reform. Also, the Pakistani electorate has been becoming increasingly savvy. All of us witnessed in the 2008 election several sitting PML-Q Federal Ministers unable to secure their very own seats from their very own constituencies. This included political heavyweights including the likes of Khurshid Kasuri, Sheikh Rasheed, Humayun Akhtar, and Chaudhary Perwaiz Elahi, because the electorate deemed they had not performed.

Today, the ground reality, which the majority of the country is united upon, is that status quo parties have once again failed to perform, the fifth time around between the two of them.

It’s a no-brainer where the vote is likely to go…..Recommend9

I heard pak army plays major role in politics. The army has created nawaj sharif. Since pak army is not in favor of zardari and sharifs in comming years they may support Imran Khan. Otherwise Imran khan will not sustend his political ambition.thanks.Recommend

Most of the comments above by Imran Khan supporters are attacking the writer and repeatedly highlighting how Imran Khan is different from the Zardari’s and Sharif’s of this country. Well that may be the case, however his supporters are apparently no different from the jiyalas and supporters of other political personalities.

While talking about a new type of politics that Imran Khan is bringing in, in the same paragraph the same people are questioning the motives of the author, claiming that she is on the pay role of certain actors, resides “comfortable abroad”, is a failed lawyer etc etc.

Please stop it! How is all this slander any different than what the people Imran Khan opposes indulges in? Where is this “good governance” and “corruption free” rule of Imran Khan going to come from if you cant even accept criticism?Recommend6

Cant disagree more with author. It became quite fashionable to “Express” negativity with a touch of political correctiveness when it comes to Pakistani politics. We have people Idealizing western values and questioning Eastern traditions.

Imran Khan’s only problem I see is that even if his politics is for middle and lower class but his message has yet to be accepted by them. I think that is why he is maneuvering with his foes of the past like MQM and APML to gain access to the masses.

Now it is the flaw in out political system that we have a party system. I think parties should be abolished and people voting for individuals who passed after undergoing strict scrutiny of their merits and past lives before entering the polls. That way corruption in politics will cease.Recommend3

@Kashif Jan:
Well said Kashif.Recommend

one solution only revolution vote imran khan save pakistanRecommend1

Warraich Saheb your comment is rather quite lopsided. Imran may be your hero as he is to millions of his fans but he is not free of blind-spots, there are inherent weaknesses in all of us and he is one of us. Now having said that, Ms Khan has only pointed out to one of his shortcomings; his muddled understanding of the contemporary history and which is quite true, he may not be confused but he is certainly not clear at all about the Made in Pakistan solution to solve our problems, the imported political philosophies and solutions never work. To find our own we need someone with original thinking with better sense of our own history unfortunately like all other leaders of the past and present Imran too conspicuously lacks it. I do not personally know Ms Khan and what ever I know of her is through her writings and I can say this with confidence that she not only identifies with but fully understands the everyday struggle of Arif and Sakina.Recommend2

Name one politician in Pakistan who has contributed to the Pakistani society more than Imran Khan? Shaukat Khanum was the first Cancer hospital in Pakistan and those who have been there, it is equivalent to any NHS hospital in UK. He maybe inexperienced but alteast he is sincere. All the experienced politicians are only experts at hiding their ill gotten weath!

Vote for Imran Khan!Recommend6

Khuram sahib with all due respect I dare to disagree. If you think that IK’s understanding of the contemporary history is muddled then please you haven’t read his books. I will recommend two of his books for you Warrior Race: A Journey Through the Land of the Tribal Pathans and Indus Journey: A Personal View of Pakistan.
IK’s vision is genuine and is derived from his own experience of life as a Pakistani. Often people like you criticize him for not knowing the Made in Pakistan solution to our problems. Brother this criticism comes due to the fact that IK is an idealist. All great leaders have been idealists start from prophets and stretch the line to Mendella. They are all idealists. Dude there are no made in Pakistan solutions to our problems. By referring to made in Pakistan solutions you are actually referring towards being pragmatic or more bluntly put compromising on principles. He is an idealist like Quaid-e_azam and his idealistic approach can deliver us. If IK becomes pragmatic I will be the first person to withdraw all my support from him.Recommend6

