"WHAT CHANGE??" - A Rebuttal.

'WHAT CHANGE?' is a piece that has recently been written by a friend on Facebook. The following is a rebuttal to the arguments he's put forward. 

"The single largest emphasis of Imran Khan’s campaign in recent years is on the eradication of corruption. Without a doubt, corruption is an immensely popular slogan all around the world. Veritably spirited displays of vehemence and hostility are inspired by it, no matter where you go, who you talk to. There isn't a society that doesn't condemn it. But after all this is agreed upon, we can’t refute the fact that it also exists everywhere, in every society over the world, among all groups of people, in different forms and shapes.

So of course, our country isn't free of its tentacles either. Thus, correctly interpreting sentiments and commiserating with the people’s resentment against the practice, Mr. Khan has pertinently raised and projected the issue, and gained the heartfelt appreciation and support of the public. Mr. Khan has identified two institutions who indulge in these malpractices, namely the Politicians, and the Civil Bureaucracy."

Corruption is no doubt a massive issue in Pakistan. I wouldn't be surprised if corruption, in some form or the other, is being practiced here in Australia as well. However, few of the reasons why countries like Australia and UK are epitomes of success is because of their institutionalization of each and every aspect of their Government(s), and courtesy their independent judiciary. Hence, corruption in any form that it may exist stops hurting the society, and especially the lower tier, which has been out-rightly compromised of their rights. If a person gets caught speeding in Australia, bribing the Police Officer is not even considered remotely. Why is that? Because the system is institutionalized where the Officer will be held accountable for any corruption he might exercise. Imran Khan's arguments based around corruption target exactly these issues. Shaukat Khanum Hospital is a prime example of an institution. 

You criticize Khan's 'manipulation' of the public using the-all-too-common-global-issue, corruption, as his premise; well, it is the reason why Pakistan is where it is today, hence it's a perfectly sound evil to attack. I'm sorry but your argument of corruption being a global issue so accept it and move on doesn't make sense at all. 

"POLITICIANS

As everyone has witnessed, Mr. Khan has so thoroughly discredited, disgraced and besmirched this group, stripped them of their dignity beyond repair, that to further sully their honor would be redundant. Excepting those, OF COURSE, who joined PTI; the exception lasting until they are part of the party, OF COURSE. The message that was projected through the media to the whole world was that not even ONE of the 1176 elected representatives/parliamentarians of our country deserve the right of representation!"

"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." ~ Alexander the Great

The worth of all our parliamentarians is equal to none solely because of the leaders they follow. No matter how honest or impartial they might be within their personal domain of authority and existence, it's all negated the minute they swear by the integrity and rectitude of the Sharif's or Bhutto's. 

The reason why I wouldn't care less as to whose joining PTI is only because of Imran Khan. Change always comes from top to bottom, not the other way around. If the leader exercises self-accountability, the corrupt elements tend to slither away out of mere trepidation. Of course, I base this on my complete faith in Imran Khan which he has earned over his years of service to Pakistan and achieving his larger than life ambitions. 

"CIVIL BUREAUCRACY

As for this group, it has been declared by Mr. Khan that they have been politicized, giving way to corruption. The patwari, police, management, all. The KEY, according to him, is to de-politicize them, so as to eliminate the corrupt practices. Way to go, Mr. Khan! How simply you've explained away a highly complex situation. Some would call it reductionist! Actually, all sensible people would. The fact of the matter is, your impractical grasp of the situation, and your over-simplified proposed solution, only appeal to you and your equally unrealistic followers. Evidently, you don’t even have any comprehension of the sheer magnitude of their corruption; how then can you possibly put an end to it!? It seems gravely Utopian."

Did you even read PTI's manifesto? Honestly speaking, it is as simple as de-politicizing these filthy outfits (minus Patwari). Again, having an institution in place with all the subjects being held accountable at every stretch is exactly what will put an end to all this farce.

His comprehension of the problem at hand is conspicuously clear by the fact that he's been in politics for the last 18 years with absolutely nothing personal to gain. He compromised his personal life for the sake of Pakistan; the least we can do is support him, skeptically or otherwise. He is one of the most famous cricketers in the history of the sport; you think he would've had any problems exploiting a lavish and kingly lifestyle? I'm aware of these cliched arguments but they are no less true than they were earlier. And fortunately, or otherwise, no one has been able to refute them. 

I don't know Khan personally, and all I have is the image he's created over the last four decades as a celebrity with his subordinates and colleagues, and even his competitors, singing songs about his honesty, impartiality and discipline. These qualities of his also shows that he's above material gain. Not sure about you, but these principles and morals are very dear to me personally.

