The second democratic transition of power in Pakistan have culminated in the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founded by cricketer turned politician Imran Khan being handed over the reins of the country. Though allegations of rigging have poured in from various quarters, it is unlikely that it will affect the final outcome. With over 120 seats, Khan is in a comfortable position to get the support of independents and reach the 137-mark to form a government. But it is not a result that has brought much cheer even to the Pakistan army that had painstakingly scripted this victory.
This is because Khan’s failure to reach the halfway mark means he will have to manage a coalition that is capable of tripping the balance any time. It also needs to be noted that Khan has been a politician for the last 22 years and assumes the responsibility of leading a fractured nation with no real experience in governance. His shift to the far right after a dismal show in the 2013 elections can be interpreted both as his shrewdness and unpredictability. For the army that is looking to install a puppet government in Islamabad, these are dangerous signs to watch out for. With real power in his hands and a government that would rest on his ability to accommodate varied voices, it might not be long before his old gaudiness surfaces and he decides to take an independent course.
Khan might have achieved his aim of freeing the country from corrupt dynastic politics. But the road ahead of him is not an easy one. In the light of a tainted election, the onus is on him to present a credible face of Pakistan to the world. He will have to understand the difference between election rhetoric and real governance. The fact that not a single religious leader has been successful in securing a seat in the elections prove that radicalization has no place in present-day Pakistan. For the country that is grappling with economic crisis and terrorism, what is needed is a leadership that can remove the tag of the pariah state and give the country a sense of legitimacy in the global order.
Perhaps Khan has understood this fact just as he is about to assume power. In a televised address to the nation, he spoke about improving ties with India and said dialogue with India is the only way forward to ensure a peaceful South Asia. Considering that this is coming from a man who has explicitly supported the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Saeed, this might be a step in the right direction. The olive branch has definitely been extended, but the complexities of Pakistani politics should serve as enough caution to not take things at face value. In a nation with multiple power centres, it needs to be seen if Khan is powerful to rise above the political compulsions and lead Pakistan to a path of self-discovery and development.
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