vote imran khan save pakistanRecommend4

Imran to some extent better, but not the right choice exactly. he has lack of vision which is more imp than lack of good team beside him. He is still unable to prepare his manfisto and to hold it strongly, which is v alarming thing, he is in politics for last 15yrs which r enough to choose ur target n to declare ways how u want to achieve ur targets……. He has not held real elections in his own party yet.
Considering all parties, Jamat-e-Islami of munawar hasan/ qazi hussain is best in present scenerio, we should give them chance as they r eduacted, organised n corrupt free!!!!Recommend

Wow! Shame on all Pakistani media for being unfair to their jobs…No matter how extravagant and earth shattering they made the MQM rally in Lahore it turned out to be peanuts….And now slinging mud over the only person who has made Pakistan proud time and time again…(and mind u with his own effort, money and skill)

What we have for politicians these days, I would want Imran Khan to be our PM any day! Maybe wat we really need, is an inexperienced politician. SHAME ON U !!!Recommend3

The problem with the author is that she is uses to the media to get information and so used to the old politics that is being run in Pakistan that when a different party emerges initiated by Imran Khan they all start to criticize him. I want to question how many non-political affiliated elites have done anything to make this process better..as a start how many rich people actually paid taxes and voted under the scorching sun..hardly any..only the labor class who want change do..this author should support Imran Khan because he is laying the very platform for ordinary people to get into politics and make a difference and eliminate family politics from our country…he is a successful captain and a successful administrator by overseeing shaukat khanam hospital and Namal College..we would not have any cancer hospital if it wasnt for him and all his insitutes are running very well compared to PIA, Steel Mills, KESE, where the government are in charge and are getting bankrupt and full of corruption
. I am not saying that Imran is absolutely correct…we are all human..we are so eager to criticize him easily but not the looters of this country like Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Altaf Hussain who have no Nationalism in them..even the late Benazir had no vision..if she was living a luxury exiled life while her workers suffer than she is no leader in my opinion..if r gifted to write then write something positive and support him…if u know any other leader besides Imran Khan who can do a better job..let us know!Recommend4

Warraich Saheb, thank you for taking time to read and for responding to my comment. What a coincident I have both of the titles you are so magnanimous to suggest plus Ms Khan’s Rodeo Drive to Raja Bazaar. I have immensly enjoyed owning and reading them. All three books are very well written but the difference lies in the fact that the former were produced by some surrogate and in the case of latter title the author herself burned the proverbial midnight oil to produce it.

Now regarding what we wish to see in a leader. Imran Khan may be a very well meaning but this I can only vouch foronce he is at the helm but when you are in the opposition anything goes, I too like a leader to possess to a certain degree the qualities we see in the personalties of Abraham Lincoln, MA Jinnah and Nelson Mendella. These were idealist and pragmatic at the same time fusing the two without a strain.The Hadith recite more than one instance when our beloved Prophet(PBUH) depending upon the situation prefered commonsense pragmaticism over ideals.

Brother,(I would rather refrain to use the word Dude) all of us have strengths and weekness and so does Imran Khan but he is far from being a Mendella or for that matter MA Jinnah. We badly need a great visionary leaderwho will not only be able unify our nation without the use of staples as has been done in the past but also stear us clear of rough waters, a harbinger of peace and prosperity. It is a task of gragantuan proportions, unfortunately Imran Khan does not fit the bill at least not now and that is what Ms Khan has tried to convey in her very well written analysis and I fully agree with her appraisal because it is very close to the mark.Recommend1

@ayesha.
so what r u suggesting…u don’t want imran methdology…u said u don’t want us to vote zardari or nawaz or anyone else…..but u do want change…and i am wondering ..how?..
oh yeah…becaue u live in england and u have a life in a developed world….u can’t wait years and years because does not matter for you wether it comes early or late..for us..unfortunately it matters…we have to suffer for all these years ..and what are u suggesting.?..not to vote any one and do what?…i don’t know ..really don’t know…Recommend2

Ms Ayesha Ijaz Khan, it is unfortunate that after writing a rather scantily researched and disappointing op-ed your reply to the comments leaves a lot to be desired. You chose to address the emotional responses which support Imran which tend to go overboard in accusing the writer of bias.

