Opinion Makers and Their Imaginary Tales

A few days back, I was sitting in front of my laptop, when someone shared an e-tribune article named “Capitain Elite” on my face book page. It was written by Saroop Ijaz who is a lawyer by profession but wrote this article as an opinion maker in this highly enlightened newspaper. The writer in his whole article discussed Imran Khan and his politics but unfortunately after going through the article, I found it everything except any reality about Imran Khan or his politics. Here is the link to his article:
http://epaper.tribune.com.pk/PUBLICATIONS/THEEXPRESSTRIBUNE/TET/2011/08/09/ArticleHtmls/Captain-Elite-09082011007018.shtml?Mode=1

It was shocking to say the least that how can an article be published in a renowned newspaper without authenticating the things that he has written in his article has any truth in it or not. Where these so called analysts have every right to make their own opinions about an event ,statement or a policy, what they cant do is to ignore events, fabricate statements and skip mentioning the policies.

I’m not some fancy Lawyer like him who can get my article published in e-tribune using my PR so I‘ll simply write a detailed reply in simple words but with each and every word based on truth. I’ll be providing links to statements, authentic reports and events that will not only prove how wrong the writer is in his article but also may result in letting him know A,B and C of the party he has written a whole article about.

The writer starts by agreeing to Imran Khan’s stance on independent judiciary, end of corruption etc but believe that he hasn’t got any plan to achieve these goals. The writer never bothered to see that PTI has already announced its plan where the top 3 priorities are education emergency, end of corruption and restoring peace in country. The methodology to achieve these and other goals are also given. e.g to see an end to corruption, PTI plans to form an independent national accountability bureau headed by a non-controversial person acceptable to all parties and people. A few names that may get the position are Fakharudin G Ibrahim, Rtd justice Sayed -uz-Zaman Saddique, Rtd Air Marshal Asghar Khan etc.. This NAB will have an independent secretariat and will select its members independent of any govt say. Creating such an independent body can take care of corruption that takes place at top level making all powerful politicians, generals and bureaucrats stand accountable in front of them. When there will be accountability at top level, message will automatically be conveyed at lower level that crime doesn’t pay. Implementing Rule of Law just requires honesty and not even his enemies doubt his honesty. Similarly plans for all other things have also been announced but the writer never bothered to have a look at them.

The writer then finds it in appropriable that many of Imran Khan supporters think that he should get a chance because others are simply hopeless and their corruption have destroyed Pakistan. The writer thinks that countries cant be given on test runs. .I fail to understand what the writer means here. Does he mean that we should continue giving chances to those who have looted and destroyed this country? Does he mean that Zardari and Nawaz should be given an unlimited run to rule over us because they have experience of ruling? Also when they die ,we should bring their next generation into power because at least their parents have been in govt.. There has to be the first time for everyone. Liaqat Ali Khan didn’t have any prior experience of premiership when he took over the office of PM. When people talk about giving Imran Khan a chance they say it considering his track record. He made us proud when he was a cricketer. He made Pakistani cricket team the best team when he was the Captain. He wasn’t a healthcare professional but he made SKMT with the help of people ,which by far is the best institution in Pakistan right now. He isn’t the educationist but he made Namal University in Mianwali affiliated with Bradford university. This was again possible with help of people, so whats wrong when people feel that with their help he can make Pakistan prosperous once he gets the PM role. To govern a country isn’t rocket science, all u need is honest skilled professionals at the top of institutions.

