Open Letter to Imran Khan, Chairman PTI
By Hassan Baig • Nov 20th, 2008 • Category: Politics, Worth A Second Look • 23 Comments •PTI has emerged as the sole flagbearer of change in Pakistan. However in order to ascertain whether your endeavor is much more than hollow soundbites, it would be greatly advantageous if you could shed some light on the following issues for us potential voters. Please note that I have emailed this list of questions to your party before (at uktehreekeinsaaf@googlemail.
questions are:
1) What economic policy does PTI endorse for the country? What economic regulatory framework would PTI put forward (if any)? Does the party have an economic stimulus plan?
2) Chairman Khan, you talk about judicial soveriegnty but have never given a concrete framework for any institutional overhaul. Do you endorse judicial reform per se? If so, what’s the structure and how will it improve the independent functioning of the judiciary?
3) What is PTI’s foreign policy - in terms of diplomatic relations and trade - vis-a-vis:
a. Neighbouring countries - India, Afghanistan, China
b. Western allies
c. Israel
4) What is PTI’s policy towards the militancy in the tribal regions? Chairman Khan you have talked about not bombing the civilians and remunerating them for damages incurred. But you haven’t addressed how the party - if in power - will tackle real militants? Will there be surgical strikes? Will the innocent civilians be given economic incentives to move to other places so a major operation can be taken against those who have really taken up arms? Or does PTI not believe is any insurgency at all? Please shed light on your precise position on this topic.
5) Chairman Khan, what is your policy for reform of the PCB? And secondly, policy for encouraging other sports in the country?
6) What is PTI’s policy stance on the electricity shortfall in the country?
7) What parliamentary reform, if any, does PTI suggest to ensure we get out of the current ‘hybrid’, undemocratic, Musharraf-given system of government?
Charman Khan, what educational reforms would take place under your would-be premiership? What timeline does the party suggest for the fruition of such reforms?
9) What is the vetting process in determining which individuals are to be given a party ticket for elections? PTI has made some controvertial picks in the past so it’ll be greatly beneficial for all if PTI’s mode of vetting is made transparent.
These are all questions that give a flavor of whether PTI would be ready on “day one” - to borrow a term from American politics - to tackle the dire situation of our country. After all, the premiership of the country ideally does not lend itself to learning-by-doing (as has been the case thus far). With the hope that this open letter would not be highjacked by those who are not ratified to speak on PTI’s behalf, I look forward to hearing back from you or an official representative of your party. Please feel free to post an open-to-public reply since the original idea is for PTI to clarify its various positions to the entire public and not just a single individual.
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Hassan Baig
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@Baig sb
Most of the questions U have asked were asked by me at a public meeting in Karachi…when one of my friend has asked me to come on stage and say sth…
I have given 15 mints by the kind organizer…Dr Arif Alvi and Aman Paracha(Candidates for NA and PA in 2002 elections respectively)
They were pathetic…for Economic issues they suggest public LANGARS….and public have to cheer…no employment plans…no reforms set..no corporate laws..etc etc..just SHAUR Sharaba
Now they have just the Chief Justice shoulder left…who went to get support and medal from the most hatred one America..by Imran Khan
Imran is the main beneficiary of the electronic media independence policy practiced by Musharraf. He is politically alive primarily due to some TV anchors who keep on inviting him even though his party has no representation at any level within the country.
Since March 2007, he jumped on the anti-Musharraf and anti-MQM bandwagon to gain some cheap publicity in Punjab. I have respect for his charity work and contribution to Pakistan cricket but consider him a total failure and a joke in Pakistani politics.
Kheshgi
I am proud of Imran Khan for several reasons, however him being a politician is not one of them, but there is no one else either. HahaHoho
Why is Imran Khan especially disliked in Karachi? People in punjab seem to like him.
If Imran Khan is so popular in Punjab, how come there are no elected representatives at any level within the province? How come when he asked people to boycott elections, they totally rejected his call by showing up in record numbers during Feb 2008 elections?
Possibly because they hated our Ex. Pres more than they loved the PTI? Therefore, it was more important for them to vote PML-Q out of the office even if - as Imran opined - the elections would be rigged. A desperate populace would not practice constraint now would it.
So that still doesn’t answer my question. Why’s there a Punjab/Karachi divide when it comes to the PTI. More specifically, why’s there a Lahore+Islamabad vs Karachi divide when it comes to PTI?
