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Imran Khan's first year in office: U-turns and oppression (Al Jazeera)

Mamoon

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It has been a year since Imran Khan became Pakistan's prime minister following what many consider the dirtiest general election in the country's 73-year history, with opposition parties and international observers alleging that it was the all-powerful Pakistan military that made the former cricketer's victory possible.

Khan's campaign slogan was "Naya Pakistan", but a year into his premiership he is nowhere close to building a new Pakistan.

What is worse, the country has regressed in many ways during his tenure, especially in terms of the economy, political stability and the state of human rights in the country.

Khan also walked back on many of his campaign promises in his first year in office. These reversals gained him the embarrassing nickname "U-turn Khan" and forced him to publicly defend his record, saying: "A leader who does not take U-turns [in the best interests of the nation] is not a real leader."

However, none of Khan's many U-turns have helped Pakistan in any way.

Sinking the economy

Khan's biggest blunder so far was on the economic front - the country's currency is in a devaluation spiral and has lost 35 percent of its value in just one year.

The situation got so bad that Khan had to reshuffle his ministerial cabinet and remove the finance minister he had marketed for years as the solution to Pakistan's financial woes.

As a candidate, Khan had promised to fix Pakistan's sinking economy without taking any foreign loans. However, his government broke all previous records by borrowing $16bn in just one year - the highest ever external borrowing in any fiscal year since Pakistan's creation in 1947.

Over the last year, the country's economic growth rate has also halved - down to 3.3 percent, the lowest in nine years. Meanwhile, the government's trade and fiscal deficit continue to widen.

Khan knows the problem lies with revenue generation, as many well-off citizens do not pay taxes in the country. But the rich continue to evade taxes and are not interested in paying up, leaving the poor to pay more through indirect taxation, creating more poverty and further discontent among the masses.

While the country goes through this financial meltdown, Khan is also adding to the country's political volatility, further damaging the economy.

Silencing the opposition

Before he came to power, Khan repeatedly said the country was not progressing because of corrupt politicians who had stashed their wealth abroad and promised to bring back this stolen money. Once in power, he did go after some of these politicians, but the authorities have been unable to find anything substantive to return.

Moreover, many corrupt members of Khan's party have not faced any probes. Also, it has recently been claimed that, in some cases, the "accountability" judges were blackmailed into convicting Khan's political opponents without substantial evidence of wrongdoing. All this led many in Pakistan to brand Imran Khan's accountability drive a political witch-hunt aimed at silencing the opposition.

In the last year, the military and the government also used other charges to implicate and silence opposition figures.

Rana Sanaullah, who is a prominent parliamentarian and vocal critic of Khan's government, for example, was recently arrested for allegedly trafficking drugs by the military-run anti-narcotics force.

Sanaullah had predicted his detention a few days before, stating that he was going to be arrested soon and the government was contemplating under what charges to detain him.

This wave of political crackdowns ignited a people's movement in Punjab, the largest province in the country. Thousands of people, led by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of the imprisoned former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, took to the streets across Pakistan on July 25 to protest the new government's assault on opposing voices.

Ms Sharif had recently taken to social media to ask those who wish "to live in a free, democratic and just Pakistan" to join her movement. "I shall be leading protest rallies across Pakistan that will not only ask for justice for Nawaz Sharif but demand rule of law, freedom of expression, end to manipulation of the entire system to punish public representatives, stealing people's mandate, imposition of selected," she said on Twitter.

However, while some of the opposition protests were covered live by Pakistan's domestic news television channels, the Nawaz-led main demonstration in the city of Quetta was not covered by Pakistani media. The blackout was due to a federal cabinet order earlier this month banning coverage of opposition political leaders who are under investigation for corruption.

Given the ongoing deterioration of media freedoms in Pakistan, not many journalists are willing to go against the government's wishes. Earlier this month, three news channels that ignored the cabinet order and covered a news conference by Ms Sharif were taken off the air, demonstrating the current government's disturbing dictatorial tendencies.

