Imran Khan and issues of Pakistan!

Pakistan is facing number of critical issues, the integral one is Baluchistan . Unfortunately, since over last two decades this far flung province is run by Frontier Constablery (FC), a powerful agency of military establishment. Hence the democratic process is also at the feet of this agency, and the out come of this type of dictatorial ruling is "missing persons, dead bodies of young Baloch, mid night raids, etc." This has resulted that national anthem of Pakistan is a banned item in that territory and national flags are visible at military installations only. Imran Khan or PTI with soft corner for military establishment is not having any political roots in Baluchistan, though they announced their 3rd public meeting at Quetta on 23rd March 2012 but the wounds could be mend as they are thought! The mood with Baloch youngsters, to apprehend Pervaiz Musharraf for the killing of Sardar Akber Bugti, is quite visible in Baluchistan & known to Imran Khan and all political forces. Hence, like other Pakistani political parties including Mian Nawaz Sharif or President Zardari, Imran Khan's PTI would not be able to convince angry Baloch youngsters in coming years until they bring former dictator to court of law for killing of Bugti. This is a dream that couldn’t come true as long as political parties are using “hidden hands” of military establishment for their own power-gain game!

Second, the polarized Pakistani society where terrorism is evolved through sectarianism is the new dimension of concentration and work. Taleban factor has reached at its peak in Pakistani territory rather than Afghanistan . This requires great balance between the Universities educated elites of Pakistan and the conservative Madrasa students who –time & again- support Afghan Taleban and consider them as future saviour of Pakistan with an assumption that religious association could bring “revolution” in Pakistan . These are two extremes, none of the political leader of Pakistan , in last two decades, was able to bridge this gap or bring two-arch rivals together for the sake of Pakistan . Could Imran Khan, with his pro-West background, be able to work in this direction? The answer as of today is no. Imran Khan has raised his Taleban thoughts with the condemnation of US policies however it is quite visible today that he is aligning himself with those who had handed over Dr. Afia Siddiqui to US authorities in past. This contradiction could result in the form of great loss for PTI or Imran Khan in coming years!

Third, corruption is the trademark of Pakistani society. It is not linked to politicians only. Various govt departments are symbolized as most corrupt in recent Transparency International report, however they have delinked Pakistan Military forces from corruption but this is not true. Starting from financial, moral, nepotism, until abuse of authority or making wrong decision on behalf of Pakistani nation, all are considered as part of it. How Imran Khan or PTI or any other political force that could win upcoming general election could root them out, that’s the main question of today. No one is having proper plans to deliver in this direction. For example, the current Zardari regime has designated mostly corrupt authorities as part of their “pleasing plan for Jiyalas” in all the major institutions of Pakistani establishment with the exception of Justice (R) Rana Bhagwan Dass. Imran Khan and his team “new “members are mostly part of old corrupt regimes, either in Nawaz or Zardari govts, so how can the image of transparent or corruption-free Pakistan could be built with already used cartridges! Could any of the existing politicians or political figureheads dare to identify the corruption with armed forces of Pakistan ? The answer is big no!

Fourth, the industrial revolution process is almost at halt in Pakistan . Foreign investments are now limited to foreign-remittances by the expatriate community of Pakistan living outside. Likewise, shortage of electricity, gas and law & order situation in major cities are at its worse level beside being portrayed by the all time “cool” interior minister of Pakistan; Mr Rahman Malik. Almost in each of the foreign-invested projects for power & electricity, dark shadows of corruption are visible and in some cases the minister is also complaining in Supreme Court of Pakistan about the malpractice by his own ruling party members! Could Imran Khan be having a proper plan or team of experts to root out corruption from the society? All this has made the life of common Pakistani a hell, hence suicides are now becoming common practice in an Islamic society!

Then came to the political stability of civil governments in the country, martial law dictators survive more in Pakistan than civilian govts. What is the root cause? Beside being the bad reputation of political leaders, their internal wills to snatch “powerful chair of Prime Minister” from each others tempt the army dictators to rule the country. This musical chair game has reached to a level where few of the politicians had invited the powerful ambassador of United States secretly over dinner & sought help to gain that chair. Once an army general comes, he comes with his own plan & agenda and somehow he gets together a bunch of politicians who help him to change the face of a military govt in a limping-civilian govt. Be is Muhammad Khan Junejo or Zafar ullah Jamali or “aristocratic” Shaukat Aziz, all of them ruled the civilian govt under the powerful hand of a dictator. Could Imran Khan be able to stand in front of Army dictators amicably as his past reveals that he had bowed in front of Musharraf and his current team members are all “friends” of Musharraf except Javed Hashmi.

