Finally, Imran Khan has arrived. He has arrived at the helm
of Pakistani politics, and he is to stay there for a long time. His motto is ‘NAYA
Pakistan –New Pakistan’. Naya Pakistan has, in fact, already turned up if one
is willing to see.
Thanks Heavens, we will never see the politics of 1990s when
‘Mian’ and ‘Bibi’ looted Pakistan turn by turn. A third force has, eventually,
arrived. And this is very heartening, very assuring. After enduring three false
dawns of the so called ‘third force’ – Pakistan Islamic Front, Pakistan Awami
Tehreek and Musharraf – we have finally found a realistic option to choose.
Regardless of PTI”s performance in the upcoming elections,
it is clearly evident that forces of status quo are shaken; soon they would
succumb to their natural death – a much needed apoptosis.
Allegations and reservations aside, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) is poised for a miraculous showing in the May 11 election. From a neutral
well-wisher’s perspective, it is either 30 or 130 (National Assembly seats),
but for a supporter like me who has been a close observer of this campaign, and
who can feel the ‘wave’, it looks like Kaptaan’s time has come.
His main achievement is that he has united Pakistan. People
from every corner of the country love him. Every one, across all castes and
creeds, is willing to come under his flag. He does not represent a particular
identity. He is the beacon of light which is considered as the last hope by my beleaguered
Pakistanis. His political campaign has been jaw dropping, the zeal unimaginable
and the energy unmatched. The day he fell of the ‘lifter’, the nation rose up
for him. As he said in his emotional message from the hospital bed, his job was
done; it was our job now to make the dream come true.
Some of us are not happy to see old faces around him but our
vote is for Imran Khan. We know that neither is he corruptible nor is he easily
coerced. After establishing firm footings, PTI can embark on its process of
internal reforms. Despite intense media trial, Imran Khan is standing his ground
firmly. Those who did not spare even Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, how can they
let Imran go easily. In fact, similarities of accusations on the founder of Pakistan
(Jinnah) and the builder of Pakistan (Imran) reaffirm our belief that he is
right, and is bound to succeed like his hero.
The gathering at D-Square in Islamabad was huge despite Imran
not being present physically but the belief on Imran’s face and passion of the
crowd confirmed that ‘NAYA' Pakistan is not far away.
