News Analysis |
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has formally announced Imran Khan as a candidate for the next Prime Minister of Pakistan today (6-August-2018). The PTI has won 116 seats in the National Assembly in the general elections 2018. Also, some independents and political parties e.g. Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) joined PTI.
The party is now in a position to form a government in the Center, says it’s spokesperson. “A parliamentary meeting of the party will take place tomorrow at a private hotel in Islamabad,” PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry said on Sunday. He also added that “Imran Khan will be formally announced as the party’s nominee for premiere during the meeting.”
I want to share the kind of Pakistan I envision the type of state that was established in Madina, where widows and the poor were taken care of
Imran Khan’s struggle to hold the highest executive office spans over 22 years. He is a source of inspiration for many young Pakistanis across the country. His idea of Naya Pakistan attracted the people, especially youth, and he managed to win the game.
The idea of Naya Pakistan: PM-elect addressed the Nation
The Chairman PTI and Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan addressed the nation on August 26th. Khan thanked the people of Pakistan for trusting in his leadership. He also outlined his agenda which he intends to achieve while staying in the office. “Thanks to God, we won,” he said. “We were successful and we were given a mandate,” the 65-year-old cricketer-turned-politician said during a live broadcast, adding that there was “no political victimization” in the acrimonious contest.
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Khan praised the people of Balochistan who came out to cast their votes despite all fears and threats. At the same time, PM-in-waiting said he will work to uplift the lives of disempowered and marginalized people across the country. We will build up Pakistan while keeping into our mind the framework of the state of Madina, he said. “I want to share the kind of Pakistan I envision the type of state that was established in Madina, where widows and the poor were taken care of,” he explained.
“Today our state is in shambles. [But] all our policies aim to help the less fortunate prosper,” he said. Imran Khan assured the PML-N and other parties that his government will assist them to investigate any polling station they want to. He clarified that this election was the “fairest” one the history of Pakistan. “If you think there has been rigging, we will assist you in the investigation if you have any doubts. We will stand by you. I feel that this election has been the fairest in Pakistan’s history.
Imran Khan’s struggle to hold the highest executive office consists of 22 years. He is a source of inspiration for many young Pakistanis across the country
If any party has any doubts, we will open up the results of those constituencies for investigation. “He also commented on improving ties with India, resolving Kashmir and relationship with the US on the basis of equality. While commenting on Afghanistan, Khan said that “they [Afghans] have suffered most in the ‘war on terror’, and before that in the Afghan jihad. Peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan,” he said, adding that he envisions open borders with Afghanistan reminiscent to those within the European Union.
Challenges for PM Imran Khan
Since the PTI has failed to win a simple majority in Center and Punjab there will be serious challenges for the party. Experts opine that PTI will face difficulties in making laws and implementing policies since the party has electable. According to Dr. Wali Aslam, a senior lecturer in International Relations at the University of Bath, UK, Imran Khan’s fight is against corrupt politicians who have now joined his party. Imran has now the “electable” (those who command significant mandate regardless of the party they are in), these politicians symbolize the very problems Imran Khan has vowed to fight for 22 years.
Read more: Imran Khan’s victory: Pakistanis rejoiced, Indians amazed while the world appreciates
These problems include dynastic politics, corruption and Pakistan’s feudal system that is at the root of the country’s countless social and economic problems,” wrote Dr. Wali. In a situation in which the PTI does not have a simple majority in both the Center and Punjab, it is important to see how Imran Khan and leadership of PTI manages to implement its idea of Naya Pakistan while keeping their allies with them.