Imran Khan, Baluchistan and Terrorism!

The life of Imran Khan, a cricketer turned politician and chairman of Pakistan Tahreek Insaaf (PTI), is full of colours, controversies, and contradictions. Beside cricket politics, his public political life started in 1995-6, when he was portrayed as a ‘convert – a Muslim by belief but now converted to real fundamental basics of Islam’ receiving Holy Quran through the hands of former Ameer e Jamat e Islami. Then he had formed his own politically party and tried to gain power through back doors when Pervaiz Musharraf’s mother who was the strong ally of Shaukat Khannum Hospital & one of the donor, had helped him to come to the lime light of former dictator. In today’s Pakistan, often he is called by his supporters as Prime Minister-in-waiting, had given him good confidence to consider himself for same post while challenging former political friends or foes. Could he be the real saver of people of Pakistan or the poor nation would witness the same old fate in a new cricket bottle?

One would have to consider the flamboyant past of someone & how much he has changed himself in his public life, what is work done for the slogan of “change" or what type of team members he is having now, are the basic questions to be asked! Beside, the controversial-past, could Imran Khan & his Pakistan Tahreek Insaaf be capable enough to cope up with the existing problems of Pakistan? We would run a brief look at it carefully.

Pakistan is facing number of critical issues, the integral one is Balochistan. Unfortunately since over last two decades this far flung province is run by Frontier Constablery (FC), a powerful agency of military establishment. Hence the democratic process is also at the feet of this agency, and the out come of this type of dictatorial ruling is "missing persons, dead bodies of young Balochis, mid night raids, etc." This has resulted that national anthem of Pakistan is a bannded item in that territory and national falgs are visible at military installations only. Imran Khan or PTI with soft corner for military establishment, is not having any political roots in Balochistan, though they announced their 3rd public meeting at Quetta on 23rd March 2012 but the wounds could be mend as they are thought! The mood with Balochi youngsters, to apprehend Pervaiz Musharraf for the killing of Sardar Akber Bugti, is quite visible in Baluchistan & known to Imran Khan and all political forces. Hence, like other Pakistani political parties including Mian Nawaz Sharif or President Zardari, Imran Khan's PTI would not be able to convince angry Baloch youngsters in coming years until they bring former dictator to court of law for killing of Bugti. This is a dream that couldn’t come true as long as political parties are using “hidden hands” of military establishment for their own power-gain game!

Second, the polarized Pakistani society where terrorism is evolved through sectarianism is the new dimension of concentration and work. Taleban factor has reached at its peak in Pakistani terrotiary rather than Afghanistan. This requires great balance between the Universities educated elites of Pakistan and the conservative Madrasa students who –time & again- support Afghan Taleban and consider them as future saviour of Pakistan with an assumption that religious association could bring “revolution” in Pakistan. These are two extremes, none of the political leader of Pakistan, in last two decades, was able to bridge this gap or bring two-arch rivals together for the sake of Pakistan. Could Imran Khan, with his pro-West background, be able to work in this direction? The answer as of today is no. Imran Khan has raised his Taleban thoughts with the condemnation of US policies however it is quite visible today that he is aligning himself with those who had handed over Dr. Afia Siddiqui to US authorities in past. This contradiction could result in the form of great loss for PTI or Imran Khan in coming years! (By Dr. Nadia Khan)

Imran Khan with bunch of opportunists!

Since over a week when ex-colleagues of Musharraf are joining Imran's Tahreek e Insaaf, it was understood that military establishment is working out a safe govt for ex-President of Pakistan when he will come back in Jan 2012, as he says! The way he was made out, with full gaurd of honor, likewise he would be allowed to run politics in Pakistan in coming days!!!!

With the induction of Javed Hashmi, ex PML (N) leader, in PTI the canvass has expanded in way to diffuse the pro-establishment image of PTI. However the induction of Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali had made it clear that with the exception of Javed Hashmi the bunch of opportunist are getting around with a hope that “with the fall of Zardari regime, they will be the next choice for military establishment to form new govt as Nawaz Sharif is no longer a candidate for Pakistan’s powerful ruling establishment.” This dream is somehow very fancy till it painted properly for the people of Pakistan. In coming days the major debate for PTI-runners would to answer below questions because the painted picture is not getting all real colors!!!

Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali would sit with Azam Sawati on same table (in PTI,) as later has mentioned in his resignation & over many TV interviews that Sardar Asif was the most corrupt personality of Zardari regime as he had caught his corruption of 50 crore in plane-purchase scandal. Who will justify who, as Mr Sawati was right or Sardar Asif is an opportunist!

