- The PM needs to live it, not just preach it
Prime Minster Imran Khan did it again! Last week he walked out on the opposition leaders during a video conference to discuss the intensifying Coronavirus crisis in Pakistan. It was their first interaction since the outbreak of this novel infectious disease and expectations were high. However, the Prime Minister said his bit and left abruptly without hearing what leaders of other key political parties had to say.
Ironically the Prime Minister sought input from the parliamentary leaders in his opening remarks, declaring: “I want that we should win this war collectively…when we win this war, it will be the victory of Pakistan, all provinces and all the political parties.” And then killing this positive spirit he had canvassed moments ago, the Prime Minister took off on a solo flight and disappeared from the screen. He went through the customary motion of showing up for the meeting convened by the National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser.
Mr. Khan started on a good note, made the politically correct statement but failed to walk the talk as he has often done in the past. Taking offence at the PM’s impolite behavior Shahbaz Sharif, the PML-N President and also the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto both walked away from the video conference. Later, when confronted by anchorperson Asma Shirazi, a member of the cabinet defended the PM saying he had hundreds of things to do! He had little to say when promptly reminded that just a day earlier the PM had spent four hours interacting with anchorpersons.
The point here is that it was a scheduled meeting and what could have been a more pressing matter at that time than the matter of fighting Coronavirus.
Integrity, commitment, competence and good intentions do not give to any leader the license to sit on a high pedestal, damning others. Ultimately actions, not words, count. Better to live the spirit of Riasat e Madinah than preach it, Mr. Prime Minister
Opposition leaders are elected representatives of the people and deserve respect. In parliamentary democracy the importance of the Opposition Leader cannot be undermined as he is akin to a shadow prime minister. You can dislike your opponents with a passion but you cannot wish them away or walk away from them. There is a pattern to Imran Khan’s avoidance of encounter with the Opposition leaders. One wonders if it stems from his sheer contempt for them or his awkwardness. Perhaps he is too embarrassed to face them given the abuses he has been hurling at them, blaming them for virtually all the ills faced by Pakistan. After all, the PM has spared no opportunity to demonize and ridicule the opposition leaders, branding them all as corrupt, thugs and plunderers. Whatever it may be, such an attitude is unbecoming of a leader who holds the highest office in the country.
At this critical juncture the government and opposition should be sitting together to cobble a joint strategy to meet the mounting Covid-19 challenge. Opposition leaders in a mature and wise move had offered their unconditional support to the government, setting aside all differences and grievances. But regrettably our Prime Minister did not even bother to stay back to listen to the party leaders. His sudden discourteous exit from the video conference smacked of arrogance and was against the spirit of Riasat-e-Madinah that he so passionately advocates.
It showed lack of political acumen if not downright disdain for the other elected representatives of Pakistan.
It is extremely unfortunate that Pakistan’s Prime Minister is still so consumed by contempt for the opposition party leaders. As the Prime Minister the onus is on him to take along the opposition, and to show some magnanimity. He should inspire confidence that as Pakistan’s chief executive he can lead the country in the current crisis with sagacity and prudence. This is no time to be a lone ranger or to get even with political opponents who are willing to collaborate. It would be self-defeating to doubt their intentions as we are all in this crisis together and united we can come out of it as one nation.
Leaders of countries particularly in times of crisis need to rise above party politics to act as statesmen. To be the galvanizing and unifying force– an imperative to boost morale of nations caught in such uncertain and challenging situations.
I was among those who voted for Imran Khan in the last general elections, thinking like many others that he must be given a chance. Also, there was this optimism that he would bring a genuine change and for the better. But sadly one sees that the PTI’s much trumpeted slogan of change has translated into more of the same. And even worse as now we are literally left with petty change in our pockets!
Bad mouthing and blaming opposition parties for all the troubles we face will not take us far. The fact is that Imran Khan does not have all saints sitting in his Cabinet. His team– of the new and the recycled– leaves much to be desired. Regarding key opposition leaders, Imran Khan’s constant refrain has been: “Main nahi chhoroon ga inhain (I will not spare them)” as if it is his personal battle. He should let the law follow its course and move ahead.
The country needs someone capable of performing his own responsibilities as head of the government, not a vigilante superhero.
Pakistan cannot afford a Prime Minister so unbending, bitter and angry. Imran Khan as a role model for a large population of the country’s youth should be sowing seeds of tolerance, accommodation, respect and humility; not venom, revenge and contempt. He certainly does not want to leave a legacy of this culture of abuse, conceit and hate that has thrived since the PTI staged its dharna.
The way to nobility is not arrogance but humility. Ego and anger breed negative energy that only leads to friction. There is dignity and peace in restraint. Ultimately it is in humility that there is honour, respect and grace.
Imran Khan’s political opponents often complain that his ego is bigger than the cause that the PTI stands for. And one tends to endorse this view. Ego being constantly fed on anger and arrogance is bound to end in self-humiliation and destruction.
Integrity, commitment, competence and good intentions do not give to any leader the license to sit on a high pedestal, damning others. Ultimately actions, not words, count. Better to live the spirit of Riasat e Madinah than preach it, Mr. Prime Minister.
I end here with a saying of Hazrat Ali (A.S) that I came across recently in Nahj al-Balagha (Peak of Eloquence), hoping that it will sink in where it should. “No eminence is greater than to adopt humbleness; nothing is more respectable than forgiveness and forbearance; no support and defence are stronger than consultation and counsel.”
