Imran Khan, affectionately also known as Kaptaan Khan, is making headlines as a game changer in Pakistan’s politics. His supporters, mainly the urban, educated elite, adore him. His political rivals, who once mocked him, are now wary of his clout and popular support. Although his mantra of “change” failed to bring him to power in last year’s highly “controversial” elections, he is wooing large crowds at protest demonstration in Islamabad against alleged poll rigging. The protests, which have attracted people from all walks of life, are posing a significant political challenge to the Sharif government.
As a new era of political activism sweeps across Pakistan, Khan has once again showed that he leads the pack in luring young crowds with his promise of bringing about a true change in the country. He has given his young followers self-belief and ray of hope to rid Pakistan from corruption, illiteracy and social inequalities. The charming, ex-cricketer has built a loyal “fan” base in youth-dominated cyberspace and actively used various social media channels to promote Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI’s) message of revolution.
There is no doubt that Khan’s single largest achievement has been to revive political interest among the younger demographic. Such political fervor among the youth was last witnessed during Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s campaign for 1970 elections. Generally, Pakistan’s young population has largely remained apolitical and lacked faith in the country’s political system. The large public protests show an awakening of Pakistan’s future generation, which is now ready to take charge and raise its voice to demand far-reaching reforms in the country.
However, the road to reforms will not be an easy one. Pakistan needs a complete overhaul of its entire governance system, which is riddled with inefficiencies, nepotism and corruption. There is a need for extensive reforms in judiciary, bureaucracy, land distribution and electoral system. Status quo and a sense of entitlement remains deeply rooted in Pakistan’s society as a result of which merit is often conveniently sidelined. Most of the recent political rallies have been held in urban centers, which are generally more developed than the country’s rural areas that have suffered years of neglect. As around 65 percent of Pakistan’s population lives in the rural areas, youth activism and electoral reforms are not likely to greatly impact political landscape in those areas. In the rural areas, political process is driven by personalities and local development agendas of each clan.
Even if Khan does not rise to power right now, his party is poised to make a long lasting impact on the country’s political scene. It already offers the voters a third alternative to the traditionally strong PPP and PML-N. The youth vote commands immense power in Pakistan as an estimated 47 percent of the registered voters fall under the age bracket of 35. Therefore, it can be expected that PTI will emerge as a frontrunner in future elections. Pakistan is at a crossroads and the world would be closely watching whether it would be able to turn a new chapter in its politics. If Khan can make his promise of change into a reality, he will find a special place in the country’s history.