Yet there are quite a few responses which took exception with your piece and gave valid counter arguments and explanations which you convienently ignored to address. It is not criticism of Imran which bothers his supporters it is the unsubstantiated criticism by people like yourselves that is based on half truths and hearsay.

Imran like all public figures must be criticised for what he does wrong but to twist facts so that you could meet a deadline for your op-ed piece is a gross miss use of the right to express your opinions by way of this esteemed newspaper.

Now to your Response

1) You dont support any of the political leaders in Pakistan so should i assume you support the military would that be a fair assessment going by your method of reasoning.

2) You have a right to support anyone you want since you also want change, so who do you support and how are they planning to bring change – i really hope you have an answer to this one!!!

3) What are those alternatives and revolutionary methodology Ms Ayesha that makes Imrans vision and methodoly so unappealing to you? Can we please hear the secret!!!!!

4) Success has but many fathers and i am not surprised to learn of your support for the Lawyers movement. Could you please elaborate on the 1st, 2nd and third tier of leadership can we know any names? The masses Ms Khan were rallying behind political parties which supported the movement incase you werent told of the actual truth. It was a reaction against a military dictator in the form of the lawyers movement no complex constitutional or legal issues were made simple by anyone so please dont try to prove a point when none exists. So now after the intellectual capacity of the people has been raised thanks to the lawyers the intelligent people support Imran Khan as amply demonstrated by the views in the comments section!!!!!!!

5) Imran is not perfect, not by a long shot but he is better than most. You Ms Ayesha are also not perfect and as you would want Imrans supporters to accept criticism you must also inculcate this habit of being crticised for what people view as a negative propganda op ed rather than a critical analysis of what Imran is doing wrong. If you choose to write a critical piece on Imran ask me to help you i will tell you what actually could be improved in the way Imran does politics.

79 comments Ms Ayesha and only 3 worth praising and those too that support your point of view, need i say more on a rather biased op ed and a very visible support for Imran in the educated, intelligent and self aware part of the Pakistani Electorate.

A little something for you to think about as a critic….

It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.Recommend14

@Mohammad Irfan:
Oh! i think you even donty know the meaning of economics. What this RGST will do except to further burden the middle/ lower class. Why not to tax agricultural income, which is exempt, only because our so called leaders are mostly feudal/landlords and they dont want to pay taxes.!!!!!Recommend1

This article and the comparisons drawn out are so absurd that its not even funny. This lady obviously has no clue about the ground realities our country is facing.

Ms. Ayesha, do you have any idea how many people are dying each day due to these mindless drone attacks? Do you have any idea how many people have died in the last 10 years due to the failed policies of these corrupt politicians? Do you know how the majority of the population is struggling to even make ends meet? Obviously you seem to have no clue, all cooped up in your generator-powered AC office, writing silly articles such as these.

If you can name even ONE political party that comes even REMOTELY CLOSE to what PTI has done and continues to do for this country, i will rest my case and apologize to you personally. In the meantime, please do write something a little more constructive than this. This country needs hope, and people like you are just out to destroy every bit of with your mindless cynicism.Recommend3

Ms Ayesha talks about “change for the sake of change”. Sorry lady, but your article is just “criticism for the sake of criticism”. Instead of criticizing the one guy in a population of 180 million who is bold enough to take a stand and fight for the rights of his countrymen, I suggest you better suggest SOLUTIONS instead of pointing out flaws. Imran Khan may not be a saint, but neither are you. Next time please write articles that are constructive. Going by the numbers on this thread, its 83:7 in favor of Imran Khan. You need to get a reality check lady. PTI will sweep the next elections.Recommend3

@Hassan:
Brilliant Hassan.
I also thank Ayesha for creating the debate from which I have learnt.
My assistant (who belongs to the MQM camp) says that if Pakistani’s want a decent leader, they will first have to change themselves.
I believe him.Recommend1

