One of the best things about PTI is that there is almost a constant process of critique and debate that goes on within the party. To a certain extent that happens in every political party but there are special reasons why this happens more vigorously and more consistently in PTI.
PTI unlike other major parties is not a family concern. While there is no doubt about Imran Khan being the leader of the party, he is not the sole “owner” of the party. The party is “co owned” by the millions of workers and followers who do not just vote for the party or support it but have a deep emotional bond with its leader and the change he promises. It is this sense of ownership that makes these followers make sacrifices for the party and work for it in an amazing selfless display of commitment to the cause of building a Pakistan consistent with the dream of Iqbal and vision of Jinnah. It is also this sense of ownership which makes these workers and supporters follow every development in the party and scrutinize every decision that is taken by the party leadership. And yes , it is this very sense of ownership which makes them criticize the actions and decisions which in their opinion are inconsistent with the vision of “naya Pakistan” . This sense of collective emotional ownership of PTI in the selfless pursuit of a better Pakistan is what makes PTI such a special institution.
It is in this context that we must try and understand what insafians are thinking about and debating. Though there are many dimensions which get debated but the two broadest and most consistent parameters of the debate within PTI , at least since 2011, has been the debate about idealism and power politics. The core of this debate can be summed up as follows: The idealists believe that PTI is fundamentally a reform movement which has decided to pursue its goals through a political process and hence power is only an instrument of reform and not the goal itself. The pragmatist believe that change can only be brought about if we are able to win elections and form federal and provincial governments .
Neither the idealist reject pursuit of electoral victory nor the pragmatists oppose the desire for reform and change. However, the trade offs between these sometimes conflicting goals and the choices made when confronted with these situations , generate the debate and criticism.
For me the choice is very clear. PTI has relevance in the political system of Pakistan only if it presents a stark contrast to the existing status quo. If PTI makes choices which blur the distinction between itself and the status quo it is challenging , it will lose appeal and even more importantly it will lose its idealistic fervor which makes it such a potent force for change. Hence even from an electoral strategy perspective the best chance of PTI winning a plurality of votes is as a force for change rather than a somewhat better, somewhat less corrupt, somewhat less unjust status quo alternative. People believe in change when presented with a stark contrast. In other words black and white are the colours of change , not shades of grey.
Perhaps even more importantly , if PTI deviates from its ideals in pursuit of electoral success and compromises with elements of the status quo , even if it is successful in its electoral strategy , it will not be able to bring the change which is the very reason for its existence . There is absolutely no doubt about Imran khan’s commitment for a Pakistan where the common citizens are able to get social , economic and legal justice. However, the choices he in particular, and PTI leadership in general, make as they prepare to mount the final challenge to the status quo , will matter a great deal . The choices will matter both in terms of credibility of the promise of change, as well as the ability to translate the promise into reality once power is attained.
The current situation presents the perfect opportunity to present the stark contrast that the nation wants to see. The fight against corruption that Imran Khan has led for 20 years has come to a head as a result of the panama disclosures. With Imran Khan standing up and saying apply the same TOR’s on me which we are demanding to be applied for nawaz sharif , he has shown himself once again to be what Pakistan wants to see….honest , fearless and fundamentally different from the forces of status quo. In this defining moment he needs the people of Pakistan rather than the power brokers of Pakistan to stand with him and fight for the rights of the people of Pakistan.
I have no doubt that, inshallah, Imran Khan and the people of Pakistan will win this fight for they are fighting for a just cause. A fight to bring justice to a land ravaged by injustice. Where the powerful get rich and build assets a common citizen cannot even dream of, not through hard work, but by abusing the power entrusted to them. Where millions of citizens are denied the basics of life like clean drinking water , education and basic health facilities. Where educated youth are denied opportunities for lack of “connections” and merit is slaughtered at the altar of self or family interest. Where the rulers build their assets not just in Pakistan but factories in Jeddah, palaces in surrey, apartments in London and diamond necklaces and millions of dollars in swiss banks.
This is a cause worth fighting and sacrificing for. No one has fought harder or sacrificed more than Imran Khan for this cause. Insafians should have faith that Imran Khan has not fought this long and hard battle to compromise with the powers of status quo with victory at hand. Similarly Imran Khan should have faith in the people of Pakistan and their junoon for change, and other than Allah look towards no one else to help fulfill his dream of a Naya Pakistan.
"Zameen ki goad zara airryan ragarney dey
Mujhey yaqeen hai key chashma yaheen sey nikley ga"
About the writer::
Asad Umar is Member National Assembly (NA-48), senior party member Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf/ Appointed as Chairman PTI Policy Council.
by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)
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