Ihsan Ghani

Linking promotions and appointments to intelligence agencies ’frivolous and biased reports (especially in the case of the civilian reporting agencies), points to the complete failure of the responsible entities, be those bureaucratic or political.

Terrorism is a form of political violence. Its peculiar nature could be compared with Hydra, a multiheaded sea serpent or monster in Greek mythology that was slain by Hercules. Hydra’s every head, when cut off was replaced by two others.

Coming for an evening event with music and fanfare with their leader’s scorching speech is one thing, going out in blistering heat to face Punjab police is a different ballgame. Imran Khan became hostage to the crowds at his public gathering.

The bureaucracy must occupy its rightful place and stand up for the rights of the people of Pakistan and their aspirations else, history will never forgive them for not providing leadership at a time when the nation needed it the most.

Imran faces a bigger challenge than Sharif’s right now. He now heads one of the biggest political forces and has effectively replaced PPP as an All Pakistan Political party with a presence in length and breadth of the country.

We have often lamented the inadequacies of democracy and failing institutions. Fact remains that there are strong linkages between democracies and institutions as institutions constitute and sustain democracies and to craft democracies is to craft institutions

The military role in politics must be curtailed but it would be preferable to do it from within the system. Military gained the clout it has over many decades and once tasted, they will not concede it in a day or year.

Imran Khan benefits from the deep gulf between the old guard and the Gen Z which does not buy the state narratives, be it from any institution of the state. Tech and media-savvy as they are, they would name and shame any who would not conform to their perceived reality or truth.