Khesgi
Imran is not live because of some anchors.His personal efforts in field of cricket and his acts of social work are keeping him alive in media.Anchors also called sher afghan, wasi and other political cartoons from ruling groups on their screen but all has now gone with wind. Imran is neither a brutal feudal, nor a season politician who come for personal gains in politics.Neither he was protected by army mafia nor by corrupt bureaucracy.His fame is cricket, hardwork and height of dedication that was clear during the construction of Shaukat khanam.you cant put him in queue of run away politician of Pakistan who is afraid of his life from his opponent.When mussharf arrested and thrown him into jail ,the strongest general and his legal specialists couldnt prove any legal crime on him .In other side he is undiplomatic , immature and without backing from any mafia so illiterate and selfish class never impressed from him who always look forr unbeatable characters that can save and secure their crimes and wrong doings in our corrupt and weak system.You people might be right that he has neither any economical policy or agenda but you think that zardari , sharif or mqm have any such policy that can give us example of extraordinary policies for last 20 years.Corrupt bureaucracy, IMF ,world bank and foreign masters are our state runners.The highest commision or bribe is the key of implementing policies in our country. I dont say that Imran give us any kind of revolution in this leprosy like culture but we hope and smell something different from him .this is hope that keep the nation alive otherwise running away from your country for opting good life in developed country is the best solution of our all problems in Pakistan.
@Samir………………. In my humble opinion the divide is due to Imran’s current posture related to elected representatives of Karachi and to a lesser extent his perceived bias towards Karachi cricketers during his cricket years. It is pretty obvious that MQM is the democratic choice for majority of the voters in Karachi for over last 20 years, so how you expect them to look kindly at someone blasting away their party and leaders for the sake of cheap publicity?
Nazia wrote “Imran is not live because of some anchors.His personal efforts in field of cricket and his acts of social work are keeping him alive in media.”
You are missing my point. I was pointing to the anchors hosting political talk shows and who constantly invite him for his views. Based on his political base and party, he does not belong in the same league as parties like PPP, PML, or MQM who have strong representation at LG, assemblies and senate.
I remember when he really made a fool out of himself by challenging Zardari to fight him on a NA seat and PPP responded that he’ll be best served if he can first win an election against a PPP councilor in his area. I consider it a very appropriate reminder of his (or lack of) political weight.
Kheshgi is right in saying that Imran is desliked (Probably,which I dont beleive —- because criticism by only a few who by some luck are also featured more in the media doesn’t mean he is unpopular in Karachi— I think masses even in Karachi do like and idealise him a lot) because of that so popular Karachi vs Punjab divide in the cricket teams then (I hope and expect that it is no more there because with religion”Islam” comes the respect for each other—-players now are far more inclined towards Spirituality) but the main reason about this common notion of Imran being unpopular is MQM—Dont need any explanation.
As far me and majority of Pakistanis Imran is still the One who we want to see as our leader.
We have tried Luteraas, Corrupt,Terrorists– now I think we should try out someone who comes up with a good history of social work and leadership.
Playboy turned politician Imran Khan has no standing in Pakistan’s politics. People of Pakistan have not forgotten his past. As very rightly pointed out by Kheshgi, he is hated in Karachi due to his bias against Karachi Cricketers. He denied the cricket legend Javed Maindad (now the director general of PCB) beat the world record by declaring innings when he was batting strong at 280 runs.
As a politician, he has never come up with any solutions to the prevailing problems of the common men.
His ever critical posture has put him in the same bracket with another political hypocrite, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, who does nothing but to criticize the sitting government.
@Nisar: Yea Imran doesn’t have a standing as against murderer turned politician or wife-killer turned politician both of whom do have quite a standing. Boo hoo someone was prevented from making more than 280 runs in some long forgotten cricket match and Karachiites decided to keep electing bhattey lenay waley forevermore.
What a justification, Nasir. Have you ever attended school? Ya saari umar galli koochon mien satta lagatey huay guzari hai?
@ Nasir M. Aijaz …… As far as cricket goes, please don’t forget behind the scene role Imran played in installing his ‘chamcha’ Wasim Akram as a captain and removing more deserving Javed Miandad before the West Indies tour after the 1992 World Cup. Imran and his ‘chamchas’ never gave due credit to Miandad for his role in winning the World Cup when cricket genius like Ian Chappell said that Pakistan could have never won the World Cup without Javed in the team.
Imran Khan is the future of Pakistan. He has got spark and has got the ability to learn from his mistake. His only major problem remains to be resolved is to build a team and share the shine. Currently, he even detest anyone from within his own party to come above. Name anyone of his prominent leader?
