IMRAN KHAN’S ELECTION VICTORY AND ITS POLITICAL IMPLICATION

-by DR RIFAI. UK-

               Imran Khan has won a historical victory in this Pakistani general election. It is a great victory for Pakistan cricketer, his party and for his country. For the last two decades, Pakistan has been facing many socio-economic and political problems. The religious extremism and violence have been threatening the stability and security of the country for the last three decades. Indeed, violence has been one of main concerns of Pakistani military forces for the last two decades. Many attacks took place in recent time in Pakistan. 

          The Political corruption dominated Pakistan since its establishment. Pakistan has had experienced many military coups. Pakistan is ruled and dominated by few Military and feudal leaders. More than 80% of Pakistani population do not share fair land ownership. Most people in Pakistan suffer from poverty, lack of education and employment opportunities. Moreover, corruption and fraud dominate in many public and private sectors of government. Drug addiction and drug business has intruded in many parts of the country. 

           Pakistan was established on the ideals of Islamic values and principles. Yet, for the last 70 years, Pakistan has been going away from the Islamic ideals of equality, peace, justice, and rule of law. People have had enough of late Benazir Buto family and Nawaz Shariff family. Most people feel that these two families have ruined the economy of the country. People are fade up with politics of Pakistan. People are frustrated with political conditions of Pakistan and they are not happy at all with other main political parties. Against this background, Imam Khan and his party went for this election. It was a timely election for Imran Khan. Was it a political blessing for Imran Khan from Allah or a divine testing for him? Time will testify it.

           One of the best things about this election is the democratic values are still protected in Pakistani land. Unlike many Arab countries people of Pakistan want to protect their political right and democracy.  This election sends a strong message to the Muslim world. That if people want to change the government they could do it in a democratic way without any violence. Arab countries could learn a big lesson from Pakistani democratic traditions. Since its establishment, Pakistan has been protecting its democratic traditions. This is despite some military coups that took place in Pakistan. 

          Protecting democratic traditions is very much important in Pakistan for many reasons. Pakistan needs a strong democratic government not only for its stability but also to set a good example for the entire Muslim world. Today, Muslim politics is in a mess in the Arab world. Many Arab countries do not protect democratic traditions to share people’s aspiration and political wishes. Pakistan can play a greater role in the Muslim world in promoting a good political precedent with its good democratic tradition and good governance. Like Malaysia Pakistan needs to set some good development goals. If Imran Kahn succeeded on this, he come become a national hero in politics too. 

        The security, peace, social harmony, political stability, economic development and education development should be some of the priorities of new political leadership. All type of violence and extremism should be immediately stopped for good. Today, in this modern world of digital technology and artificial intelligence there is no room for violence and extremism. No way, any violent group or militia groups could win in any arm struggle in this modern digital world of warfare and fighting. So, Pakistan badly needs peace and stability for its economic development and progress.  All religious groups must forget about their petty religious differences and cooperate with new government to establish peace and security to rebuild this nation.  Moreover, Pakistan must establish a good diplomatic relation with India, Afghanistan to boost its economic development.

            Pakistan has got many religious ideological groups and sects. I know well it would be a daunting task to make any meaningful unity among some of these groups and yet, to protect the greater interest of this nation, new government should make some new strategies to make some reconciliation between these groups. Moreover, Pakistan has got thousands of Arabic colleges and institutions. All these need some reformation and update if they want to see a real peace and harmony in Pakistan forever. Moreover, social equality, economic fairness and rules of law are some of important issues today in Pakistan. Poor people suffer a lot from landlords. That needs some radical change. 

      Pakistan has got a rich human potentiality with its rich human resource. Imran Khan should devote his political energy and leadership skills to enrich human resources of Pakistan population. In this modern world of technology this is not an impossible task.    It was a Pakistani economist who introduced the new concept of human development for UNDP. Dr Mahbub Ul-Haq is the archect of UNDP’s human development report. The first ever HDR was produced by Dr Mahbub Ul Haq in 1990. Had Pakistan benefited from his  human development concept since it was published in 1990. Pakistan would have made some dramatic change in human resource development. It is not too late for Imran Khan to follow the advice and guanines of Dr Mahbub on human development.

      The second largest Muslim country in the world should set some good example in politics and good governance. Imran khan is a good reader and a good intellectual as well. I’m fortunate enough to read some of his articles.  So, we could expect some radical changes in coming years. It is said that he has been greatly influenced by Ali Shariati and Allah Iqbal on social justice, political reform, education and moral values. So, we could expect that he introduces some political, economic and social reforms in Pakistan in line with Islamic social responsibility and social values.

         We hope and pray a successful political career for Imran Kahn and we pray a brighter and prosperous future for Pakistan. May Allah bless people of Pakistan with peace and prosperity.