Imran Khan Ignored Our Cricket Tool-kit for Pak Politics— and he's now in Jail
FLASHBACK! Congratulations, Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, on being sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan! The Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team.
Political Shifts in Pakistan: A Reflection
The Sharif Family's Ascendancy
Yesterday, Nawaz Sharif, the supremo of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), nominated his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, to be the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, while his daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was “selected” as the Chief Minister of the Pak Punjab province. This political maneuvering within the Sharif family signifies a consolidation of power, reflecting the dynastic nature of South Asian politics.
Imran Khan's Predicament
Our reflections inevitably drifted towards Imran Khan, the erstwhile Prime Minister of Pakistan and the figurehead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently imprisoned under dubious charges, after receiving harsh sentences that have drawn global scrutiny. Despite PTI's emergence as a formidable entity within the National Assembly, the revocation of its electoral symbol has splintered its solidarity, transforming it from a unified party to a mere aggregation of individual MPs.
Election Concerns and International Perception
The recent elections, widely criticized for being manipulated, are seen by many as a mere puppet show with the Pakistan Army maintaining its dominance under the guise and charade of democracy. This situation casts a shadow over the electoral process, raising questions about the genuine will of the people.
A Look Back at 2018
Reflecting on August 2018, when Imran Khan ascended to the premiership, I had penned a somewhat satirical article. This piece offered Khan a pun-ridden "tool-kit" filled with cricket analogies and strategies for navigating the complexities of Pakistani politics and military relations. However, it seems Khan's tenure diverged significantly from such advice, leading to his current predicament rather than a victorious return to power.
Analyzing Past Advice
The article in question, with some edits for clarity, invites readers to ponder the effectiveness of the strategies outlined. Was there genuine merit in the prescient advice given by me, or were the challenges faced by Khan insurmountable regardless of the approach taken?
Flashbak 2018— Congratulations Imran Khan!
Congratulations, Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, on being sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan! The Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team that won the World Cup in 1992 has finally made it, 22 years after his foray into the turbulent politics of the Islamic Republic. The 65-year old youthful Imran needs no lessons in either cricket or politics; we may, however, take the liberty of making a few suggestions from the world of cricket that could come in handy for him in the choppy Pakistan polity.
Unsolicited “Tool-kit”
1. You are the Captain of your Cabinet Team but remember a “General” is senior in rank to a “Captain”.
2. There is no “neutral umpire” here; the higher judiciary is anything but independent.
3. Avoid sticky wickets: Kashmir, Balochistan and Afghanistan, for example.
4. Don’t “run out” of options and partners.
5. Appeal often: Pakistani people (awaam) for support, austerity and posterity; judiciary to “bail” you out and Army for (launching) pads and guards.
6. Your policies: don’t “declare” prematurely.
7. Your policies: don’t “declare” too late.
8. “Sidhuism” works better than altruism in politics.
9. Don’t go in for “boundaries” (borders), either along the ground or the ariel route; score in quick singles.
10. It’s a Five-Year Test Match, not a one-day (night ;)) affair.
11. Learn from the neigbouring Captain: It’s better to be divorced to the idea of marriage than to be wedded to the idea of divorce.
12. Your days of “Maidens” are Over! (the Twelfth Man).
That was his playing XI, including the indispensable 12th man. Do you have anything interesting to add? Please do add. We might revisit, sooner than later.
Best wishes, Prime Minister (Pakistan), Janab Imran Khan!
End of the Beginning
This reflective piece underscores the intricate dynamics of Pakistani politics, where personal ambitions, military influence, and democratic ideals often collide. As we witness these developments, the question of what the future holds for Pakistan remains open, inviting continued discussion and analysis.
