Imran Khan: The tiger that can’t be caged is roaring again
The situation in Islamabad, marked by a lockdown and Imran Khan’s mobilization of support, highlights the deepening political crisis in Pakistan. The Shahbaz Sharif government faces significant challenges in containing Khan, who remains highly popular among the populace. With the Pakistan Army’s historical influence over politics, the question arises: how long can they maintain control against a leader like Khan, who has garnered immense public support?
Pakistan is a key state in the world stage, the only Muslim nuclear power with a population of over 220m. More than two thirds of this population under 30, mostly unemployed and with the economic situation worsening have rallied to Imran Khan’s support. This is a dangerous mix for Shahbaz Sheriff’s government.
Shahbaz Sheriff’s government in not taken seriously at the world stage. Why should they be?
Pakistanis have always benchmarked to India, their neighbour. A country born a day later from the same mother. That comparison is not appropriate any more. India has powered ahead and is set to overtake Japan in 2025 as the 4th largest economy in the world. Pakistan is not a distant third. This was very apparent in the BRICS+ summit. Pakistan was not even in the front line of Muslim countries, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and UAE have all placed themselves above Pakistan in the pecking order even in the Islamic world.
The army runs Pakistan and takes orders from abroad. This is no longer acceptable to the Pakistani people.
Everyone knows the Army runs Pakistan. Khan’s legal troubles and imprisonment on perceived trumped-up charges raise questions about the fairness of the political system and the lengths to which the establishment will go to retain power. How ridiculous can they get? They have made a mockery of the judicial process. Does the Great Khan need to steal a few pens and watches when he tirelessly campaigned, raised and donated tens of millions for a Cancer Hospital?
So where do we go from here and how long before this dam bursts?
In essence, the dynamics of power in Pakistan are precarious. The army’s role and any crackdown could backfire if it continues to ignore the will of the people, reminiscent of past dictatorships that have faced backlash when disconnected from public sentiment.
Our view is you cannot go against the will of the people. As the Shah of Iran with his infallible army and countless dictators of the past have leant the hard way. The age of people obeying orders of their colonial masters or their representatives is over. The Generals, the left overs of the British Raj should realise that the population has awakened. They should make an orderly withdrawal or the situation can turn nasty. The future of Pakistan may hinge on whether the military opts for a more democratic approach or clings to its traditional power, potentially leading to turmoil if the public’s demands are not met.
Very simply I remember the line from Reynard Kipling’s “Jungle Book”.
You may have grabbed the tiger by the tail and do not want to let go, but the sooner you let go the better because remember the other side has TEETH !
