It was general elections 2008, when I became interested in politics. Athough i was interested in none of the parties contesting. In my childhood, i had just seen my father sitting before television and counting on winning seats by Sher (Lion- PMLN) and Teer (arrow- PPP) before military dictatorship of 1999.
Only Highlights of reign of Pervaiz Musharraf which are bright in my mind are Laal Masjid incident, Operation against Taliban and the movement in favour of Judiciary. After ruling for almost 8 years, finally, Pervaiz Musharraf could not stand against union of lawyers and democratic forces in wake of declared emergency in country and stepped down.
I still remember the days when Pervaiz Musharraf toppled the Nawaz Shareef govt in October 1999. The 9 year old girl was told by politically unaware parents & elders about dabang entry of suited booted commando who was supposed to solve all issues in general and the corruption/performance related issues in particular. A very good picture was portrayed in my mind about military dictatorship, supported with arguments in favour of era of General Zia-ul-Haq. I was told that He was better in performance than Nawaz Shareef & Benazir Bhutto.
Following Benazir Bhutto's assasination in Dec 2007, General Elections were held in Feb, 2008. PPP got majority and made Federal Government. I saw people around with hopes that things will change for better. It was first time in my life, seeing a democratic govt in full conscious after dictatorship of Pervaiz Musharraf. After winning General Elections 2008, Asif Ali Zardari was all set to suck the blood and crush the bones of this nation. He did so with full power. Nawaz Shareef and PMLN, the so called opposition, gave him free hand to do whatever he wanted to and named it "Reconciliation".
In first two years of PPP govt, i became involved in politics more than ever. Seeing my country going down day by day, i was hurt deep down. The one in family who was never tired of political talk shows finally gave up watching them.
The thing which captured attention of politically disgruntled me, after weeks, was the interview i watched of Imran Khan on Waziristan issue. Impressed by Imran Khan's views and proposed solutions on the issue, i decided to know more about the party and person. Here to confess that, Till date he was just a former cricket captain and founder of Shaukat Khanum to me. I did not even know name of his political party. I was also not a part of social media.
Before even i signed up on facebook i started searching/reading political news & stories posted on facebook pages like Imran Khan (official) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf run by restless, devoted and passionate social media team of party. Soon realised, i have been living in dark as stories i read/analysed over social media was never cover stories on electronic and print media. Being impressed by the party's clear stance on different issues and proposed solutions by its Leader, i joined PAKISTAN TEHREEK E INSAF in year 2010.
Fully aware of where Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf stand at that time with few public support, i supported it because it was the only party which i thought to be on right track. I remember my father made fun of me as i talked about a party other than PMLN-PPP in the family.
Being compelled by friends for 2-3 years to sign up and have fun on facebook, finally i agreed and my life Changed for good. I always wanted to do something for Pakistan but was out of clue to how to do it. Imran Khan and PTI gave me a direction, taught me what is "purpose of life" and if i really want to serve my country what are the possible ways. I was first in family, friends and relatives to join PTI so faced criticism but my passion made me spend the difficult times with ease. I learnt about issues, their possible and proposed solutions and party's stance on them. I learnt how to see hidden side of picture and how to analyse the scenarios.
After long, heated debates and arguments i convinced my family, friends and relatives except few (typical patwari mindset) to become member of party and campaign for it in General Elections. I even created rifts with few in family over political issues (laughs).
Apart from Rigging, its the traditional mindset of our society which made PMLN get majority once again and rule the country. Though PTI could not clean sweep the general elections but a party with no past in politics made govt in terrorism-affected province of Khyber Pakhtunkhua and performing as per its promises, specially in neglected sectors like Education, Health, Police etc and being appreciated world wide.
Political achievements of PTI are many. It has challenged the status quo and two-party system which is hard task anywhere in world of politics. Political awareness Imran Khan and PTI has spread around is indisputable, even his political rivals admits and appreciates it! He has broken the shackles of fear. Because of him, people feel free to talk over any issue and about anyone. He taught this Nation to stand against unjust and corrupt, to demand accountability, to claim rights, to perfrom duties toward fellow beings and homeland.
World is evident that Imran Khan is only Pakistani politician who takes stand which is better for country, be it Panama Leaks or other issues. I am happy and more than proud that i joined PTI and voted for it in elections. PTI is not just a party but an ideology. Its an institute which is producing not followers but leaders of upcoming generations.
I am writing this piece on 20th Birthday of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf of which i am member for 6 years now. Fruits of 20 year Struggle are being ripen these days as Imran Khan has become most famous and trusted politician in Pakistan due to his selfless, honest and true personality.
God knows about the future of PTI and Imran Khan as nothing lasts forever...but one thing which would hopefully last is the thing which made a girl like me political - the ideology!
About the writer::
This unpredictable girl is a writer and painter by chance. Serving in the field of teaching. Believes in patriotism and humanity more than anything. Can be reached on Twitter @SahwishSulehria
by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)
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