Daily Times

All the political parties In Pakistan have cried ‘foul’ on the recent general elections. They have accused the establishment of meddling with the election results and engineering large scale rigging. There have been several reports of politicians being intimidated to not support their bête noir Nawaz Sharif and his party the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Many political commentators had predicted that Imran would win the election hands down even before the first vote was cast.

Whether or not the elections were rigged, Pakistan needs a strong leader to take the country from the morass it finds itself in today.  The rising debt, growing terrorism, and a failed foreign policy have taken a big toll on the country. The country also suffered an ignominy when it was recently placed on the grey list by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for failing to curb anti-terrorism financing despite its diplomatic efforts to avert the decision.

Some of the positives that have come from the election are that people have reposed their faith in the democratic institution by turning in large numbers to exercise their right. They were not deterred by the terrorist attack in Quetta and various forms of intimidation across the country.  It is the people of Pakistan who have emerged victorious.

Although, one can question the fairness and credibility of the elections, but the need of the hour is to support Imran Khan, who enjoys tremendous goodwill for his integrity. During his days playing cricket, he was one of the best captains in the game, under whose leadership; Pakistan had won the World Cup in 1992. Although, he lacks experience in governance, he can learn the administrative ropes provided he surrounds himself with experts.

The speech given by Imran, after his party took the early lead, brought a necessary breath of fresh air, in the stagnant political environment. He pledged to create a ‘Naya Pakistan’ (New Pakistan) by ameliorating the economic conditions of millions of farmers and others living below the poverty line. He also promised to provide corruption free and transparent governance by subjecting himself to the accountability bureau.

His decision not to move into the opulent official residence of the prime ministers, as it does not sit well with the condition of most Pakistani citizens facing economic hardship, needs to be welcomed. His assurance to protect the interests of minorities facing increasing violence from the radicals will give hope to people belonging to different religious denominations. Moreover, his willingness to engage with Afghanistan should be welcomed, as the country has accused Pakistan for sponsoring Taliban to carry out terrorist attacks in their country.

There is evidence of Nawaz Sharif and his family amassing wealth disproportionate to their means, but the speed through which the NAB and the High Court had proceeded against him, points to external pressures mounted on them. If Nawaz had been allowed to contest, the election results would have been different, as Nawaz enjoys the support of a large electoral base in Pakistan

In another surprising departure, he expressed his desire to improve relations with India. Although he made a reference to Kashmir, India should not take umbrage to his remark. His speech was a significant departure from his pre-election speeches where he had sounded like an anti-India bugle. He also said if India took one step towards peace, Pakistan would take two.

However, he blamed the Indian media for portraying him as a Bollywood movie villain. Perhaps, he is not aware that it was not only the Indian media, but many Pakistani print and electronic media that had alluded to large scale rigging in the elections. They also blamed the army for meddling in the elections by propping up Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) due to their antipathy towards Nawaz Sharif and his family.

Although, there is evidence of Nawaz Sharif and his family amassing wealth disproportionate to their means, but the speed through which the National Accountability Board (NAB) and the High Court had proceeded against him, points to external pressures mounted on them. If Nawaz had been allowed to contest, the election results would have been different, as Nawaz enjoys the support of a large electoral base in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, his brother failed to gather support from the voters, which may have swayed in favour of Imran Khan. Nonetheless, it must be said that Imran Khan has been an ardent supporter of the military.

It does not matter whether Imran was selected or elected, he should be given a fair chance to form the government. If his party does not get the majority, he has to take the support of smaller parties and independents.

However, if PML-N and PPP decide to form a coalition, they can pose a serious threat to the formation of PTI’s government. One feels that Imran should have waited for the Election Commission of Pakistan to officially declare the results. Perhaps, in his over enthusiasm, he has jumped the gun. Be that it may, one wishes success to him and his party for fulfilling the promise of providing a peaceful and stable government.

The army should step back and give full freedom to Imran Khan to fulfil all the promises made by him in his election speeches, as any interference, like in the past, is a prescription for disaster. If Imran genuinely wants to improve relations with India, he should take the army on board as well.

Imran’s moment has arrived after being on side lines of over two decades. As beautifully put by his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith:

22 years later, after humiliations, hurdles and sacrifices, my sons’ father is Pakistan’s PM. It is an incredible lesson in tenacity, belief and refusal to accept defeat. The challenge now is to remember why he entered politics in the 1st place.

Although, it would be a Herculean task to take on the terrorist groups, he is the only person in a position to garner the support of the military establishment.

One wishes that the Indian government shows magnanimity by extending their hand in friendship to Pakistan’s new Prime Minister. We have seen enough suffering on both sides of the border. The time has come to usher a new chapter in Indian — Pakistani relations.

The writer is an independent columnist and political commentator

Published in Daily Times, July 29^th 2018.