Imran Khan — The Same Face of the Coin in Politics - Noor Qureshi

 

Imran Khan — The Same Face of the Coin in Politics
Written by: Noor Qureshi

Imran Khan is globally known as a celebrated cricketer and the victorious captain of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup team. In 1996, he founded a new political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), presenting himself as a savior, an honest leader, and a harbinger of change. But was the reality the same as the claim?

For the first fourteen years in politics, Imran Khan gained little traction. His rallies remained empty, his vote bank weak, and his organization inactive. He experienced a sudden rise in popularity during the 2011 Lahore rally — but this surge was not possible without the backing of powerful state institutions. In truth, it wasn’t the public that gave Imran Khan political ground, but certain influential circles.

The slogan of a "State of Madinah" was used to emotionally and religiously attract the public. Yet, the interest-based financial system remained untouched. No Islamic judicial reforms were enacted. Instead of reducing poverty, inflation, unemployment, and national debt increased. No practical model of justice, welfare, or accountability was ever implemented. Islam was invoked in speeches, but no laws were passed, nor were Islamic values enforced.

He claimed to promote simplicity, yet commuted daily in a government helicopter from Bani Gala — a sign of his royal lifestyle. Millions were spent on his protocol, security, and other luxuries — a clear contradiction between his words and actions. He called shifting stances a leadership trait, and partnered with those he once called corrupt — such as PML-Q, MQM, and BAP. His actions revealed that the real aim was not national reform, but securing the Prime Minister’s seat.

His speeches and public gatherings became known more for mockery, hate, and abusive language than for moral training. Phrases like “Cherry Blossom,” “Diesel,” “Thieves’ Gang,” “Spineless Assembly,” and “Wet Cat” were frequently used. A true leader is reflected in his speech — and Imran Khan’s words spread division, hatred, and disrespect.

His party’s internal affairs were far from democratic. Imran Khan remained the sole power center. Educated and principled individuals were either silenced or expelled. No second-tier leadership emerged. Ideology faded into the background, and the party was run based on personal loyalty.

PTI governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for twelve consecutive years. While some initial steps were commendable — such as the health card, police restructuring, and tree plantation campaign — traditional flaws soon resurfaced: corruption, administrative inefficiency, and poor governance. Peshawar's BRT project faced repeated delays. Political interference returned to the police force. Hospitals deteriorated, schools remained understaffed, and promises to empower local bodies were never fulfilled.

After losing power, Khan blamed it on a U.S.-backed conspiracy. Chants of “Absolutely Not” rang loud — yet in 2019, he was seen meeting the U.S. President, expressing willingness to cooperate. Even after his government’s fall, his close aides continued lobbying for better ties with the U.S.

His stance on Palestine and Israel remained weak. On the global stage, his rhetoric of independence lacked firm actions.

While embracing Western media, women’s political participation, freedom of speech, and democratic principles — he simultaneously chanted for a “State of Madinah.” This contradiction showed that although he adopted Western political strategies, he never embraced their core values. No Islamic legislation or judicial reform plan ever materialized.

He accused opponents of corruption but failed to present evidence. Meanwhile, he inducted corrupt individuals into his own party and prioritized personal loyalty over ideology.

He undermined electoral processes and showed disdain for democracy: rejecting election results when they didn't favor him, but staying silent when the same system worked in his favor. From the 2014 D-Chowk sit-in, the storming of Parliament, to the events of May 9 — all reflected his fragile commitment to democratic norms.

His economic policies were marked by inconsistency — with a new strategy introduced every few months, damaging the economy further.

In his politics, personal ego, revenge, and narcissism took center stage — while national unity and interest took a back seat. He treated every institution with an “either with me or against me” mindset — be it the judiciary, military, election commission, or media.

While in power, he never criticized the establishment, often declaring “we are on the same page.” He praised General Bajwa and credited him for his success. But once removed from power, he turned on the same establishment — accusing them of conspiracy, corruption, and betrayal. This is not courage — but the frustration of losing power.

Despite heavy criticism, it’s important to acknowledge some of his positive initiatives:

• Ehsaas Program — a structured strategy to reduce poverty and offer financial assistance
• Health Card — providing free annual healthcare in KP and Punjab
• Billion Tree Tsunami — globally recognized for environmental improvement
• Citizen Portal — a digital system for public complaints
• Youth Programs — including training and loans under Kamyab Jawan Scheme

It must also be clarified that this is not a defense of traditional parties like PPP, PML-N, or others — all of whom are products of a decaying political system rife with nepotism, corruption, and exploitation.

However, the issue with Imran Khan, his party, and his supporters is the blind belief that he is an honest, Islamic savior and a promise-keeping leader. When claims are that grand, accountability must be equally serious.

A true leader develops more leaders — builds a vision-driven, trained team, rooted in personal and collective values. A true leader listens to criticism, corrects mistakes, and embraces dissent as a means to national improvement. He does not treat opponents as enemies but includes them in the journey of national progress.

But these noble leadership traits have been absent in Imran Khan’s politics. He mastered blame, mockery, and division — spending his time in government accusing the opposition of treason and corruption, and doing the same when in opposition.

It appears that his politics have always revolved around power — not real development or national unity. He neither cultivated leadership within his party, nor maintained harmony with institutions, nor accepted criticism for reform. His politics, much like other traditional politicians, remain rooted in opportunism, popularity, and the race for power.

If you only listen to slogans and ignore actions, you will always be deceived. Judge a leader by their character, decisions, and ethics — not by emotional attachment. Stand for truth, justice, and principle. Seek religion not in slogans, but in character.