This brings us to the team that PTI has.If the writer calls people like Babar Awan and Rana Sanaullah as team then yes this he doesn’t have but if by team he means sincere, honest and ideological people the PTI is the only party that has these required traits.. Dr.Arif Alvi, Rtd Justice Wajeehudin, Hamid Khan, Dr Sheeren Mazari, Rustum Shah ,Dr Farid Malik, Dr Hamayun Mohmand, Rtd Adm Javed Iqbal, etc are just a few names out of many.PTI has 15 spokespersons in different fields that have already prepared detailed programmes in their respective fields with the help of Insaf Research Wing.here is link to spokespersons names with their profiles:

http://http://www.insaf.pk/Spokespersons/tabid/256/Default.aspx

The writer then claims something that even PTI opponent parties have stopped saying that PTI supporters are just on facebook.What does he mean by saying this??Does he mean that these people who are on facebook dont actually exist in this world??If somebosy is on facebook,he is also found in real world too.He may be a sudent or a professional and must be doing somethng in his life and thus is part of the people on ground.If the writer meant by saying that PTI doesnt have street power then this is more of a joke as PTI is the only party right now who has shown its strength on roads..Imran Khan has traveled all parts of Pakistan whether it be villages or cities..He had toured whole of KPK,SINDH,PUNJAB and even BALOCHISTAN in last 2 yrs.. The attendance of people in these protests is not hidden from anyone. The way people participated in PTI protests have shown that they are present on ground too and is perhaps more popular than any other party right now..
Links to a few of these protests in 2011 are:

In Peshawar:
http://www.pakimag.com/misc/peshawar-dharna-against-drone-attacks-pics.html/attachment/imran-khan-addressing-dharna-against-drones-in-peshawar

In Karachi:
http://www.pakimag.com/misc/imran-khan-dharna-in-karachi-against-drones-pics-gallery.html/attachment/imran-khan-pti-karachi-dharna-sitin-may-21-2011-3

In Quetta:
http://insaf.pk/Media/Pictures/tabid/106/AlbumID/560-1215/Page/0/Default.aspx

Multan:
http://www.sialtv.com/story/3378/multan-jalsa-update-pti-is-the-future-of-pakistan-says-imran-khan/

In Faisalabad;
Largest ever by any political party in last 20 yrs
http://tribune.com.pk/story/216999/imran-khan-addresses-save-pakistan-rally-in-faisalabad/

In Islamabad(in front of Parliament):
About 35k people attended..
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/193817.html

The writer seems so confused that at one point he is saying that PTI is just on facebook and then he starts saying that the reason of PTI popularity is because its backed by military.Now can the writer tell me how can be a party just on facebook and still being backed by military?Does he mean that our Generals are sitting all day on facebook making fake profiles voting for PTI??Infact its an article where the writer is just towing the line of false propaganda by PTI’s rival political parties.Anybody having known the events and PTI’s stance on it can see that it has no truth in it.Let me just prove him wrong by arguments and Stance of PTI on different matters.

The two recent surveys ,PEW and YOUGOV have declared Imran khan as the most popular leader in Pakistan. Where YOUGOV was done online ,PEW was done on ground in both Urban and rural areas which also tells that writer is so wrong when he declares PTI a party of Urban youth only. These two opinion polls also show that Imran Khan is genuinely popular and its not some military backed popularity. Can the writer explain how military can influence opinion polls of which one was carried by Cambridge University and the other by PEW research center??

Lets just analyze what Imran Khan’s stance has been on army related issues of past and present.
–Imran Khan feels that our army was one of the culprits in losing East Pakistan as the military operation conducted by armed forces resulted in bangalis turn against us.
–Imran is the biggest critic of Afghan war of 1988 carried by our military in collaboration with CIA. He believes that it produced militancy that led to further problems for pak.
–Imran’s stance on military operations remained constant .When Mushsarraf sent troops in Waziristan in 2004,IK was the one who criticized this move with full force.