@Hassan:
Convincing.Recommend1

Weak on analysis, lady you need to add some meat to your criticsm. I liked your previous article better with the Sita White reference and questions on morality………come on you can do so much betterRecommend1

@Khurram:
Sir,I beg your pardon for disagreeing again. You know actually the problem with our nation is that we criticize for the mere sake of criticizing. I see the vision in IK and his ideology rather I see him as the only visionary leader here. Politics here is done for two purposes power or genuine struggle to implement a certain ideology. From the past record we can clearly see that IK’s politics is not politics of power hence the latter applies to him. If you want his vision I being a member of PTI can provide you with that. IK has the vision and the honesty and credibility along with all leadership qualities to implement it. PTI is being organized to union council in all four provinces and can be seen as the only party that can unite the nation for good. The problem is that when you criticize IK you do not give a better alternative.
Regarding pragmatism, all the great leaders were idealist in the first place and then when they saw that compromising will help them achieve the higher goal, they compromised. They never compromised on the principles and IK has proved the same through his character.
I know it will be rather difficult to convince you here on this thread but the only thing I can say to you is to wait and watch and one day you will be the one writing a blog somewhere agreeing with me.Recommend4

The writer deserves commendation on her pertinent analysis about Imran Khan’s failure to emerge as a booming politician and his lack of ability in attracting voters so far. One of the reasons of his failure perhaps is that he makes us feel as if he is still in the field of cricket where he used to be captaining the side with command and an element of hostility- he seems to be struggling to come out of the charmed epoch of yesteryears. He still believes that youth of the present generation is as crazy and fanatic for him as the youth of his time. But what he refuses to concede is that gone are the days when he ruled in the field of cricket and that now he is in the field of politics which is a different ball game altogether. His cavalierly tone and mulish style of conversation reflects of a man who deems that whatever he says is incontestable. Another serious problem with Imran’s politics is that he has not been able to understand throughout his political career that to be an astute politician he has to come out of his comfort zone and mingle with the people to share their basic problems. Mr. Imran must know that he can’t be a favorite politician for common masses unless he gets down from the floors of seminars and conferences held in posh hotels and halls to discuss the issues of common men. His frequent appearance on different television channels also cannot make him popular as the viewers have got fed up with mere lip service from politicians. Mahatir and Erdegon are Imran’s heroes and there is nothing wrong to idolize someone as long as it motivates and triggers one’s obsession to follow the idol’s path of success to attain one’s objectives – but it looses its worth when you shun the struggle and hard work your idols did to attain the glorious status and position not only in their own country but worldwide- mere citing their achievements is a ritual of futility. Mr. Khan you will have to interact with the people on streets, have to drench yourself in sweat by visiting far flung parts of the country to earn support and favor of the groaningly poor people and you will have to make people realize that you belong to them. Only then you can become what you aim for – Don’t forget that this down trodden nation is anxiously waiting for an emancipator who will crusade against the tyranny and will purify the land from corrupts and looters. Who knows you might be their emancipator.Recommend4

@ Maulana Diesel, it is becoming a rather tedious correcting your infactual information, ZAB was hanged for ordering the murder of a political opponent. We can argue the facts of the case but lets not forget that ZAB died by the proverbial sowrd he chose to live by.
People in Pakistan also love Zia what does that mean the people of Pakistan have trusted its leaders to deliver but they have time and time again played havoc with the future of this country and its people and ZAB was no exception I can literally go on and on about how much damage that man caused this nation starting from the debacle in 1971.

You my friend are oblivious to Imran and his struggle because you dislike him and that is fine you don’t want to vote for him that’s also fine it is your democratic right to use your vote as you please, but to resort to falsehood to prove your point is really disappointing. I challenge you to post a link to that or any other program where Imran has said that he will “hire” a team instead of having elected representatives as ministers. I have explained in detail what Imran has meant when he said he will “hire’ experts and technocrats so no use in flogging a dead horse.

Your fictious example of a rally is funny to say the least, where you present there; where was this rally or has someone relayed this nugget to you? I have personally seen Imran and his extreme dislike for VIP culture he has no security protocol and he sits with the people, he eats with them travels with them and is conducting public meetings all over Pakistan amongst the masses.