"LOWER JUDICIARY

People say that many of our lower judiciary members are living life beyond their means. It is inexplicable that you downplay the role of the most important segment of society in your reproaches, a segment without which society can’t survive, THAT’S how important it is. But bafflingly, all we hear is cursory reference to the group! If only this one institution is straightened out, we might not only see the corruption prevalent among the sub-ordinate bodies (Patwari, police and administration) wiped out, but common people might start getting justice as well, leading to a radical, most prosperous change in society! So really Mr.Khan, practical people honestly don't see how emphasizing the role of the subordinates over the controllers is the way to go about it."

I object to Khan not addressing the problem of widespread corruption being exercised by Government College, Sargodah. Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Lower judiciary is a part of the judicial setup in Pakistan which automatically got confronted the minute PTI released its manifesto outlining the revamping of the judicial system. 

As far as I'm aware, not even once has Khan talked about giving the power to the 'subordinates over controllers'. Because a democratic system he's proposing does not condone that. 

"MEDIA

Stories of yellow journalism and lafafa journalism are widespread and common, old news practically, the petty benefits of the job surely not a secret to anyone; but the corruption scandals connected with some of the media persons and owners are downright demoralizing and disillusioning! It seems that you aren't daring enough to censure this most influential of groups. One mere media person is regarded as a force to be reckoned with, and some of the media persons take wrongful advantage of their position as opinion-makers, and yet you are blind to their corruption. Is it because it’s them you owe your popularity to? Mr.Khan, it is the bitter truth – Today if you are a leader, it is just because these media houses worked upon making you one. THEY MADE YOU and you fear that they will break you. And for that, you can’t ever wipe out their corruption. You have NEVER talked about it; you WILL NEVER talk about it. Where’s your vision now?The change you sing about?"

In defense of the media in Pakistan; that fact that you're writing this article exclusively because of the media that has 'matured' over the last few years in Pakistan. And of course because of Imran Khan who has inspired the youth enough to actually develop some kind of opinion on politics, no matter how baseless and flimsy.  

As far as Imran Khan and media is concerned, following is what Talat Hussain has to say about it. Now if you want to go on a tirade against this guy as well, beautiful. 

"ESTABLISHMENT

Mr. Khan, with all due respect, you are known to be an establishment-born party. So we understand that you need at least ten years time to pluck up the courage to speak on issues regarding them."

Seriously, we're just awesome. Establishment-born parties are like PML-N who came from the loins of IGI/IDA, Zia-ul-Haq party. Their incompetency reached a completely new level when toppled over by the likes of General (Retd.) Musharraf, the continuation of their tirade against him while sitting in opposition for the last five years claiming to hang the bugger for his crimes, and doing practically shithouse now that the General has returned to Pakistan. Please have a look at the following:

This, my friend, is an establishment born entity and the brilliance that they've concocted since their origin. 

"Sometimes I wonder why Donald Trump was stupid enough to ask President Obama to show his birth certificate. But now I understand that such demands are put forward in times when the fundamentals of a leader are in doubt because of their actions.Today I question YOUR degree, Mr. Khan! Philosophy, Politics & Economics from Oxford, right? Do you really have one? I suppose you do. But I am sorry to say that it doesn't show. Corruption, you say, is the most important issue barring the country from success and prosperity. Well then, how do you justify India?There’s more corruption over there in comparison to our country and yet it is much more prosperous, better than us in every way! So basically it turns out that corruption is not the main issue, it is just ANOTHER issue. And the way you suggest we go about it, the 90 days hogwash concept, how delusional Mr.Khan. Our societies, culture, WE as a nation, are drenched in corruption to the core. We are corrupt down to our fingertips. Now that kind of plague doesn't go away in 90 days with your ‘all PM/CABINET being clean’ proposal. How naive of you.There is only one way to go about it and that is to get the economy moving. The more money that comes in, the more the business activity, the more the capital generation, the more satisfaction and the LESS corruption. I just wish the youth that follow you blindly get this in their heads that You are NOT what you appear to be. Corruption is just a popular slogan for you, something that you’re using to win the elections; nothing more,nothing less."

A very fair act to question Khan's degree as well, I guess all of us should have. However, to say that it doesn't show is something that does not lie within your domain of judgement, neither does it in mine. All I can do is comment on what his party has written in its manifesto. Khan is not the policy maker of his party, neither is he going to be a policy maker for Pakistan; that is where his subordinates such as Asad Umar  and Jahangir Tareen come in who have brewed up the entire energy and economic policy for Pakistan. As Khan's been saying for ages; PTI is NOT a one man party, it is purely a democratic institution. 

You quote India's success? Please read the following article:

http://rupeenews.com/2009/12/reflections-on-india-by-sean-paul-kelley/

Arundhati Roy has always had a similar take on India as well. And much to the chagrin and anger of Indira Gandhi, so did Fidel Castro when he visited India in the 70's. That is a whole other debate as to how has India managed to sell their image of prosperity and cleanliness. 