Lets come to the latest events:
–On extension of Gen Kiyani, Imran was the only one who said that institutions are more important than individuals whereas Nawaz congratulated US ambassador for chosing Kiyani as general.
–On 2nd May incident Dr Sheeren Mazari was the first one who demanded resignation of Kiyani and Pasha on that incident.
–Kharotabad incident was exposed with the help of PTI Baluchistan and then Imran Khan in his Karachi Dharna questioned General Kiyani of why he is not taking any step against FC..wtch out the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2W1-FQo7y8

—

On murder of Saleem Shehzad,Imran khan appeared on Tv and said it openly that agencies may be involved in his murder..wtch the link …Can he be more clear than that??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwTq2s2I6II

–In all his speeches where he criticize Govt, he criticizes army too.Few journalists though tried to mislead people by saying that he doesn’t criticize army but such journalists got exposed for their false propaganda. Watch VERY IMPORTANT …This shows how few people in media try to mislead people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOo4X0rscUI

The writer seems to be possessed by the Pml(N) funded propaganda. .Nawaz Sharif being the creation of ISI and a perfect example of test tube politician thinks that anybody who is getting popular is because of establishment.Unfortuantely Nawaz has always undermind the value of people’s support for a leader.No doubt Imran Khan is very popular within the soldiers of Pakistan Army and thats because Imran talks about Pakistan.The foot soldiers of army that are fighting somebody’s else war and losing their lives everyday do want to see a change in policy and like civilians,majority wants a patriotic and honest person like Imran Khan in power who can make decisions based on Home Made policy but how come this means Imran has establishment support with him??

Saying PTI a JI like party means that either the writer has never gone through PTI constitution or menifesto or else he thinks JI as a party being center to left. PTI is the only party that has made Jinnah’s 11th August speech to const. assembly as a cornerstone for its evolution and hasn’t restricted minorities to minority wings only. PTI spokesperson on defence matters is Rtd Brid Samson Sharf and he is there for his competency and not his religion. Similarly PTI’s stance on Afghan war is opposite to that of JI.PTI stand on Hadood and Women protection laws is completely opposite to that of JI’s. Having said that JI has respect within PTI for they too have honest leadership, is a democratic party and consist of people from middle class. However ideology of both parties don’t resemble a bit. I hope next time writer can write after doing a bit of research on the topic.

Similarly the writer then misleads the readers again by saying that Imran Khan ideas are in convergance with what Zaid Hamid says.This is perhaps something that even a 10 year old kid can tell that both have different stances on almost all issues.Zaid hamid supported operations on Lal Masjid,Baloch ppl and also in Swat and parts of Waziristan whereas Imran Khan has never ever supported any Military operation and have stressed upon the importance of table talks.Just quoting a few satements on lal masjid issue by both.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kly37j6tV8Q

Imran was against military use as there were children and women inside and had the plan that Imran suggessted at that time was implemented,whole situation would have been in control without the loss of inncoent lives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYEtbDXrEgs

How sensible and correct Imran’s vision and policy was on lal masjid that in 2009 Lt Gen rtd Jamashaid Kiyani Exposes the reality of the Lal masjid operation and narrates the brutality that army did on the victims of Lal Masjid.He accepts that the best way to solve Lal Masjid was to cut down supply to these people and just keep them encircled.This is exactly what IK was suggessting at that time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZVyhgzSlVE&playnext=1&list=PL11DA3EED0008D82C

On other issues too Imran and Zaid Hamid has different thoughts altogether.Imran feels that a true democracy can bring a change in Pakistan whereas Zaid Hamid feels that Khilafah is the answer.Imran has never mentioned any plans of waging a war with India whereas Zaid Hamid advocates for adventorous steps.
The few things that I find common in their thoughts is that both think that Iqbal has left a great message for us and our youth should play a major role now to bring about a change in current system.Both advocates for a soveriegn Pakistan.These are probably a few points that they both agree upon but arent these the points that every Pakistani should agree??

The article of the writer would have been incomplete had he not brought Imran’s criticism on writer’s Makkah(west) into discussion. Since the start of war on terror Imran has been suggesting toisolate Talibans from Al-Qaida. Where Imran always said that Talibans is an embarrasment to Muslims because of their brand of Islam, he criticized US and Pak govts for the wrong way adopted towards WOT..wtch the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRexD2SaYJc

Throughout Imran has always criticized Talibans for their terrorist activities.He has called them barbarians but the writer doesn’t acknowledges this and rather said the same old propaganda term of Taliban apologist for him .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_Q0iLVOY2s