It’s heartening to see so much interest in this topic. Perhaps if any of you know officials in PTI, you could forward this article to them so we can all benefit from an official response from the party. I think substantiated facts would come in handy - and if nothing else we’ll be reinforcing this defining impression to our politicos that the Pakistani public is capable of sophisticated analysis as well and won’t fall for slogans of lesser intellectual substance.
to all those ppl who have accused IK of being a playboy and a biased cricketer against miandad…seriously sit down before you hurt yourself….yes miandad played an important role in the WC and in the rest of pakistani cricket….but dont forget it was due to IK’s captainy that we ended up winning the WC and as for his chamchas…if he hadnt promoted Wasim akram we would have lost a legendry bowler that is wasim akram who helped pakistan win countless times single handedly…and now for his ‘playboy’ days…can any one solidly prove that zardari or for that matter any other big name hotshots in the political world have safe guarded their modesty over the years??? and now to end my reply by just saying one thing…..mr ‘10%’ percent is our president!! i rest my case
to all those ppl who have accused IK of being a playboy and a biased cricketer against miandad…seriously sit down before you hurt yourself….yes miandad played an important role in the WC and in the rest of pakistani cricket….but dont forget it was due to IK’s captainy that we ended up winning the WC and as for his chamchas…if he hadnt promoted Wasim akram we would have lost a legendry bowler that is wasim akram who helped pakistan win countless times single handedly…and now for his ‘playboy’ days…can any one solidly prove that zardari or for that matter any other big name hotshots in the political world have safe guarded their modesty over the years??? and now to end my reply by just saying one thing…..mr ‘10%’ is our president!! i rest my case
Imran Khan is our national hero. These jiyalas and such who’ve been posting here are towing their line because a dog always wags its tail to its master - no surprises there. It’ll be interesting to see some constructive debate for a change.
IMRAN KHAN IS NOBODY IN THE FIELD OF POLITICS. HE IS THE MOST STUPID AMONG ALL WITHOUT ANY CLEAR CUT LINE AND VISION.
HE IS GOOD IN HYPOCRISY ONLY BUT EVEN COMES SECOND BECAUSE FIRST PLACE RESERVED FOR QAZI HUSSAIN
@Ashique: Low class piece ov crap cut your caps and keep your stupidity to your house’s coffee table.
Imran khan may not be smooth around the edges, he’s much more a man of principles than the satanic troika of retards people on this forum seem to love: Zardari, Altaf, Musharraf. It’s a shame. It’s because of people like you that our nation’s down in the dumps today. You’re taking us to hell with your short-sighted ignorance.
Khesghi
you know why Miandad is bestowed by this high profile job its because of Daud who is no 1 don of Karachi living in dubai.He has strong links with zardari like politicians of Pakistan for safe money laundering and in land grabbing scandals.he is controlling all under ground corruption linking with our intelligence agencies too.Miandad no doubt the best batsman we have in our cricket history but personal levels he is one of greedy person on our national platform.He had felt on hesitation on the marriage of his son with daud’s daughter.Daud is on the list of most wanted terrorist in Indian crime book who is involved in bomb blasts, money laundering and land mafia there too.
Nazia – You are taking the discussion to a totally different path. We are here talking about why Imran is disliked among the cricket circles in Karachi and not about the character of Miandad. Javed has great following in Karachi (and rest of the country) and unfair treatment by Imran on multiple occasions never went down well among the cricket circles and followers in Karachi.
to all the critics on Imran here, some of you have personal agenda against him. He may not appear to be the most “charming” typical Pakistani politician, but he has shown how to live up to his words. Forget about cricket, as many here dont know the ABC of cricket; only development of cancer hospital is enough to keep him alive in Pakistan. he sets the example by leading from the front. he lives by his words (which many pathetic politicans of the modern day in pakistan have no clue about and not to mention the top of the order mr 100 percent who said that “muahiday” are not like quran & sunnah that we must follow; then I dont doubt that he is mentally totally insane), he fights for what he thinks is right and he is in mainstream because of his sheer hard work and being competent enough. for few up about cricket; I followed his career alongwith javed Miandad. As a matter of fact Miandad has been my hero I started cricket because of him. But Miandad was no captaincy material………And those who know cricket a bit know that he dropped Majid Khan in order to play Mansoor Akhter (from Karachi), Imran had given mansoor akhter many many chances….
Anyways to me leader is
L = Loyal (to cause, to the group, to people, to country)
E = Elegant (sets high standards)
A = Attitude (posses very positive attitude and never lets the followers feel down)
D = Daring (never afraid of taking the toughest decisions)
E = Empowers (authorizes to the right ones; never power hungry)
R = Reliable (in all situations)
What I see in modern day Pakistan; majority of them cant even spell “Leader” let alone to become one………………