Until then Shah Mehmood was the foreign minister of PPPP-led govt, the nuclear apparatus of Pakistan were in safe hands. Since then he was not offered foreign ministry portfolio, the nuclear program (with the presence of President Zardari) is not in safe hands! Thats the only "output"of ex-foreign minister in his speeches!

Khursid Kasuri was running, supporting, and activating pro-US policies of Musharraf for number of years. Now he –under the banner of PTI & with patronage of Imran Khan- will run similar policy or different foreign policy with US, each one has right to ask this critical question of Pakistan's new foreign policy with US & NATO forces.

Peoples memory is not faded away from the episode of 12th May 2007 when a 'weak & ousted Cheif Justice' was not allowed to enter Karachi by a political party with the help of spy agencies. How Altaf Hussain, today, has accepted a “weak” political party to show off in his strong hold, Karachi? All this is possible with the help of a strong "hidden hand" who had asked MQM stunch founder to allow others to show up in Karachi, as part of a plan that PTI is a country-wide party. In reality, during elections, PTI will not be allowed to foster MQM's vote bank, as the deal brokered by the powerful spy agencies in Karachi.

So the whole "drama" is to paint Imran Khan's personality as a nation-wide leader, representing all four provinces of Pakistan, before assigning him highest assignemt in Islamabad in coming year!

Imran Khan - an ambassador of agencies???

Playing in the hands of intelligence agencies; this puppet role was played by most of the Pakistani political figureheads and finally had regretted their actions.

Nawaz Sharif was instrumental through IJI and now we all know that it was formed and funded by Pakistan’s notorious agencies. While signing the “charter of democracy” Mian Nawaz Sharif regretted... what he had played in the past under the banner of IJI. Former Ameer of Jamat e Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmed admitted the betrayal of Musharraf, to remove his uniform when agreed, under 17th amendment. Even the formation of Mutahidda Majils Amal, MMA, was credited to agencies, also in crafting dual conclusions. One for nation; religious alliance that can change the nation fortune, failed miserably, second for US; if you don’t deal with Musharraf then Pakistan could be taken over by religious zealots, to prolong his illegal tenure.

Imran Khan is also following the footmarks of those whom he had condemned categorically in last few years, first by accepting the establishment-driven migratory birds like Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Khurshid Kasuri, and so on and second -by unknowingly- destabilizing the govt of President Zardari.

Indeed, Zardari regime is the most corrupt govt of Pakistan’s history but it is somehow publically elected and democratic by default. After 10 years of military dictatorship that has ruined the constitution of Pakistan twice, all efforts should be made to improve the performance of present “corrupt” regime till it falls through a fresh election by people of Pakistan, not by military forces of Pakistan.

Any hand strengthening the idea of military-rule again, is considered as undemocratic force and PTI is now driving this idea with agencies help; through resources in the form of migratory birds and funding may be through local partners. This is a well known fact that who has funded PTI’s Lahore public meeting, like years before IJI was funded by whom & that petition is still pending in the court of Ifthikhar Chaudhry and hope to be reviewed before the end of his tenure in 2013 to get to know the “well known fact” of Pakistan’s politics!

Imran Khan - Rising star or old wine - part 5

What Imran Khan and PTI has delivered in last few years, as politician or someone who has raised the slogan of “change,” that also needs to be accounted for!

First, while in the beginning, Imran had raised his voice against the notoriety of Muhajir’s self-claimed & exiled leader, Altaf Hussain and initiated to try him in London Royal Court, to bring him to justice for all his brutal political tactics being carried out in Karachi since ages through gangsters. He was welcomed by all however what happened in that due course was thought-provoking. In response, MQM pulled him in a court in New York for Sita White’s daughters’ paternity and Imran had decided to deal with it “outside” the court at a cost that he would be silent against MQM and MQM would be silent against his flamboyant past. This was the bargain accepted by a “righteous leader” who had condemned, in fact, all of Pakistan national political figures -rightly- for their corrupt past and the lingering nation thought that a “saviour” has arrived as they wanted a positive change. Alas, the catalyst of change had changed him in favour of all evils!

Second, when whole nation including all the politicians decided to stay away from dictator’s fake referendum but the “catalyst of change” has accepted that whole heartedly. Was it wrong or right move, regardless, but an year or so ago, the nation had learnt from him that “I had made a mistake” referring to Pervaiz Musharraf’s most rigged self-selection process.