Khan has be reiterating exactly the same thing for over 10 years and is a core part of the security policy outlined in PTI's manifesto; disengage from the War on Terror so that foreign investment comes into the country and the economy starts moving. However, your point stating corruption will be less because of more capital being generated; I don't even want to start on that. Pray tell how you came up with this correlation, I'm more than intrigued. 

As for me personally, I do not follow Imran Khan and PTI blindly. I genuinely believe in his mission and the intent with which he has taken on these evils in Pakistan. I take you calling me blind an affront, and would really request you to refrain from passing such baseless and crappy judgments on me. 

Lastly, I would just like to congratulate you for clearing my mind even more and further strengthening my belief in Imran Khan's vision. Your single-tracked criticism of Imran Khan is nothing more than a futile attempt at throwing baseless dirt on him exactly like the others have been doing all this while. Criticism is healthy only in scenarios when some semblance of a solution is also provided. Otherwise, that makes you no different from the likes of NFP and Fasi Zaka who criticize to get some sort of a hit out of it. 

Following is a copy of PTI's manifesto, please make time to read it. 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/134950996/PTI-Manifesto-2013

Pakistan Zindabad, PTI and Imran Khan Paindabad!

I'm watching you!

Politics...hogwash!!

I don't think there ever has been a time when I haven't avoided discussing politics. In fact, I've lived a typical life of an Air Force kid. I'll explain. Growing up in an Air Force family is like growing up in a very comfortable shell with everything accounted for. My only worries used to be to somehow get home in time for gully (street) Cricket. Politics...psshh...that was for the 'outside' world, a very foreign concept not worthy of casual talk or being discussed over tea. My parents were more occupied by how well the children were doing at studies. And well, me being the 'brightest' of the lot, ended up winning their attention the most; don't know if I should feel elated or depressed. Anyhow, it might come to everyone as a shock, but I didn't even know my own father's political affiliation until very recently. And this made me realize that I've never had a discussion on politics with my parents. Or for that matter, with my brothers or cousins. 

The question that pops in to my mind is that why are the Forces' kids 'protected' from everything political? Was it not deemed important enough as a part of our upbringing? How come that people serving Pakistan end up estranging their own children with constant sermons about how rotten the country has become, and how we should plan to leave for USA, UK or Australia? Now, please don't get me wrong, I have no regrets whatsoever as to how I've been brought up. Alhamdulilah, I have amazingly loving, caring and awesome parents. Whatever they did was to give me a shot at a better and more secure life, and maybe that's exactly why I'm able to sit here today and write all this. But had I been in Pakistan, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be so passionate about the current political scenario in the country. However, I do give credit to Imran Khan for slapping me out of the apolitical slumber I've been in all my life. Let me put it this way, had I been in Pakistan with no Khan in the picture, I would've definitely not been as politically aware as I am now. 

Now, the questions that I outlined earlier; could this be the main reason why Pakistan has had the kind of politicians it has had in its history? Politics was never thought to be a lucrative and successful option by our parents or us. No wonder the country went to the dogs. If all the cream of a country ends up pursuing their respective professions, the list of which does not include politics, then what else should we expect? Thirty years Pakistan has been ruled by bloody gumboots. Would it have been possible for us to turn out different had our parents not allowed Gumboot # 1 take over, or taken the streets in protest against the treatment of our East Pakistanis and somehow avoided the debacle of 1971?

I hope Imran Khan is successful in achieving his dream of Naya Pakistan. Maybe he gives us, especially the overseas Pakistanis, the strength to stand up for truth and justice, and most importantly, the will to travel back to Pakistan. I would love to seem my children experience exactly what I did when I was a kid. I would want them to grow up with exactly the same principles and morals that my parents instilled in me. I would be thrilled to somehow develop the confidence to consider politics a career option for my child.

I probably could've gone on much longer on this subject but I won't. The past needs to be forgotten before a future is to be created. Dwelling on the mistakes made by our older generations is as futile as dreaming what could've been had Quaid-e-Azam lived a few more years.

Elections are merely 19 days away. After a very long time, Pakistan's future finally seems to be in our hands. I have a gut feeling that a lot is about to change. I request all of you to vote while keeping honesty, truth and justice in mind. Please do not vote for family affiliations. Please do not vote just because your own family would reap the advantages of a specific party coming to power. Please, I beg you please, VOTE FOR PAKISTAN!

May Allah keep all of us safe and give us the strength to stand up for Pakistan's better future. May Allah help Imran Khan in his mission to revive Pakistan and make it into the country envisioned by our dearest Quaid. And may Allah help us and our children experience that Naya Pakistan.

Pakistan Zindabad, Imran Khan Paindabad.

Absolutely!

Decision Time!

