A political novice, Imran Khan, rose to fill the void after the forced departure of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on corruption charges and the country run for a short term by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi 1 Aug 2017-31 Ma7 2018, and then by a caretaker PM, Nasirul Mulk, 1st June 2018- 31st August 2018. Imran’s party, Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf, fought the elections but could not garner majority seats, though it was the largest single party.
Imran was an international face, independent thinking, and a welcome change. He was educated in the west and had friends everywhere due to cricket’s passion. His flamboyance matched only his delightful strokes and his powerful bowling. Although, after the 25th July elections, Imran’s party won 116 seats out of 269 seats, it took him 22 days to stitch an alliance to become the 22nd PM of Pakistan.
But then Nawaz is not alone corrupt. The nation had seen many billionaire politicians and military personnel. Corruption was an accepted fact of life that none bothered. In fact, the lavish lifestyle of Nawaz Sharif abroad was a discussion of Pakistani pride. The Nonetheless, voters saw in Imran a revival of hope and peace. Official Sharization had made altered the country and the military general Pervez Musharraf had groomed more military aspirants for a cut in every deal.
America’s war in Afghanistan had fattened the pockets of many, and for the U.S., it was merely a bit of more as sundry expenses. The return of democracy in Afghanistan seriously limited the share of spoils for many, as the country looked up to China, the new funder. Pakistan had a commonality with China in their opposition to Modi-led India. It was not a secret that Pakistan derived a lot of courage with China helping them from behind.
Imran, at his entry, talked of ending the longstanding issues with India without realizing the adverse impact of such a move from his army generals, who helped him in his elevation. Though Imran became a puppet in the hands of the army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, he had become shrewder in protecting his chair. He had to ignore the growing corruption, misgovernance and the resultant regrouping and rise of the opposition parties.
Imran could have utilized his inexperience in leading a nation, much like Modi in his initial days, abruptly and clumsily stopping over at Pakistan on 25th December 2015, to wish Nawaz Sharif on his Birthday. His despair was profound when he recently made politically suicidal remarks, praising Modi’s foreign policies and an incorruptible Indian Army, thus inviting the wrath of the Pak generals. Both Pak army Chief Bajwa and the ISI chief, Nadeem Anjum, have advised Imran to step down.
Today, Imran may be having his last mega-rally as the 22nd PM of Pakistan, as tomorrow he has to face the confidence vote, and he is already in the minority. The Pak army has taken their hand of protection over Imran, leaving him in the lurch. With his post at stake, he raked the Kashmir issue in OIC, which had no takers, further humiliating Pakistan and its beleaguered leader.
The gathering today in Islamabad may be vast, but they cannot all vote Imran to safety tomorrow when he will be running even after the umpire has raised his finger. Imran might announce his resignation today itself!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
