Instead of making his presence felt in the Parliament, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is sticking to his demand of early elections. His actions and statements show his lack of trust in the august platform, where he himself has served as the chief executive of the country. Instead of countering alleged trampling of democratic traditions by the coalition government in the National Assembly, he is either seeking help from the “neutrals” or the judiciary. Known for his forthright and direct style that often juxtaposes with impulsiveness, once again, Imran Khan, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has made headlines with a statement that early and fair elections are only way forward.
Time and again, he indirectly incites the institution of army to intervene by calling them inactive “neutrals”. As per some critics, it is if Khan wants intervention of the army and judiciary to topple the government of Shehbaz Sharif. To many political analysts and people in general it seems that the PTI chief completely lost his trust on the Parliament when a number of his own party leaders became turncoats ahead of the no-confidence motion.
The question is raised on the trust that Khan seems to repose in the sanctity of democracy. Under no circumstances, a call for a military intervention is justified, and the leaders of all political parties that swear allegiance to supremacy of democracy are aware of that.
Notwithstanding the flaws of governance in Pakistan, in the backdrop of almost three decades of military rule that did not have any positive effect on the long-term stability of Pakistan, Khan needs to play his role for promoting democratic norms by taking part in the parliamentary affairs instead of resorting to street agitation.
Khan is one of the most popular political leaders in Pakistan, and it cannot be stressed enough that his words reach and affect millions of people, especially the youth of Pakistan. It is therefore, imperative for a leader of Khan’s stature to pragmatically measure his words in a public setting, thus ensuring that no bombastic rhetoric is uttered, and his real message is not overwhelmed by the sensational ticker that his oft-uttered reckless words seem to become.
The PTI enjoys a great deal of popularity all across Pakistan, and its good work in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where it heads the government speaks for itself. If the PTI changes the face of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through good governance, there is every possibility that the people of Pakistan could be with the PTI in the upcoming general elections. Moreover, the PTI chief should repose confidence in parliament, which is the right platform for the resolution of all issues democratically, instead of looking for help from some other institution.
The best way to stand proud as a party in opposition is through the credibility of your work. And that is the also best way to win the confidence of the people to secure their vote in the next election. Constant threats/warnings of street agitation — albeit the cause is noble – are counterproductive in the long run, as people wish to see their elected leaders work in parliament and their constituencies, and not lead dharnas (protests) and jalsas (rallies) as a tool to presssurise the government to listen to its demands. If the PTI and Khan were to heed this advice, who is to say electoral results would not be in its favour in the 2023 elections.