Third, playing in the hands of intelligence agencies; this puppet role was played by most of the Pakistani political figureheads and finally had regretted their actions. Nawaz Sharif was instrumental through IJI and now we all know that it was formed and funded by Pakistan’s notorious agencies. While signing the “charter of democracy” Mian Nawaz Sharif regretted what he had played in the past under the banner of IJI. Former Ameer of Jamat e Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmed admitted the betrayal of Musharraf, to remove his uniform when agreed, under 17^th amendment. Even the formation of Mutahidda Majils Amal, MMA, was also credited to agencies, also in crafting dual conclusions. One for nation; religious alliance that can change the nation fortune, failed miserably, second for US; if you don’t deal with Musharraf then Pakistan could be taken over by religious zealots, prolonged his illegal tenure. Imran Khan is also following the footmarks of those whom he had condemned categorically in last few years, first by accepting the establishment-driven migratory birds like Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Kusrshid Kasuri, and so on and second -by unknowingly- playing against the govt of President Zardari.  Indeed, Zardari regime is the most corrupt govt of Pakistan’s history but it is somehow publically elected and democratic in its roots. Any hand strengthening the idea of military-rule is considered as undemocratic force and PTI is now driving this idea with agencies help; a well known fact, we all know!

Imran Khan - Rising star or old wine - Part 4

Today Imran Khan and his PTI are under focus; how they came under focal point that is the million dollar questions? No one is willing to answer this question sincerely. During early days of Musharraf, when he was planting “fake” referendum to get endorsement from “ignorant” poor’s of Pakistan, Imran Khan was taking dictators side, though he openly admit that “had had made mistake.”

Nowadays, when all the stalwarts of Musharraf ex-regime are –somehow- joining Pakistan Tahreek Insaaf, it is not strange to know as “who had signalled these traditional politicians to be part of Imran Khan’s team?” But the fact remain exists that these feud-politics are not “senseless” to join a party that won only one seat before. Those they are aware of Pakistani environment they know very well the mindset of our “beloved” politicians and their migration to ruling party. The case of Q-league is very evident when the entire close by stalwarts of Mian Nawaz Sharif ditched them for Musharraf after 12^th Oct 1999; Shaikh Rashid is the prime example of this political mindset.

So there’s something, that Imran Khan would get larger share in coming days in Pakistan govt structure.

It is also clear that those they are migrating to PTI were close to military establishment in their past assignments. Be it Khurshid Kasuri, who fought fiercely 7 years that US is having right to invade Afghanistan or Shah Mehmood, or Owais Leghari all are having their inclination towards Pakistan’s powerful military apparatus. Even few of them had supported Musharraf’s action in Lal Mosque or killing of Bugti in Balochsitan. Could Imran Khan be able to change their mind set in coming days – as part of their change slogan- or they would be able to change Imran’s philosophy of sincerity, merit, fair treatment, or betterment of poor Pakistanis!!!

Imran Khan – Rising star or old wine – Part 3

Those they had watched today’s PTI Kasur public meeting, when Khurshid Kasuri, joined hands with Imran Khan, had witnessed amazing act of chairs snatching by the participants of the procession. This public-act was further endorsed by Imran Khan and his secretary information Shafqat Mahmood, as an act by “innocent people” because they are fed up with Zardari regime, hence “they might take away chairs from govt office bearers houses” as mentioned by PTI chairman.

This wasn’t any act of astonishment; the more astonishing act was induction of Pervaiz Musharaf’s foreign minister in the fold of PTI today, whereas PTI since its inception is quite focal against the foreign policies of Musharraf regime or any inclination towards USA interests. Khurshid Kasuri, for at least 7 years, was very instrumental in supporting Musharraf’s policies and now his induction in PTI is a signal that Imran Khan would, likely, continue the policies of past dictator. This is the “change” which is very frequently spoken by PTI supporters and Imran Khan himself as a catalyst that will change the fate of Pakistan! Is it really???

In last two days, we all had witnessed the mass induction of Pervaiz Musharraf’s “migratory birds” in Imran’s PTI as “strengthening Tahreek e Insaaf” and fully supported by the leader who, since yesterday, was vocal about the accountability of former dictator & his allies. Now he is off the view that “in Pakistan top to bottom is corrupt, I can’t bring angels from skies, hence accepting all in PTI.” This traditional phrase is always said by any Pakistani politician who hopes to get the power soon, like Mian Nawaz Sharif with the help of ISI under IJI banner, Asif Zardari under PPPP banner while Mushraf’s has to quit office and so on. What’s new in Imran Khan and what is the difference in Imran & his team, who was the team of ex-dictator till yesterday?