Sadly if only condemning could do the job ,Imran wouldn’t have presented the solution for this .From day one he has been saying that for 200 Al-Qaida don’t make whole tribal belt go against you. .With drone attacks you are just increasing militancy and radicalization. Even with public pressure in 2009 for military operations,Imran stood by his stance of negotiating with those who want to support you instead of terrorists.He believed that we should win over the our tribesmen towards us rather than pushing them towards the militants by killing their innocent children by drone attacks.He always said that separate Talibans from AL-Qaida and then take down terrorists after isolating them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3g0najMr8Y

Time has proved how right he was. Today US has opted for this strategy for themselves. They are negotiating with Talibans and have even removed all Talibans Leaders names from terrorist lists..This is link of Hilary Clinton telling people of their strategy in 2011..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gAX21nM4yA

Isnt she saying the same what IK has been saying for yrs?? has she gone pro Taliban too??

He is an anti-war person .Where all parties in Karachi wanted military in Khi, Ik said instead of military if u genuinely wants things to get better u just need to depoliticize the police so that criminals of political parties don’t get away.
Similarly He has always raised voice for Baloch nationals. I don’t know from where the writer got the idea that he never spoke for them. He was the first one to criticize military actions against Baloch and warned of consequences similar to East Pakistan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VnHwQic9wA&feature=related

Imran Khan has always stressed upon finding solution for Balochistan and has always wanted to bring baloch Nationalists into main stream politcs encouraging them to go at national level.The writer alleges that Imran has never raised voice for Baloch Nationals whereas PTI was in allaince with these Baloch Nationalist parties in APDM.

The writer has also raised a point that imran exploits public prejudices and doesn’t give them his own vision. By saying this once again the writer has depicted how much biased his thinking is about IK that he has forgotten all things that were or even are not that popular but he still keeps focusing on them.. To start with he named a party Justice party and made Justice For All as his slogan. Justice is not a slogan that sells like Roti, Kapra aur Makan but in reality Justice is what the people need. Justice in all fields of life.
Imran Khan was the first one who said long before lawyers movement that Pakistani Judicary system needs to be revived and Pakistani courts are corrupt. His idea and vision of free courts was then taken up by lawyers .

In a pre-dominantly anti-Indian population, Imran has times and again criticized spread of militancy in name of Kashmir. Where he believes that Kashmir is the core issue between two govts and needs to be solved by active lobbying of Pakistani foreign office with world community, He disapproves of encouraging militancy in the name of Kashmir. Can writer has any explanation to this?? Is this a Popular view in Pakistan??

The problem with Pakistani so called liberals is that they don’t understand what liberals are known for.. Throughout the world anti-war and people who disapprove of military role in conflicts are considered as liberals and leftists. Noam Chomsky is considered to be the most leading leftist intellectual for his anti war and anti imperialism views.

What imran khan and his party PTI achieves in next elections is still not clear.However two things are clear. One PTI will emerge as a big force in next lections and second until then wanna bee journalists or pro-status quo journalists will continue to write things for or against imran as articles on Imran gets printed,get viewed and have lots and lots of comments. To all the readers of this article I will recommend that those who are PTI supporters shouldn’t get bothered by articles like the one Mr Saroop wrote and should ignore it.The supporters of PTI should know that they have stood up for change and all the forces of status quo whether they be in politics,establishment,beurocracy or media will try their best to stop this change..However as THE KAPTAAN says Insaf is an idea whose time has come,nobody can stop this change InshAllah.The recent PTI protest infront of Parliament is a proof to this.This 10 min clip from the speech of The Kaptaan can tell u the change thats about to come InshAllah.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqMTbflt3Rw

For anti-PTI ppl,they should certainly read such false propaganda articles because these imaginary tales of the opinion makers are the only material that can keep you happy in the deep slumber you are presently in.However it wont be long when you people will also realize the true picture and start to follow PTI directly to make your opinions rather than making opinions about PTI on articles like Captain Elite..JAAG UTHO guys before it gets too late.