Imran faces a tough test in KPK province

LAST week’s historic elections in Pakistan failed to bring Imran Khan to power at the center, but his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has managed to form a government in the troubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province. Perturbed by years of war against terror and violence in the province, the people shunned religious parties and secular Awami National Party (ANP) to vote for Khan’s party, which promised change in the near future. The former cricket star and youth icon, who led an impressive election campaign across Pakistan, now faces the stern challenge of making peace with the Taleban in the province and putting his anti-US rhetoric into action.
Imran Khan is known to vehemently oppose US drone strikes in Pakistan, calling for an end to such surgical strikes which not only violate the country’s sovereignty but also result in colossal damage to civilian lives and property. At the same time, he does not see military action against the Taleban as a solution to restoring peace in the country. His party calls for holding a fresh round of negotiations with the Taleban to end a war that has already claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and member of Pakistani armed forces.
However, some political analysts opine that adopting policies of appeasement only point out to inexperience of Khan’s party. The solutions to these complex issues would prove to be far from the lofty ideals of governance and provide a rude awakening to Khan’s party. According to Saifullah Khan Mahsud of the FATA Research Center, “they will wake up to reality very quickly because the stance of the Taleban is such that it is absolutely not reconcilable with any government in KPK or in the federal capital.” As the provincial government does not have any formal authority to decide a national security policy or deal with the tribal areas, Khan could face a tricky situation implementing his political agenda.
The Taleban, who reject democratic ideals as being un-Islamic, have already stated that they would announce their policy regarding insurgency after formation of a new government in Pakistan. They warn that any party adopting policies against the spirit of Islam and insurgents would be targeted. The Taleban, who labeled Khan an “infidel” last year, have also not welcomed any peace gestures from his party. Although Khan has promised peace and ending Pakistan’s support to “America’s war,” bringing peace to the war-ravaged province would require a great deal of political maneuvering. In view of Pakistan’s relationship with the US and other global commitments, he may have to soften his stance on sharing intelligence with the US agencies, blocking transit network for NATO and ending the US drone attacks.
The KPK province is of great interest to the US as it borders the tribal areas and Afghanistan. During the withdrawal of the US-led coalition forces from Afghanistan, much of the military hardware is expected to be shipped through the province. Adopting a hard-line stance, Khan’s party also rejects US aid money in the province. Since 2009, the US has provided almost $ 1 billion in civilian aid to the province, hoping to develop a positive image in the society by undertaking community welfare projects.
At the same time, the army is also likely to play a pivotal role in deciding whether to reach a truce accord with the Taleban. In 2009, all major political parties and civil society backed the Army to eliminate insurgency in the Swat Valley. Even though the country has faced heavy military and civilian casualties in recent years, striking a peace deal with the Taleban is viewed as providing them a breathing space to regroup and comeback stronger. Considering the power of military establishment in Pakistan’s political scene, it is highly unlikely that any party would play at odds with it.