Imran Khan a Great Leader Slogans to Substance the past Present, and Future of Pakistan Tehreek- e - Insaf (PTI).

Imran Khan a Great Leader.

From Slogans to Substance: The Past, Present, and Future of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)


Over the past decade, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, emerged as one of the most powerful political movements in the country. Imran Khan’s charismatic leadership, anti-corruption narrative, and promises of “Naya Pakistan” struck a chord with millions of youth and middle-class Pakistanis. His image as a national hero after the 1992 World Cup and his philanthropic ventures—especially Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital—helped him craft a unique blend of populism and idealism in politics.

However, while Khan’s emotional appeal and revolutionary slogans brought him to power, his government’s performance tells a different story.

A Government of Rhetoric, Not Reform

During its federal rule from 2018 to 2022 and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) for over a decade, PTI failed to deliver any major infrastructural or institutional reforms. Despite the long tenure in KPK, no significant university, hospital, or research institute was established. Public service delivery remained weak, with persistent issues in health, education, and local governance. While the PTI government often blamed previous regimes for economic hardships, it failed to provide sustainable solutions to Pakistan’s fiscal and administrative challenges.

The much-promised “Tabdeeli” (change) remained largely confined to social media trends and televised speeches.


9th May: A Turning Point and a Political Catastrophe


One of the most damaging episodes for PTI’s legacy was the events of May 9, 2023. Following Imran Khan’s arrest, violent protests erupted, and military installations were attacked across the country. While Khan and PTI leadership distanced themselves from the violence, the involvement of PTI supporters—many of whom were seen attacking national symbols—caused irreversible damage to the party’s image. These actions were widely seen as crossing the red line of patriotism and respect for Pakistan’s armed forces.

In a time of national war and geopolitical uncertainty, instead of promoting unity, many PTI social media influencers chose to circulate anti-Army rhetoric. These campaigns served foreign agendas more than the national interest and revealed a dangerous lack of political maturity within the party’s digital wing.

The Anti-Army Narrative: A Self-Inflicted Wound

PTI’s gradual shift towards an anti-establishment and anti-Army stance alienated a significant portion of its support base. Pakistan’s military has historically played a central role in national security and disaster response. Attacking such an institution, especially during wartime, is not only politically reckless but borders on national betrayal. Allegations hurled at intelligence agencies and military leaders on social media, without evidence, weakened the PTI’s claim to democratic responsibility.

If PTI wishes to survive as a mainstream party, it must bury this anti-Army narrative once and for all. No political party can thrive by targeting the very institutions that safeguard the state.

PML-N’s Stabilization: A Reality Check

While PTI was engaging in aggressive street politics and social media warfare, the PML-N government took difficult economic decisions to prevent a complete economic collapse. From steering Pakistan out of the FATF grey list to securing international deals to avoid default, the PML-N demonstrated administrative capability that PTI often lacked. The contrast became evident.

Statements like “Modi will slap them” by some PTI figures were not only diplomatically irresponsible but were proven wrong when the PML-N-led government strongly responded to Indian provocations and defended Pakistan’s interests.

From Political Theatre to Practical Vision

If PTI wants to regain political credibility, it must evolve from slogan-driven politics to a policy-oriented framework. The youth who once rallied behind the party are now disillusioned. The nation, exhausted by instability and polarization, wants programs—not protests.

PTI’s Path Forward Must Include:

1. Policy Framework: Concrete plans for economy, health, education, and governance.

2. Institutional Respect: A public apology and redirection toward unity with Pakistan’s institutions, especially the armed forces.

3. Internal Reforms: Bringing in technocrats and sidelining elements that promote hate and anarchy.

4. National Unity Agenda: Playing a positive, unifying role in times of crisis instead of exploiting chaos.

5. Rebranding Strategy: From confrontation to collaboration—especially in international diplomacy and economic cooperation.

Conclusion: Rebirth or Ruin?

PTI has a choice: remain shackled to a glorified past of mass rallies and hollow promises or step into a mature role as a democratic force for development. Imran Khan is undoubtedly a leader of immense personal charisma and courage. However, leadership requires more than popular slogans—it demands humility, foresight, and responsibility.

PTI must now write a new chapter based on substance, not sentiment. If it fails to adapt, it risks becoming irrelevant. But if it succeeds in reformation, it still holds the potential to become a constructive part of Pakistan’s political future.

The question is not whether Imran Khan can lead again. The question is—can he lead differently this time?


This is Syed Ali Raza, businessman, author, and social worker, and founder of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan and has written extensively on democratic systems, governance, and societal reform.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

انٹرنیٹ کی بندش

The Dawn of the Digital State, A New Movement for Humanity.

Pakistan- China Friendship A Bond Forged in Trust and Loyalty.