However, its not only the Pakistani journalists who suffer at the hands of a government hellbent on silencing all opposing voices.

Attacking human rights activists

Pakistani human rights activists who speak up about the rule of law and people's rights are also being targetted by the authorities. Gulalai Ismail, an award-winning women rights activist, is currently in hiding for supporting the plight of the Pashtun community, Pakistan's second-largest ethnic group, through the Pashtun Tahaffuz (protection) Movement, the PTM.

PTM has been protesting for over a year, demanding accountability for the military's actions in the tribal belt near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border where the Pakistan Army has been conducting operations since 9/11 with no civilian oversight.

But, instead of listening to their demands, both the military and the government went on an assault against the movement, ordering the media to not to cover any of their protests and arresting their leaders.

Two of the movement's parliamentarians, Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir, were recently imprisoned for allegedly attacking a military check-post, even though video evidence of the incident clearly shows that the soldiers opened fire on them first as they were passing through with a group of unarmed demonstrators.

Before coming into power, Khan had appeared at a PTM rally, promising to take up the movement's cause. In fact, he campaigned against the Pakistan military's operations himself for years and blamed the leadership's decision to partner with the US in imposing the so-called war on terror, which resulted in Pashtun suffering.

However, after becoming prime minister, he swiftly forgot his promises and abandoned the Pashtun cause. He now seems to be following the same path as previous governments, unequivocally supporting the Pakistan military's actions on the tribal belt.

He also recently went to the US for the first time as prime minister and agreed to work with Washington "to bring peace and economic stability in South Asia", seemingly forgetting how he used to accuse the US of destroying peace in Pakistan.

So why has Khan made so many U-turns and become almost a different person after only a year in power?

How did his ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), go from being the party of change to being the party of "the establishment", meaning the country's all-powerful military?

It appears that the country's powerful generals, known to influence politics from behind the scenes, have installed Khan as prime minister to be able to control the country while keeping up the pretence of democracy. Khan is forced into making so many U-turns because it is not him taking the decisions and determining policies, the establishment is.

But there seems to be one thing that Pakistan's generals are failing to understand: A country as diverse as Pakistan can not flourish while its civilian rulers are being manipulated by the military behind the scenes.

Pakistani democracy cannot prosper until the media is free, human rights protections are robust and elected officials are allowed to make decisions without any external pressure. The Pakistani people will not tolerate being ruled by puppet governments forever.

While Khan seems to have survived politically his first year in office, if he does not change course and meet the demands of the Pakistani people he promised to serve, he may not be so lucky in the near future.

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/o...-office-turns-oppression-190726091846779.html

An excellent write-up, comprehensively breaking down and exposing Imran Khan’s failures in the first 12 months of what has been a circus ride.

Too bad Al Jazeera cannot be gagged like the local press.
 
Furthermore, the defense that they “inherited a shattered economy and it is not their fault” is losing credibility now.

Yes they didn’t inherit a booming economy, but do they have what it takes to fix it, or are they only making it worse? It could be either, but they have been so successful in brainwashing the masses that they are refusing to even ponder the possibility that this government is not up to the task. They have deluded themselves into believing that as long as Imran doesn’t steal money, everything will fall in place.

PTI have successfully crafted a win-win situation for them. If they fail to make things better (which appears to be the case at this point), they will say that oh we tried our best but the mess was too great; if they make things better, they will rightly take all the credit.

We have heard enough about the previous governments. After 12 months, the time has come for Imran and PTI too look ahead and focus on what they have to do instead of blaming the past governments.

The “chor daku” narrative only serves to deflect attention from the fact that PTI has failed so far.
 
Is the writer bloke who was kidnapped, I read about it a few years ago BBC may have reported it. Am not sure but he may have a bias when it comes to being anti-pakistani-army, then again most journalists lack complete objectivity.

