The
much awaited elections in Pakistan are over and the results, albeit
controversial, have been declared.
Imran
Khan is the people’s choice and is busy cobbling together independent
candidates to get to the magical number after which he can be sworn in. Whether
the election was “managed” by the army or not is no longer an issue. Imran Khan
is now the leader of one of the most dangerous nations on Earth. His opening
speech seemed to have all the right words for India and yet he chose to
continue his nation’s hardline on Kashmir.
There
has been widespread criticism of these elections from political spokespersons
and media around the World. He has been criticised as being close to the
Taliban. The tell-all book by his former wife Reham Khan trying to rake-up his
playboy image, called Imran Khan a “directors actor.” Her book was
strategically released just before the election but seemed to have no impact.
India
and the rest of the World has to deal with Imran Khan and his backers for the
next 5 years. India has cautiously welcomed his win and reiterated their
position of making South Asia free of terror and violence.
The
two principal opposition leaders and their parties, Nawaz Sharif (PML-N) and
Bilawal Bhutto (PPP) have lost out but have managed to garner sufficient seats
to be able to provide a strong and credible opposition if they are able to
handle their own sets of issues. Both parties have rejected the election
results, though the PML(N) has not questioned their victory on the province of
Punjab nor has the PPP questioned their majority in Sindh. Their post-election
comments should be seen only as political posturing and covering up of the
reasons for their failures.
The
Pakistani voter has strongly rejected the religious and anti-India rhetoric of
Hafiz Sayeed but he and his organisation have not disappeared. Unless he is
reined in by the Pakistani Army, which is not likely, he will continue his
sabre rattling and his open training of militants against India. The other
self-appointed non-playing captain, General Pervez Musharraf, who openly
acknowledged his admiration for hafiz Sayeed was threatening to contest the
elections is now simply reduced to providing “expert comments” on television
and sabre rattling.
What
are the implications of Imran Khan’s win for his “Naya (new) Pakistan”?
1. After
a long time, Pakistan has elected a leader who is not corrupt and who has,
demonstrated his resilience in fighting the system since he founded the
Tehreek-e-Insaf in April 1996. He has been targeted repeatedly on various
fronts but has stood his ground to improve governance and root out corruption. Yet,
with 115 seats in the 269 member assembly, he needs the support of 15
additional legislators. It would be interesting to see how much these
independent legislators will demand as the price for their support and how this
will impact on his governance.
2. He
has the blessings of the Pakistani Army and this must be seen as a positive
development. The Army has always been either directly in control or been in an
antagonistic relationship with the political party. Now that they are,
supporting Imran Khan, couched in the cloak of a democratic win, India and the
rest of the World has an opportunity to deal directly with the powers behind
the throne and not someone who cannot get decisions implemented.
3. The
Pakistani voter is getting restless and is tired of all the religious
propaganda. They have been waiting patiently for prosperity promised over the
past seven decades since independence. They see the major development in India
and are looking for a leader who can deliver economic development for their
country as well. Imran Khan has an opportunity to deliver for his backward
nation.
4. The
Pakistani economy is bordering on the brink of bankruptcy. The country is
saddled with huge debts and does not have the money. The Pakistani Rupee is at
its weakest, making the external debt even larger. In June 2018, Pakistan was
put back on the terror financing watch list by the Financial Action Task Force
(FATF). Imran Khan will need some deft maneuvering to find the money and start
work on rebuilding the economy. Unless the economy bounces back and starts
creating jobs and wealth, nothing significant can be expected from any
politician.
5.
Perceptions about
Pakistan in the World are probably at an all-time low. Pakistan has not had a
foreign minister for several years. Nawaz Sharif chose to handle this portfolio
directly and did a lousy job. Serious confidence building measures are needed
to bring some semblance of respectability to the green passport. Continuing its
support of terrorists and claiming that Pakistan itself is a victim is no
longer acceptable in the corridors of power around the World. Saudi Arabia,
towards whom Pakistan always looks up to, has undergone a significant change
under the leadership of Crown Prince Sheikh
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. If they can change, so can Pakistan.
6. China,
Pakistan’s all weather ally has its own agenda in supporting the China Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) since Chinese exports will get access to the Middle
East and Europe without circumventing the time consuming sea journey around
Asia. On the other hand, China is also troubled with militancy in its Uighur
province which it blames on support for Pakistan. No nation can be completely
dependent on another. Pakistan needs to start building strong relationships
with India, USA and Russia. Imran Khan recognises this and has mentioned “you
take one step and we will take two steps.”
7. The
opposition parties PML(N) and PPP can demonstrate their commitment to their
nation by providing checks and balances of a responsible opposition in
Parliament and not disrupt the business simply because they must. Between them,
they have substantial numbers. Bilawal Bhutto and Maryam Nawaz Sharif are young
and have a long time ahead of them in politics. Sitting in opposition can be a
great learning experience.
India
and the World needs to give Imran Khan a chance to deliver a different model of
governance without letting down their guard. A peaceful Pakistan will help in
the growth and development of the entire region and the stakes in this success
is the highest for Pakistan.
Imran
Khan needs to change the narrative in his country. He needs to carry several
contradictory views within his nation with the simple promise of development
and good governance. For him, the days of adulation are over and the time for
brick bats and blame games has arrived.
The
common Pakistani citizen is tired and fed-up of the politicians who have
repeatedly demonstrated their greed for money and unlimited power and done
nothing for the common Pakistani. Imran Khan needs to start communicating
directly with the people, much like President Trump and Prime Minister Modi so
that his message reaches directly and is not lost in interpretation.
He
has no other options.
Besides,
this maybe his only chance!
*******************
The author is the founder Chairman of
Guardian Pharmacies. A keen political observer, he is an Angel Investor and
Executive Coach. He is the author of 5 best-selling books, Reboot. Reinvent.
Rewire: Managing Retirement in the 21st Century; The Corner Office; An Eye for
an Eye; The Buck Stops Here - Learnings of a #Startup Entrepreneur and The Buck
Stops Here – My Journey from a Manager to an Entrepreneur.
Twitter: @gargashutosh
Instagram: ashutoshgarg56
Blog: ashutoshgargin.wordpress.com |
ashutoshgarg56.blogspot.com
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