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Can Imran do it?

Published : Monday, 30 July, 2018 at 12:00 AM  Count : 665
Shahriar Feroze
For over two decades the world has mostly known him as a playboy cricketer, then for another couple of decades as a politician, and until a miracle stops him he will be the next prime minister of Pakistan. Imran Khan the cricketer turn politician is about to assume power when Pakistan is not actually in the best of conditions.
 
The last Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted in a judicial coup. A bulk of the opposition has rejected the recent poll results branding it as 'rigged' or 'engineered'. The election was marred with pre-election violence and terror attacks. The country's economic growth has been forecasted to slow down because of spiralling inflation and heightened external risks. Pakistan's current account deficit, recorded last June, stood at nearly USD 16 billion or 5.5pc of GDP, the highest in more than a decade. At the forefront is the massive surge in imports. Foreign Direct Investment in the country is less than USD 4 billion of which 70 per cent is Chinese money.

Despite a series of success in busting terrorist outlets attacks are not stopping. Illiteracy, unemployment to energy crisis still continues to get the best out of successive governments. In short, Khan is about to inherit a Pakistan full of challenges. Like all politicians before, Imran has promised massive reforms to build a new Pakistan, but can he really do it?

The first problem in Pakistan is that none of its 18 previous prime ministers could complete even a single term of rule. If Khan somehow manages to complete his first term that itself would stand a record. Second, the biggest challenge would be to reduce the military influence in civil governance and diplomacy. There is little to be optimistic since proxy civil rules have so far kept the military free from being held accountable for basics like jobs and infrastructure in Pakistan. Furthermore, a pliable elected government not only keeps army's powers intact but also helps in retaining a kind of democracy which gives credibility at international forums.
Whatever, can Imran redefine the trend?

Shahriar Feroze

Shahriar Feroze

He actually needs a miracle to do so. Khan may have won the elections but the actual power still lies with the army. Third and the final point, all eyes would be fixed at him following how his government deals with India. As of now, it has always been the military top brass to have determined the two countries relations. The new government's diplomacy and role in geopolitics of the subcontinent will matter a lot in painting the global image of both khan and the Pakistan under him.

We don't yet know whether he can make a positive impact on the Bangladesh-Pakistan relations - which continues to be at an all time low for the past few years -- but he sounded rather optimistic at the videos posted in YouTube. The point, however, Imran Khan is about to commence a new innings in his political career but only this time his opponents are multiple in numbers, not merely a single team. Good that he has proved perseverance both in the field and in the political stage, but he must focus on short-term achievable goals.

As luck would have it, as the skipper of the national team, he could exercise unquestionable authority over other members of the team. On the contrary, even though he becomes the prime minister he won't have that supremacy. He knows for sure the clearly distinguished red line which he can't cross. His political astuteness will be tested right on this point. Each and every prime minister before had known about their limitations and boundaries, they tried to cross it, but only failed.

From this writer's perspective, he only wants to see if Imran Khan can make the best of his limited and unofficially defined powers. Executing responsibilities as the prime minister of Pakistan is perhaps the toughest feat one can ever imagine. He has shown that political courage but in certain areas his tenacity will be tested to its limits.

I wonder what would have the late General Zia-ul-Haq advised Khan on his ascending to power. The world knows -- it was the late military dictator to have changed a much younger Khan's decision from pre-mature retirement -- now it is Khan getting ready to work with the generals. Khan kept the general's request and lead Pakistan to be the champions of the world. Would the military comply with a request, may be different in nature, if placed by khan? Only time will tell.

Practically speaking, as far as exercising political authority is concerned in Pakistan, Imran Khan knows how far he can run. He has willingly accepted the challenge -- but if he wishes to be remembered -- he has to deliver what the 18 others couldn't -- more than a daunting task. His deliverance will be a wider and a complicated one than his best fastest ball ever.
This writer only expects Khan to mix his sporting and political abilities for the best of Pakistan. Definitely he can't introduce an overnight reform but can he at least become the frontrunner to be the pioneer in his efforts to present a new Pakistan?

In the face of all odds and criticism, the world is about to witness a former cricketing legend leading a nation. Imran Khan is no short of charisma, panache, sporting success, popularity and also controversies. 
But can Imran do it?

The writer is Assistant Editor, The Daily Observer














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