Salahudin Haider
TO say that Imran Khan is not in problem at present, will be gross misjudgement, deliberate mis-statement. He is thick in the woods, but trying courageously to overcome problems, and trek through to safety on a path straight and leading to success. One of his problems, especially for last six or seven months, is the deliberate, inconsiderate onslaught from the opposition. JUI chief,Maulana Fazlur Rehman, desperate to see him leave, has been trying to mobilise Bilawal Bhutto, Asif Zardari, and the PML(N) leaders behind him.
But the kind of campaign he has in mind, has obvious loopholes, far too many weaknesses, needing to be taken care of, before chances of success could appear on the Horizon. Atleast for the present, Imran does not have to worry of his government falling through, but simultaneously a threat is lurking over his head. He has to think, apply his mind, go deep into the designs against him, find out factors demanding correction, both immediate and in near future.
But Bilawal, although considerably experienced by now is parliamentary practices, has unfortunately still to learn a lot. Tricks of the trade to deal with a government, firmly entrenched, need farsight and much deeper analysis to achieve atleast partially, the target he has in mind. Merely demand from him, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asking him to quit lacks conviction. It is same Ahsan Iqbal who merely three to four weeks ago, had conceded in a TV interview that he would not like Imran to quit, and present him a martyr of political engineering. He would probably build a sympathy vote and return to power to much to chagrin of the rivals. But now Same Ahsan Iqbal has joined the Chorus of “government must go home”.
Point is whether the electorate, dissatisfied by rising flour, and sugar prices, persistent load shedding, and many other problems, are still not willing to allow the government to go. Pakistani nation, not as literate and polished as in European or Western World, still has elevated its level of thinking to beyond ordinary imagination. They do not want governments of the day to quit so soon, within two years of its being in authority. A very positive sign indeed that augurs well for the country.
Thirdly, most TV analysts, anchor persons still believe that chances of government going so soon is mere kite-flying. Nothing could be nearer truth in their opinion. Rumours, and wisdom demands that unconfirmed reports should neither be believed nor commented upon. Critics must have solid evidence before expressing themselves, which is somehow sadly missing. At the same time, Imran should review his cabinet formation. He has brought some changes, removing finance adviser Hafeez Sheikh from the membership of National Finance Commission, and making Dr Shahzad Akbar as full fledged interior minister.
These are welcome still cosmetic signs. Much more than this is needed. Forming commissions and enquiry committees to probe rising sugar and flour prices are again falling short of expectations. He should learn from Bhutto who worked for 15 hours a day, seeing and signing files at the dead of night, and touring the world to mobilise support or Pakistan, humiliated in the 1971 war. His logi and approach to work clicked, and Pakistan, broken apart into two, was up on feet soon again. Hard work has no substitute.
That is the lesson of history, and Tehreek in saaf chief, being a habitual book reader, should be guided by that noble and time-honoured principle. Bilawal made a fiery speech accusing prime minister of rolling out NROs, including to Indian spy Kulbhashan Yadav. But Barrister Farogh Naseemm soon after taking oath for the third time as law minister, soon silenced critics by explaining that he Ordinance passed a year ago to allow Indian diplomats consular contact had to be done under ruling from International Court od Justice, headquartered in The Hague.
Ignoring the iCJ order, would have earned a bad name for Pakistan. There was no escape from that. Alas Bilawal could understand that before lambasting the premier in the National Assembly. He did not say a word after Farogh Naseem explanation. The opposition too kept quiet. The task for Imran seems difficult, but with little bit of effort, he can overcome all his problems. That seem certain, but he has to make sincere efforts.
