Salahuddin Haider
SLOWLY but steadily hurdles in Imran Khan’s ways are moving away and now that he is being listened to world community, so much so that even Donald Trump, President of the most powerful country of the world, has spoken to him on telephone lines, criticism has begun to subside. Being international celebrity, and known to world rulers after his marriage with Jemima Khan, well known for her riches and glamour, Imran after initial setbacks, has come a long way from just being an ordinary leader, to someone who has begun to be respected and heeded to.
His appeal as Pakistan Prime Minister to international community to help poorer nations fight the corona pandemics, spread fast, evidence of which is now visible to almost everyone. So powerful effect his appeal for financial help was that even a tougher opponent like JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had to beat a hasty retreat for agitation against him in Islamabad. Rehman’s followers frittered away much more quickly than could even wildly be imagined.
That was not all. IMF promised 5.7 billion dollars to Pakistan on extremely oft terms, and longer gestation period till the end of 2022.As help started to flow from World Bank and Asian Development Bank simultaneously, Imran and his economic management team preferred to utilized just 1.4 billion dollars in the first instance, but the remaining fund will remain in the kitty for dispersal at an opportune time. The ADB announced a massive 1,75 billion dollar assistance against dead disease for poorer nations, Pakistan being on top of the list, and United States had already set over 8 million US dollars, and now Trump has promised ventillators to Pakistan.
The fact that Imran and Trump have developed a consistent and closer relationship, it is proving of great help to Pakistan. Imran himself acknowledged this in his telethon two days ago when he said that his telephonic talk with President Trump has help galvanise the international monetary agencies, to come to Islamabad’s rescue.
A factor unknown and inconceivable till a moth ago. Perhaps the biggest triump for Tehreek Insaaf chief was the winning over of the religious leaders to his side on a 20-point agreement to avoid Friday and Traveeh congregations during Ramazan in mosques. The statement for Maulana Mufti Munbeeer Rehman and Maulana Taqi Usmani that they will ofer Friday and Traveeh prayers at home. But Imran warned that if any violation of promise is seen, he will close the mosques.