Following is what I wrote on December 23rd, 2011:

After a lot of skepticism (still some left), maswaq sessions (still more to come) and speeches, I have developed faith in the capabilities of the Khan in pulling off a miracle i.e. saving Pakistan from total obliteration.

Last time when I had an opportunity to cast a vote in Pakistan, I refused because of the track record of the Presidential candidates at the time. They were all corrupt right down to their core, and so were their subordinates. I don't think any one of us is privy to whatever's been going on in Pakistan all these years.

A pretty big part of this dirty chunk of politicians is now joining the Khan's team in hefty numbers; it's been increasing since the famous Lahore jalsa. Now whether these people are joining PTI for their own personal agendas or out of genuine faith in the Khan, the important fact is that Khan becoming the next leader of a nation, with ever-decreasing hope, is definitely a possibility. How the corrupt are dealt with by Imran Khan is yet to be seen. He, himself, is honest and has willingly declared his assets publicly. Besides, other political parties have been trying for a very long time to somehow throw some dirt on Imran Khan's credibility and honesty; they have failed to date, and will keep doing so. Based solely on this fact, its highly likely that anybody who works under him will most probably take a turn for the better, or wont be a part of the team for very long.

A new day will dawn on Pakistan when Imran Khan is elected as the leader. And I now desperately wait for the time when the Quaid's dream of a powerful Pakistani nation comes true. Imran Khan is here to lay the foundation for a better future, and then it'll again fall into our hands to make something beautiful out of it.

Life and death is in the hands of the Almighty. Whatever harm may or may not come to him is in His hands as well. Imran Khan, may Allah protect you and make you successful in all your endeavors. You are a breath of fresh air for so many who actually understand your worth.

Today I officially registered my vote as an Overseas Pakistani. Seemingly it isn't much but the feeling is actually exhilarating. There's something very different in the air; something that I'd never really experienced before when it came to the future of Pakistan. Hope, and it's beautiful.

Happy Birthday dear Quaid and a very Happy New Year.

God Bless!

P.S. Thanks Maulvi, Freaky and Pulsi for a very thought provoking discussion the other night. I still believe we shouldn't close our eyes to skepticism, it only helps in bringing out more answers.

Almost a year and a half has passed since, and naturally, a lot more debate has been done on Khan sahib. The battle for a 'Naya Pakistan' is well on its way with the outcome soon to be decided on 11th May.

My belief in Imran Khan as the savior of Pakistan has increased tenfold since I first accepted him as my leader and captain. And my hatred and intolerance has also hit the sky for the corrupt power-hungry money-greedy bastards in form of PML-N and PPP, and of course, their beautiful supporters. It has always escaped my understanding that how can people choose corrupt and liars as their leaders. I think it speaks highly of their own character and morals as humans. If we are known by the company we keep, aren't we also bound to be judged by the type of leaders we opt for as well?

Another thing that bugs me is our penchant for accepting ousted leaders. General (Retd) Musharraf is single-handedly responsible for the condition Pakistan is in today. He was the one who chose to become a USA ally in the farce termed as 'War on Terror', and ended up antagonizing almost the entire Western end of Pakistan who have been conducting Jihaad against their very own homeland since. How can people support this character? I can never forgive this moron because he shed the blood of his own people, and no I don't give a damn about his reforms and policies, and whatever he did to bring about development in the country; nothing is more valuable than life.

Now the reason why I support Imran Khan is very simple: he's honest. I don't give a rat's ass about his political policies, or about the manifesto he declared. I choose him as my leader because he's honest. Mostly, I don't like to argue over policies and ideas because I'd rather leave the politics to the politicians. And if anybody, without any educational background in political studies, thinks that they can easily understand and comprehend politics, pretty darn sure they're fooling themselves. In a nut-shell, I'd rather choose a leader based on his moral standing in the society and whether he has a track record in betraying his own country.

I staunchly believe that Allah never abandons the honest and righteous. In my eyes, Imran Khan has a crystal clear character and is honest to the core. Every decision that he takes on behalf of Pakistan will always revolve around one idea, the idea of developing Quaid's Pakistan!

It is time to choose sides and decide if we want a 'Naya Pakistan' as a reflection of Quaid's Pakistan, or still want to hand it over to the corrupt to freeload on whatever's left of our poor nation. The decision for Pakistan is going to be made in a month's time and whoever YOU vote for will determine our Pakistan's future. I beg all of you, especially the women, to stop listening to your village elders or family heads and use your own brains in choosing a leader. It were these very 'elders' who've ended up screwing over Pakistan by bringing the corrupt to power or accepting dictators as their leaders. Please, think for yourself and choose an honest and clean leader.

May Allah be with Pakistan and help us make the right decision.
May Allah keep Imran Khan safe from harm and help him in his fight for Pakistan.

Pakistan Zindabad!

Quran [13:11]: "....Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves....."