Imran couldnt create the cancer hospital, Namal College and collected billions of rupees for flood relief if he was so averse to being with the masses as you claim, the difference between your argument and mine is that I can prove each and everthing.Recommend5

Mr Hatim, I appreciate the points that you have raised and would like to take the opportunity to counter them one by one.

Firstly Imran does not believe and has never said that the people of Pakistan and especially the youth love and adore him like a rock star he believes that they hold the key to the change that this country desperatly needs and they support his agenda for change, there is a stark difference in the two points of view. You seem to imply that Imran is on some ego trip, well let me assure you Imran Khan’s name is already secure in the history of Pakistan. Fame and power have been thrown at his feet and he has walked past them time and time again to struggle for a higher purpose. He was offered cabinet posts during Zia’s regime and then again in Musharrafs tenure but he declined because his struggle is against the status quo.
 
The man has an authoritative tone but that never means he will not listen to anyones point of view, which leader in Pakistan do you think can sit in a one on one debate with Imran Khan on issues facing this nation he has challenged all the major political leaders but they will never accept because they know the man has an impecabble reputation and they cannot throw dirt at him like they can with each other. As for disagreements Imran and PTI are open to all point of views and possible solutions if you have any we would be very happy to listen to you.

I would beg to differ on your argument about his ability to connect with the masses; you can’t carry on such succesful charity work if you are not able to connect with the masses. I have collected money for SKMT in school and have watched him engage people across all social and economic stratas. He has travelled extensively throughout Pakistan for his charity and political work. Amongst so many public welfare initiatives He has recently launched a micro finance scheme in Nowshera for the flood victims which will help 1200 flood victims he was there at the inaugaration and didn’t do it over the phone from London or dubai or from the PM or Presidents house.He has appeared a mere 15% of the times in television programs over the last 3 months as compared to other PTI leadership.
This number is out a total of 215 programs over three months across various TV channels.

Imran Khan is one of the hardest working individuals I know his commitment to his goal is unwavering and this nation has seen it time and time again so rest assured the hard work is there he is in the trenches with his party and his people you can get all the details of what he is doing from the PTI website.

www. Insaf.pkRecommend2

Amazing how Ill-informed about IK, the PTI, Malaysia, Turkey and pretty much everything the author is. Surprised that this piece got space.Recommend2

@Ayesha Ijaz Khan, your writings do have a unique quality to combine an awesome breadth of knowledge with a real ability to communicate your thoughts in a manner stripped of all pomposity. You are one of those writers who are capable of summoning up a whole gambit of ideas and feelings with few choice and most appropriate words. Please keep up the good work of sharing your thoughts with us and never let the illworded and nettled comments by some hot under the collar readers ever discourage you from conveying the truth as see it from your own perspective.Recommend2

@Hassan:
Well said sir – I second that.Recommend

Imran Khan is an idealist. He will eventually grow disillusioned with his impractical rhetoric and realise his own limitations of his one-man-show called the PTI.

In a parliamentary democracy, a political party needs a massive team to partake in elections and get elected with enough seats to form or be part of a government. A party needs at least 170 seats in National Assembly to form a government.

Imran Khan, despite his popularity among middle and upper middle class youth, will fail miserably because his party has not grown beyond his persona and does not have the desired political personnel to make a difference. PTI will only win 1 seat, and that too of Imran Khan only, meaning he will most likely remain a charismatic nobody in politics.Recommend

Seems like the Tribune will print anything these days.Recommend3

In her article Ayesha looks aloof of Pakistan politics. Things are different on the ground. Imran and his party is every where now. In the talk shows only person who commands respect among the guests is Imran Khan. The reason is simple he is honest Pakistani, tells truth and no hidden money plus is not hesitant of blaming any wrong doer be it PM or the president, no one has this much courage. What is wrong in hiring experts in different fields if the current ones are corrupt and incompetent. An incapable PIA MD gave loss to PIA in three years more than since its inception.
Imran Khan raised voice in media boldly and steel mill was saved from being sold at throw away price, thanks to CJP also who took notice of it. No politician except Imran Khan has the vision.
Take the example of war in triable areas. Seven years back it was Imran khan who said many times that war will never end as long as US forces are there, very true today.

