The highly competitive environment of politics has exhibited a major power shift, as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has emerged as the leading political party. Imran Khan has struggled for over 22 years. His political career so far has been arduous, standing up against corruption and fighting for the cause with an intense clarity of objective.
Imran Khan’s struggle woke the sleeping giant of political awareness that resulted in a voter turnout of approximately 53 percent. The Prime Minister sold the dream of change to the Pakistanis, holding the flag high for a corruption-free Pakistan where justice would rule.
This has raised the bar of expectations from voters and supporters alike. He is facing a tough opposition but the foremost challenge for him as the sitting Prime Minister is to meet the high expectations he set. However, only time will tell if he is able to deliver the change he promised. Imran Khan in his first address to the nation won the hearts of Pakistanis; his speech was visionary. Every word of his proved to the audience that Imran Khan was the right choice. The manifesto spoke of the objectives, priorities and the dynamics of the new government.
Pakistan’s foreign policy is lacking; the position of Foreign Minister has been vacant for too long. Internal political governance issues and rising pressures from the international community have sidelined Pakistan. Imran Khan being a recognized figure and acclaimed for being amongst the 100 most influential leaders, could undeniably reset ties at the international level. The Indian media speculated and expressed reservation about Imran Khan as the Prime Minister, however, his speech not only dissolved all the exaggerated hype but also altered their perspectives as he called for peaceful relations. This was welcomed by both the Pakistanis and the critics across the border.
One of the most critical challenges Imran Khan and his government face is the fight against corruption. Corruption is rooted in the system and the absence of proper accountability procedures and implementations makes it hard to counter. PTI will have to start from grass root level to eradicate the core of corruption. It is going to be a tough journey and the execution of the much awaited change might be hampered because of these exhausting barricades.
Imran Khan’s struggle woke the sleeping giant of political awareness that resulted in a voter turnout of approximately 53 percent. The Prime Minister sold the dream of change to the Pakistanis, holding the flag high for a corruption-free Pakistan where justice would rule. This has raised the bar of expectations from voters and supporters alike
Rooting out corruption at all levels will improve the efficient consumption of the taxpayers’ money. PTI also aims to better the tax collecting mechanism by ensuring that receipt of tax is collected from big giants reducing the burden on the masses. Astoundingly enough unlike his predecessors, Imran Khan announced in his speech to cut the expenses of the government by eradicating VIP culture. Clearly this is the need of the hour as Pakistan faces a severe economic crisis. A rise in the value of money has already been witnessed since the results surfaced, if the right policies are initiated by PTI more revenue can be generated.
PTI’s aim to depoliticise the police force will strengthen the institution, enhance its credibility and efficiency, resulting in a better law and order situation in the country. The eradication of VIP culture will also increase the number of policemen who can be utilised where the situation demands.
Civil-military relations are the backbone of the country. Internal security remains a challenge for the nation for effectively countering terrorism. It is important for the government and the Armed Forces to be on the same page, they need to work together to improve the security situation of the country. Military has always been sincere in the defence of Pakistan, putting it before everything, come what may. In the past, the civil-military relations were strained from time to time, the reason behind this is the military’s no-tolerance policy on national interests.
Imran Khan with his Naya Pakistan, has an opportunity to showcase the potential of his government. He can achieve this by ensuring good governance and taking Pakistan out of the current crises. It is impossible to make a difference in the first hundred days, but the push and thread of the government will surely indicate the true direction PTI will take in the future.
This strenuous environment demands resilience and resolve; consistent effort needs to be made to face all odds. Great expectations have raised the bar, and tabdeeli will only be realized when the promised change is delivered.
The author is a freelance writer. She can be reached at @[email protected]
Published in Daily Times, September 2nd 2018.