In the UK spending cuts have led to mass austerity and increase in crime, sometimes better to invest one way or another. Imran whether it is a good or bad plan, actually has one to begin with which is a start but for sure has a lot of work to do
 
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What a disappointment. When I saw it was written by this author, I was expecting the next chapter in the Bourne Episode.

Instead it's the usual garbage by someone way out of his depth. He's a one trick pony who beyond the usual "The ISI kidnapped my pet hamster out of it's cage."
 
Fazul article

The OP and article writer need to take their anti-PTI glasses off.
 
Taha Siddiqui Bond is the writer?

/thread

What a disappointment. When I saw it was written by this author, I was expecting the next chapter in the Bourne Episode.

Instead it's the usual garbage by someone way out of his depth. He's a one trick pony who beyond the usual "The ISI kidnapped my pet hamster out of it's cage."

Fazul article

The OP and article writer need to take their anti-PTI glasses off.

Why not just get Maryam to write the article

Not saying the writer is correct and I am not familiar with the economy, as you guys will probably know more; can you counter the points made under the sinking economy, are those figures false ? as you could be aware that Pak may be doing better
 
Mamoon looks desperate after tough week .:uakmal.Every one knows the writter history so please fool your patwari friends
 
Why is no one refuting it, I want to see the opposing argument to the points raised in the article

Listen my friend, these issues are discussed on a daily basis on here. Only yesterday the World Bank made mince meat of Noora competency on the economy( Read the thread on Maryams faux pas) and the IMF did the same a few weeks back.
Ask [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] what the Noora economic policy was or any Noora and there is a defeaning silence.
 
Listen my friend, these issues are discussed on a daily basis on here. Only yesterday the World Bank made mince meat of Noora competency on the economy( Read the thread on Maryams faux pas) and the IMF did the same a few weeks back.
Ask [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] what the Noora economic policy was or any Noora and there is a defeaning silence.

Yes that may well be thr consensus on Nooras, with regards to Imran's performance so far has he done more to ensure the economic decline in his first year as the article suggests quoting some figures ? Or is just bias etc
 
He is the leader of the munafiqeen, nothing else.

Will be a big day when he gets removed from office.
 
Why is no one refuting it, I want to see the opposing argument to the points raised in the article

Because most overseas Pakistanis dont know whats happening and dont care.

The ones living in the country know the situation.

PM munafiq has lied his way through. We are facing the burden of inflation. Forget Petrol, even damn roti has seen a price increase.
 
Because most overseas Pakistanis dont know whats happening and dont care.

The ones living in the country know the situation.

PM munafiq has lied his way through. We are facing the burden of inflation. Forget Petrol, even damn roti has seen a price increase.

I don't know so asked the question
 
Because most overseas Pakistanis dont know whats happening and dont care.

The ones living in the country know the situation.

PM munafiq has lied his way through. We are facing the burden of inflation. Forget Petrol, even damn roti has seen a price increase.

We know that a trillion has been stolen from Sindh- care to comment.
 
Yes that may well be thr consensus on Nooras, with regards to Imran's performance so far has he done more to ensure the economic decline in his first year as the article suggests quoting some figures ? Or is just bias etc

Devaluation of rupee needed to happen, billions of dollars were pumped to artificially keep it near 100. Right now the rupee is closer to its actual value. The devaluation had started as soon as the interim govt took over and no more money was being put in to keep it low.

There have been many moves on the reduction of imported goods which has helped reduce the current account deficit and attempts at widening the tax net.

However, even though the current account deficit has been shrinking there hasn't been a noticeable increase in exports which is quite problematic and highlights pakistans biggest problem which is an economy not allowing people to produce goods and services which can be exported. Unless these structural issues are addressed and rectified our economy will continue to weaken. There is a thread about Atif Mian on here about his BBC interview, I'd suggest you watch it, he clearly explains the problems we face.