Some one rightly said that “with the induction of so many former dictators’ ministers in today Imran Khan’s team, it looks like that Imran has joined the king’s party (Q league.)”

Any party, new or old, with slogan of change, while having migratory birds like PPPP former foreign minister, Musharraf’s former foreign minister and a bunch of kings’ party holders, would have to think as why these traditional politicians are strengthening the hands of a gentleman who only won one seat in last general elections? The answer is simple in Pakistani environment, the traditional politicians are very sensible, since then they realize that the “powerful hand” is on Imran’s head, they know that the power would fall on him. So the gathering started again to share the piece of cake among them!

Imran Khan - Rising star or old wine - Part 2

Beside, the controversial-past, one would have to have a powerful plan, a home work based on powerful thought-processing and finally a team of excellent team members to support the idea of change. Could Imran Khan & his Pakistan Tahreek Insaaf is possessing this basic quality. We would run a brief look at it.

Pakistan is facing number of critical issues, the integral one is terrorism. By terrorism it is understood that “anyone who is against of USA or US allies in West and consider its policies in Afghanistan or Iraq as against basic norms and willing to express his anger against these biased policies in any form is considered as terrorist or a resource who provokes terrorism.”

Imran Khan while raising his voice against drone attacks in Pakistani tribal areas never express his anger emphatically over USA as “rightly commented” by US ambassador to Pakistan that “Imran is not against USA,” creates more doubts than clarification for fellow countrymen. US ambassador statement came up when in recent past; November-December Imran Khan quietly visited US state department and expressed his views in Washington, known to very few people in Pakistan or within his party circles.

What if, Imran Khan becomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan, as dreamed by his followers even in day time, his policies would never be different as his predecessors like Pervaiz Musharraf or Shaukat Aziz or Asif Ali Zardari. What could be the proposed change from him, would Pakistan see in coming days when he will acquire power? Nothing more than few strong speeches by him and in close corridors explanation to USA state department about his clarification or in local media as “my statement in press or electronic media is not presented in its true spirit.”

I assume that it was the approach when “so called” Prime Minister of Pakistan didn't attend the public-meeting arranged by 40 religious parties in Lahore two days before, not to pass a wrong message to USA at this critical time, when President Zardari PPPP-led govt is shacking due to a small piece of paper penned by an American!

Imran Khan - Rising star or old wine? (Part 1)

The career of Imran Khan, a cricketer turned politician, is full of colours and controversies. Since his debut in cricket in 1971 initially, then in 1976 onward, he became known as a socialite due to his non-stop partying at London nightclubs such as Annabel's and Tramp and further gained notoriety in London gossip columns for romancing young debutantes such as Susannah Constantine, Lady Liza Campbell and the artist Emma Sergeant. Then came Sita White; her paternity claim in court of law for Tyrian Khan, to be the daughter of Imran Khan, that fully exposed the former World Cup winner in the eyes of common Pakistanis.

Later, his era of politics started when he was portrayed as a pious man receiving Holy Quran from the former Ameer of Jamat e Islami, he ditched all the religious-political parties and formed his own politically party and tried to gain power through political dictator, Pervaiz Musharraf when exchange of cats & dogs are in media circle with authenticity.

After loosing the battle against former prime minister of Pakistan , Shaukat Aziz, he became the worst enemy of the then dictator and started taking side of Taliban, the then worst enemy of Pervaiz Musharraf. With one & only seat in National Assembly of Pakistan representing Mianwali, he had to play very limited role in power gaining situation, so he had walked out of the parliament. Partially his involvement in Lawyers Movement, to restore Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, had given PTI & himself a little start to take some ground in active politics & gained some popularity.

In today’s world, often he is called by his supporters as to-be-Prime Minister of Pakistan , had given him good confidence to consider himself for same while challenging former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif especially in Lahore region after the success of his Lahore political gathering.

Could he be the real saver of people of Pakistan or we are going to witness same old wine in a new cricket bottle, one would have to consider following:

Flamboyant past of someone could impact a politician how much? Could he turn out to be a real saver or just a wolf is hiding in fox’s skin to gain power?

The intentions of a new comer in politics are visible in his last 10 years history or he has to be given chance to gain power & prove himself same as his predecessors?

Last but not least, how a new comer is entering or gaining politics, through political ways or using the shoulders of military or intelligence agencies. Would that leader be the real saver of people of Pakistan or history would repeat itself such as Mian Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto, Pervaiz Musharraf, or Asif Zardari!!!!!