Adil Najam
This Friday and Saturday I was in Chicago to speak at two different events that were part of the Annual APPNA Convention (APPNA is the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent in North America). On Friday my talk was about the future challenges related to the 2005 earthquake.
On Saturday, however, I was part of a 2-person panel on ‘Building Democratic Institutions in Pakistan,’ organized by the Pak-American Democracy Dialogue (PADD). The other featured speaker on the panel was former cricketer and now head of Tehrik-e-Insaaf, Imran Khan. I guess, to be honest, I (and not Imran) was the ‘other’ person.
What I had to say during my presentation and the hour-long Q&A session was of little significance (and not very different from what I have published elsewhere or written on ATP). But what Imran said should be of interest to many; and since you won’t find a report on this anywhere else, I guess we can say that this is an ATP Exclusive!
But before reporting on what he said, let me just say a few words about my impression of him based on this two-and-a-half hour interaction. As always, he came across as extremely passionate, clearly sincere, and quite principled. He also came across as rather angry but also determined. The first time I had met him was in the late 1980s; he was then a cricketing god, and I a sports reporter for the now defunct Daily Muslim. At that point, and in some subsequent meetings, he did come across as rather arrogant. I must confess that this time he did not seem arrogant. The characteristic self-confidence, charisma and an uncompromising posture was still there. But there was also an odd Imran-like humility. Maybe age combined with accumulated political experience of failure can do that people. Over all, I must confess, I came out being more impressed than I had thought I would be. I also surprised myself by agreeing with him more often (though not always) than I thought I would.
So, here are a few things he had to say–you will note that a number of these are interesting predictions and things we have not heard him saying before (these are based on the notes I took, and may not always be exact quotations)…
On his relationship with Gen. Musharraf. I now realize that our good relationship in the beginning was based on two wrong assumptions. He assumed, wrongly, that I wanted to be Prime Minister. And I assumed, wrongly, that he was a genuine reformer.
On politics in Pakistan. You have to realize that what we have in Pakistan is not just feudal politics, but ‘political terrorism.’ People are not forced but coerced into voting a particular way, through the most violent means.
On the ‘English Medium’ class: It is sad and ironic that the very people on whom we spend the largest amount of the nation’s educational resources–the ‘English Medium Class’–are the most deculturalized from the essence of Pakistan and the most depoliticized from the politics of Pakistan. They are the first to pontificate on what is wrong with politics and democracy, but the very last to vote. In fact, they usually do not vote at all.
On the next elections. We are approaching one of the most exciting phase of our country’s political history. You will see mass movements starting in September. And the next elections–if they are held–will either be like the 1970 elections or like the 1977 elections. Either, they will witness a total change of faces and everyone, including the authorities, will be surprised. Or, they will be so transparently manipulated that people will come to the streets to overturn the results.
To me, Imran Khan is creating a movement not just a political race. His success is not going to be soon, but it will happen Inshallah one day. Winning an election in Pakistan is not an easy thing, let alone start and lead a movement. With all of the political terrorism (heres that word again, dontcha just love it ? Its just like chicken, If you know what I mean) being carried out by our Jagirdar Families and ordinary poor farmers being forced to vote for the Landlords, how can we change our system ?
This seems to be turning into an Imran-fest. So, he gave a good performance at this event. Good for him. That does not change the fact that he has never given even a half-decent performance in a real election. Until he does that, its only talk. And there is no indication that he can do that.
First of all Adil, A Big thanx to you for coming to Chicago and attending PADD’s (Pak-American Democracy Dialogue) event. I had made it in time to see your presentation. I wish someone had recorded it as it contained a lot of important information.
Imran Khan was also very informative and forthcoming. Some of the facts that Imran shared such as even the youngest of Pakistanis are fully aware of Politics in Pakistan. I have personally identified with this observation first hand. Pakistani middle School girls are more knowledgeable about world politics than Average American College Students. The humility that Imran Khan showed was unheard of, by a Pakistani Politician. Imran Khan is different because not only is he more educated than your average Pakistani politician, and has seen the world, but doesnt NEED to be a politician for financial or popularity gains.
Adil:
Your observations are right on the mark. I was one of the organizers of the event. Imran’s straightforwad and honest talk not withstanding, your presentation on the state of democracy in Pakistan was a big hit with the audience. Almost everyone who attended the meeting found your talk to be highly informative and thought provoking. A little mix of humour with substance went a long way in driving the point home. People really liked your 7 myths about democracy and how you addressed them.
Thanks again for coming to Chicago and being a part of this panel.
The unfortunate reality is that the politicians in Pakistan have lost credibility much like the military. Well, at least the military every now and then rolls out their trucks to enforce order and give us a sense of security. What have the politicians offered. The last popular politician we remember is also kknown for losing half our country. Imran has a tough road ahead, no matter what his personal opinions may be (Let’s not forget that just after coming to power, Gen. Musharraf said all the right things as well).
It may not be a bad idea for ATP to assemble what we think are the issues that the electorate in pakistan ACTUALLY consider important when voting for candidates and political parties (much like the poll on ATP regarding favorite pakistani food). I think we may get some interesting results. Is it roti, kapra, makan, i.e. livelihoods; corruption; sharia’a enforcement; Kashmir and military security; provincialism; ethnic issues; women’s rights; ?