Therefore, in my opinion, it's too early to judge whether the policies of the current govt have helped or further destroyed the country. Fitch Solutions reported that Pakistan will have a stable economy in a few years due to the tough but needed decisions that have been made. But at the same time, exports haven't been increasing. With the efforts being made to make Pakistan a tax-paying nation, if the economy is also restructured then I believe we shall see growth in a few years.
 
Devaluation of rupee needed to happen, billions of dollars were pumped to artificially keep it near 100. Right now the rupee is closer to its actual value. The devaluation had started as soon as the interim govt took over and no more money was being put in to keep it low.

There have been many moves on the reduction of imported goods which has helped reduce the current account deficit and attempts at widening the tax net.

However, even though the current account deficit has been shrinking there hasn't been a noticeable increase in exports which is quite problematic and highlights pakistans biggest problem which is an economy not allowing people to produce goods and services which can be exported. Unless these structural issues are addressed and rectified our economy will continue to weaken. There is a thread about Atif Mian on here about his BBC interview, I'd suggest you watch it, he clearly explains the problems we face.

Therefore, in my opinion, it's too early to judge whether the policies of the current govt have helped or further destroyed the country. Fitch Solutions reported that Pakistan will have a stable economy in a few years due to the tough but needed decisions that have been made. But at the same time, exports haven't been increasing. With the efforts being made to make Pakistan a tax-paying nation, if the economy is also restructured then I believe we shall see growth in a few years.

Appreciate the detailed response, yes export industry is very crucial for the growth of an economy. With regards to currency, it is not always the best reflection of how well one is doing; if you look at the £ for example it is always strong generally but then there's Brexit looming, record unemployment and big companies going into administration over the past 10 years or so.

I agree though, too early to judge where Pakistan will be a few years from now. What is Pak agriculture / food industry like as you'd expect these to really drive their exports
 
He is the leader of the munafiqeen, nothing else.

Will be a big day when he gets removed from office.
Awww somebody give this guy a tissue to wipe those tears.


Don't worry Zardari will remain in jail..... Billo Rani will be joining him soon too.
 
Is the author the same guy who broke out of a van of ISI operatives, freed himself from captivity and fled the country before anyone could stop him? :))) :)))
 
Why OP has no credibility left in discussion about politics pertaining to Pakistan.

Just sticking to your narrative isn't the only requirement for maintaining credibility, it also require to present facts that are "honest, actual facts" and not made up facts out of desperation.

Mamoon 9,000 has not answer or provided any evidence of only 9,000 people present at the biggest arena in the vicinity that could hold up to 30,000 people.

Mamoon 9,000, could you please provide evidence of only 9,000 people at the arena?

It seems you have decided to do Ishaq Dar when asked about his lies, Bhagora
 
Appreciate the detailed response, yes export industry is very crucial for the growth of an economy. With regards to currency, it is not always the best reflection of how well one is doing; if you look at the £ for example it is always strong generally but then there's Brexit looming, record unemployment and big companies going into administration over the past 10 years or so.

I agree though, too early to judge where Pakistan will be a few years from now. What is Pak agriculture / food industry like as you'd expect these to really drive their exports

Unfortunately, I lack the knowledge to give a fair assessment regarding agriculture. However, I do know that it accounts for about 18 percent of our total GDP and is substantially held back due to a lot of grass root problems e.g Failing to modernize the industry with new technology and poor infrastructure.
 
Taha Siddiqui :)) :)) :))

I am surprised you didn't post article from another intellectual Gul Bukhari which she wrote fro Indian newspaper.

These people are literally campaigned for opposition parties glorifying Rana Sanaullah (previously known as worst criminal and links with Lashkar e Jhangvi terrorists). Now they have new found love in Maulana Fazlu (worst mullah in our history known for his extreme greed, corruption and links to Talibans).

Of course they will tell you truth about Imran Khan govt :)
 
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