The media is a buzz with the failed Turkish Coup. Images on TV, Social Media kept the world upto date and totally involved with the unfolding events. The public came out on the streets to thwart the Army's attempt to disrupt Democracy on the call of a popular leader. They lay down in front of Tanks, arrested and beat the soldiers. A victory for Democracy. Rest is now history. The dynamics of the Turkish Coup is a story by itself best left for another day.
The most pathetic aspect of the Coup in Turkey transpired in Pakistan. PML-N, the ruling party in Pakistan is trying to inject itself with a dose of confidence that the public will come out on the streets to defend Democracy in Pakistan if such a situation should arise. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is under pressure on corruption charges. If this isn't catching at straws, then I don't know what is. Politics in Turkey and Pakistan are poles apart. Nawaz is no Erdogan, nor will he ever come close to being one. A weak man with a fickle mind and total absence of character being the biggest hurdles. A false sense of being popular amongst the masses is mostly based on the commentary of a Battalion of boot lickers whose loyalty is measured by how many licks per minute are applied.
When Imran Khan says that the people will distribute sweets if the Army were to remove Nawaz Sharif from office is not off the mark. He is absolutely right. History bears witness to this fact. Nawaz Sharif is in office for the third time, each time he has ended up in a similar hole that he himself has dug. Speaks volumes about the man's learning capacity.
Enough about all this. Let us now discuss a little bit about Imran Khan. He is undoubtedly the most popular political personality of Pakistan. This fact could be easily ascertained if we had a reliable poll taking system in place. I do not judge the popularity level by the number of people attending Jalsa's. That is most misleading because tonnes of money and help of civilian administration can put together large numbers of people. Although, I personally feel that by and large, a majority of people attending Imran Khan's Jalsa are there voluntarily. Unlike PML-N Jalsa's where Patwari, police and administration is given target quotas to fill the pindaal. Then why doesn't Imran Khan's popularity translate into votes come election time. The reason is a weak Election Commission, flawed protocols, poor training of polling staff etc etc etc. PML-N has mastered the art of monitoring and manipulating the electoral process. PML-N workers are experienced and now very well trained in this process.
PTI lacks number of workers required to monitor polls and prevent unfair practices by opponents. The result, PTI comes out second best. This will not change till the system is improved. The system will improve only if necessary, vital and relevant amendments in the Constitution are affected.
The PM right now is cornered, vulnerable and at his weakest than he has ever been. There is a strong possibility that he may resign citing health concerns and leave the country. Knowing Nawaz Sharif, he will most likely not allow for in house change and in all probability will dissolve the Parliament. Calling for fresh elections. This suits Nawaz in the predicament he finds himself. If elections are held at the present time, PML-N will still be able to manipulate and manage the election results. Nawaz Sharif will tout this as his vindication from corruption charges and proof of popularity amongst the masses.
If I were to advise Imran Khan, the first thing I would do is identify the best, most competent experienced worker in his party who understands our electoral process inside out, is familiar with the weaknesses that can be exploited, knows exactly how to plug these gaps. He should prepare a crash course for all the PTI polling staff and prepare them as much as he can for the upcoming AJK elections. Second, have a team of sharp, alert youngsters who should have direct contact with reps or reporters of various news channels so that in case of any untoward incident taking place, the reporters can be brought into picture immediately. PTI must have good, well spoken reps who can speak clearly and explain whatever transpired accurately and correctly.
At the present time Imran Khan presents hope to an otherwise depressed and lost nation. His efforts must bear fruit for the good of the nation, the people and the country. The people are looking towards him and demand leadership to improve their lives and future generations.
The results of the upcoming AJK elections should be taken as a litmus test. These elections can also be used as a learning experience.
May Allah Almighty guide us all on the path of righteousness, integrity and honesty...Ameen!
About the Writer::
Afzal Jahanzeb is a person with strong convictions, a retired army officer, he is self employed & is presently based in Lahore and Islamabad. He can reached on Email:: afzaljahanzeb@yahoo.com
by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)
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