Party is not seen? I know about Karachi more as I live here, there are corner meeting almost every week in different areas where party leaders speak and inform the publik about the party progress and other activities. They are running Insaf Sasta Tandoor program in differen poor localities providing five rupee per meal, 20 thousand meals a month. The PTI is seen every where.Recommend2

Hassan Sahib, I thank you for commenting on my comment. Ms Khan for that matter no other writer ought to be vilified for expressing her or his opinion as long as certain decorum is maintained in conveying one’s thoughts. We all have our biases so does Ms Khan and since she is a writer, such predilection, whether consciously or unconsciously is easily given away to the reader. But I have always liked her style of writing and she is one of the few young writers I genuinely admire and that is where all ends up as for I am concerned.
I have never said anything negative about Imran Khan as a person or his sincerity, courage and integrity all I said was his lack of experience it would have been of much benefit had he had chance to run even a single ministry at federal level. But that is a moot point.
Now to answer you inquiry as to what I meant by the word Large Vision. I meant a leader who can see from the things at hand to the far horizons. A leader who has not only the imagination, insight and courage but also faces any challenge that calls forth the best in people. He is able to mobilize the masses around a shared sense of purpose. If in your good opinion if he does possess these qualities let us help him I am fully with you. What ever I know of him is all that I have gathered from TV interviews and various articles. I have never had the chance to meet him in person although I have seen him in person many a time. My mystic-bond with him is going to the same school many years after had gone.
Comparing him with leaders from the past. History is a great treasure we can draw enormous help from to guard ourselves from repeating the same mistakes over and over and by the same token the leaders of the past are grand examples of innovative action, clear vision and sincerity of purpose. We cannot transplant all their experiences but still can utilize a great deal of it to our own advantage, Sun-tzu’s Art of War is still as much applicable today as Pythagoras’s theorem.
Why I am hesitant to trust a leader because ever since the birth of our country we have been conned and the very faith we reposed in them has been badly exploited to the hilt by them and it is still going on in broad daylight. No body seems to be caring about the monstrous debt we are accruing, poverty, education and excessive religion and population. All I hear is Sab Achha Hai. Besides the above given gargantuan problems there are many more which would require even a bigger space to discuss. I wish Imran Khan the very best in his endeavors to eradicate the very malaise that has been killing us slowly for a long time. Thank you and all the best to you.Recommend1

To begin with, let us congratulate this lady for very beautifully articulating her ideas and putting across her points fairly eloquently and quite rigorously. We in Pakistan need a critical assessment of our political, economic and social destiny and that has to be subjected to reasoned scrutiny, and this lady has done what was required for a long time. Imran Khan, while his absolute sincerity and passion for positive change in Pakistan may not be questioned, but his strategy must be evaluated with a view to make sure that everyone knows what they are sacrificing for. The price of one’s political commitment in these unsettling times must not be a spineless government but it should be a sustainable, sturdier and visionary dispensation.Recommend3

Ayesha, we living in the west, if even give a slight damn about this damned country and its confused citizens , is only caus of Imran Khan.Recommend1

@ Waseem Khawaja

Do you mind me telling that Imran Khan and his friends are not mature politicans…then what have the mature politicans have done to this country since Independence might I ask

You speak that Ayesha will direct him to the right path….you guys just criticize IMran Khan because he has the guts and courage to do something for Pakistan. He is not living in London like Aysha who does not know any ground realities at all. If you criticize that do give us the solution right now if you have..until then dont bother blaming him..you just sit in your house and expect change will come to you and this stupid writer on a piece of plate..get real…khud kuch karo change lanei kei liye…start with something micro..Recommend

Well written articles always interesting and insightful.Recommend

Ayesha, Keep your support for all the OLD and Corrupt faces and I am sure that you deserve more worst leader what you currently have [2]

Well in my eyes Imran Khan is the best option for Pakistan,,,,!!!Recommend