Imran Khan’s great leap forward

[Ghundal]

Imran Khan’s great leap forward

By M K Bhadrakumar – December 25, 2011


The reports coming in speak of a tsunami of popular enthusiasm for Imran Khan in Karachi. Over 2 lakh people turning up for his rally in Karachi. That is a major event. The PPP and ANP would feel insecure. No way can such a gigantic spectacle be choreographed. Clearly, the Pakistani people would like to look beyond the established parties.
Equally, the decision by the PML(N) stalwart Javed Hashmi to cross over to IK dispels the vilification campaign that the latter is a creation of the military. JH’s democratic credentials are impeccable and few can match them in Pakistani politics.
However, the best thing to happen would be if the present government completes its term and elections are held thereafter. That’s how things happen in India — no matter the present government’s drift and the question marks appearing about its residual mandate to rule till the next parliamentary elections become due in 2013.


Imran Khan’s great leap forward - Indian Punchline

[sanman]

Haha, what a laugh - as if one PML-N guy is going to suddenly whitewash Imran Khan and his stooges. Any dissident can be recruited. Look at Zardari's ex-finance minister. When the military money is being waved, then all the bugs come crawling out of the woodwork.

[sanman]

Pakistan

Into all this has charged a cricketer-turned-politician. Imran Khan has spent 15 years in the political wilderness, but in the past few months he has gained huge momentum. On December 25th Mr Khan staged the second blockbuster rally in as many months, in the volatile city of Karachi. He is riding high on an anti-corruption and anti-American agenda. Many believe that the army would like to see Mr Khan come to power, and that it may be providing him with help. In recent weeks Mr Khan has gathered around him a gang of army-friendly defectors from other political parties. Chalk up one more challenge for Mr Zardari.

[Levanaye Zalmaye]

10) It started many hours late. Is it too much to expect a jalsa to start on time? From a political party that talks about heralding change, starting a much-anticipated rally late is especially appalling.

9) He was straddled on stage by new entrants and political heavyweights, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Javed Hashmi, with the old loyal PTI guard aka political novices, seemingly sidelined. Not a good sign at all.

8) He had to be reminded about the people of Punjab when calling out upon the different provinces and ethnicities.

7) His cricket analogies are becoming increasingly lame.

6) What’s with the indiscriminate music every 90 seconds of his speech? Granted his monotone needed to be tempered by interruptions, but they could have at least waited for natural cues.

5) Too many Aafia Siddiqui signs! Look people, the woman was an unhinged fanatic and al Qaeda member. Try to get that!

4) No Karachi specific issues. Why is Imran Khan (read: Taliban Khan) reluctant to talk about terrorism and its deadly toll on the average Karachiite and Pakistani? No mention of MQM’s bhatta operation either – political expediency has led to Altaf Bhai and the MQM being forgiven for the mayhem in May 2009.

3) Still no specifics. No, generous man-hugs for our Baloch brothers and a fleeting reference to East-Germany-style special development status for Balochistan doesn’t count folks.

2) He lived up to his reputation of “Im the Dim” by claiming that computers would end corruption. Ahem yes, it is impossible to cook the books on Excel.

1) As a general rule, revolutionary leaders (especially of the self-proclaimed variety) should avoid flying in to rallies on private jets.


If Khan were assassinated tomorrow, would you vote for a PTI led by Shah Mahmood Qureshi? If not, then Imran Khan has fashioned a personal cult and not a genuine political movement.

Dear Imran Khan, I beg to differ… – The Express Tribune Blog

[Ghundal]

^ the Express Tribune is owned by the New York Times

I guess if he turns out to be pro war, many would suddenly drop their "concerns."

Who knows? It's Pakistan after all.

The current opposition to his candidacy which also exists among a few here (pro War) appears to be mostly linked to his stated opposition to the war and Pakistan's support for it.

Let's assume he backtracks on this thorny issue? Then will he be Najib reincarnated? The person who "invited" the Soviets?