News Analysis |
Imran Khan addressed the nation as Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic for the first time on the eve of Sunday, August 19th. Imran Khan talked about the ideological basis of the state, his economic and other policies to counter the existing challenges. He also thanked his supporters and friends. “I want to thank all my supporters who have been with me on this journey for the last 22 years,” he started. “I salute all those who stood by me in my most difficult times; those who bore ridicule to support me.I could not have been here without you.”
Firstly, Prime Minister Khan said there are two sorts of communities in Pakistan; masses and the ruling elite. “I want to speak about how the rich and powerful live in this country,” he said. “The prime minister has 524 servants and 80 cars. The prime minister, which is me, also has 33 bulletproof cars. We have massive governor houses and every conceivable luxury” Khan added. Then, PM clarified that he will use only two cars and will have only two servants. The PM house will also be converted into a university.
“I want to thank all my supporters who have been with me on this journey for the last 22 years,” he started. “I salute all those who stood by me in my most difficult times; those who bore ridicule to support me.I could not have been here without you.”
Secondly, PM Khan talked about the taxation and urged the nation to help him by giving due taxes. We will enhance the capacities of FBR, FIA, NAB, and Police to make them independent and powerful, he added. Khan also stressed improving health and education facilities for the poor. Mr. PM also outlined his agenda regarding civil services reforms, eradication of corruption, and upgradation of environment and youth package.
Read more: Imran Khan vows change in first address as Pakistan PM
PM Khan’s Ideology: The Madina Model
PM Khan said he “will follow Medina’s example” to rid Pakistan of its chronic problems. “They did not borrow from Roman or Persian empires,” he said. “They strengthened the people and made them self-sufficient. They adopted simple ways. “I will show you that, I will lead a simple life. I will save every penny, I will do no business as my doing so will only harm other businessmen.”
Read more: Pakistan’s Imran Khan to be sworn in as PM August 18:…
Twitter Celebrates PM’s Maiden Speech
PM’s critics, fans and supporters appreciated and praised what he said during his maiden speech. Prominent lawyer Babar Sattar who is also known as critic of PM Khan said “Great speech by IK: emphasised citizens’ right to dignity & need for provision of service/welfare by state; need for institutional/behavioural change. He deserves unequivocal support for this agenda (& candid critique if he falters). If he achieves even 50% he’ll lead PK for life”
https://twitter.com/Babar_Sattar/status/1031382453355798528
Dr. Rabia Akhtar of University of Lahore tweeted “For the first time I felt good that my leader was talking to me, to us as a nation and making us realize that we are needed to build it together. I’m with you all the way Mr. Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI You are my leader and I will follow.”
For the first time I felt good that my leader was talking to me, to us as a nation and making us realise that we are needed to build it together. I'm with you all the way Mr. Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI You are my leader and I will follow.
— Rabia Akhtar (@Rabs_AA) August 19, 2018
Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir also tweeted and said “Thank you @ImranKhanPTI for speaking about trees, forests, beaches and Balochistan in first speech as PM he addressed common man and widows, not intellectuals and political opponents he made very big promises and it’s a big challenge to implement promises”
Thank you @ImranKhanPTI for speaking about trees,forests,beaches and Balochistan in first speech as PM he addressed common man and widows not intellectuals and political opponents he made very big promises and it's a big challenge to implement promises
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) August 19, 2018
Journalist Ansar Abbasi who is also known as one of Imran Khan’s critic urged people to support him. “PM Imran Khan made an impressive speech. Let’s hope and pray that he delivers as per his promises. He should be supported for his good work, and opposed where he goes wrong,” he said. (https://twitter.com/HamidMirPAK/status/1031234608656990209)
Salman Butt, a former Pakistani batsman also tweeted and praised PM Khan. “A speech we haven’t heard previously very naturally put into simple words straight from the heart giving a full view where we stand and where we want to be . @ImranKhanPTI your team we the Nation can do it and Inshaa Allah we will,” he said.
A speech we haven’t heard previously very naturally put into simple words straight from the heart giving a full view where we stand and where we want to be . @ImranKhanPTI your team we the Nation can do it and in shaa ALLAH we will .
— Salman Butt (@im_SalmanButt) August 19, 2018