These days, Pakistani politics seem to be changing with every passing moment. No doubt, this has provided young voters with some entertainment. Older and wiser Pakistanis however, have been very disturbed by recent developments.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman’s first speech in the lower house as Prime Minister (PM) unsettled observers across the globe. Un-parliamentary words like “Chor” were used in a threatening tone for the leader of another party who has served as this country’s PM three times and is already behind bars.
PM Khan’s conduct has been unsatisfactory as a whole since he has formally taken office. He entered the country’s National Assembly (NA) without having his National Identity Card, which is against the rules. He did so while being casually dressed. The whole episode showed that despite having climbed to the top of the country’s political ladder, Imran Khan still has disdain for the Parliament.
Furthermore, as the PM’s banging the desk in appreciation of being called the “PM-select” by young Bilawal Bhutto (in his maiden speech) showed he still has a lot of learning to do.
PTI voters also expected a cabinet full of new faces. As it turned out, more than half of the cabinet members were already used by General Pervez Musharraf
It is also beyond comprehension what the PM thinks not living in the PM house will accomplish. Any savings made from living in a smaller house will be insignificant. Furthermore, the PM House cannot be used for education, health services or welfare projects as it is located too close to other crucial state offices and buildings. This may look like the beginning of a glorious “Naya” Pakistan to PTI voters, but the next 100 days will show them just how little such populist acts can deliver.
PTI voters also expected a cabinet full of new faces. As it turned out, more than half of the cabinet members were already used by General Pervez Musharraf during his tenure as President. The rest are all former PPP and PML-N members. Their performances have already been witnessed by the nation. Of course there are some new faces, such as Sardar Usman, the Punjab Chief Minister with a criminal record. He also failed to deliver anything to his constituency during his stint with the PPP.
Through their vote in the recent elections, Pakistanis have demanded change. They want visible change brought about through reforms in all sectors. History shows us that accomplishing this is not an easy task. Yet I wish the PM great success. During this time, especially the first 100 days of the new government, Pakistanis must remain wary of fake news and rumours on social media, as they can cause political instability that would stop the PTI government from performing to the best of its ability.
The writer is PhD and former director IIRO (Saudi Arabia) in Pakistan. He can be reached at [email protected]
Published in Daily Times, August 25th 2018.