With Imran Khan as PM, the Pakistani passport will be respected: Mushtaq
Birmingham: Mushtaq Mohammed, a former captain of Pakistan, who has been in the UK from 1964, spoke to The Telegraph on Thursday afternoon.
The interview focused exclusively on Prime Minister-elect Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Q First thoughts on Imran pulverising the more established parties in the July 25 general election and being just days away from the Prime Minister's chair...
A Imran and his party's win is the best thing to have happened to Pakistan. No one made Imran the cricketer and no one has made Imran the politician and, now, Prime Minister-elect. Pakistan needed a strong-willed, focused and committed-to-the-country leader. That's Imran... With Imran as PM, the Pakistani passport will be respected.
Q You captained Imran and, so, know him well. How would you describe Imran the person?
A Imran and a few others lived life to the fullest, but as captain, I'd make it clear I didn't want any unfit players in the morning. Imran never let me down, never made excuses. Once play began, he was switched on 100 per cent. That said plenty about his character as a person and as a professional. As a cricketer, Imran wanted to prove he was the best. It hasn't been any different with his innings in politics. Imran has always had immense self-belief.
Q A feature of Imran has been getting things done his way...
A You're right. As captain, Imran wanted his team and, having sensed that the seniors wouldn't in any case be around for long, started getting them out. He first got rid of his own cousin, Majid. Others followed... The only senior he left untouched was Javed Miandad... Imran got down to building the team he wanted and, when you have youngsters, you can dominate... You judge on results and Imran made his team into world beaters... The 1992 World Cup stands testimony to that.
Q Is there, then, an Imran Khan model?
A The model Imran followed in cricket has worked in politics too... It means building the team you want, backing youngsters but not ignoring seniors who can contribute. The PTI has been built by Imran, he didn't inherit it from anybody. Imran's achievement, therefore, is massive. Aap usko naap nahin sakte... As captain, off the field, Imran spoke in inspiring manner. If you heard any of his campaign speeches, they too were inspiring. Imran kept reminding the voters of the core issues pulling down Pakistan. Expectedly, he used plenty of cricket terminology and, so, immediately connected with the crowds.
Q Imran's biggest strength...
A It would be Imran's credibility. Millions of voters have been convinced that he will deliver. That Imran is clean has only added to his strength. In fact, he enjoys such high credibility because he is honest.
Q That Imran has set up cancer hospitals and started a university would have endeared him more to the voters. Your take?
A Of course... Other politicians have built/purchased mansions, Imran has built hospitals and an educational institution.
Q Imran had been very hopeful in the build up to the 2013 general election as well, but finished way short. What had been your expectations then?
A I'd felt Imran wasn't ready. He learnt quite a bit from that election and relentlessly campaigned against the powers-that-be for five years... Imran launched dharnas, organised impressive jalsas and raised issues which affected the average Pakistani... He read the public mood perfectly and convinced them that the alternative was right in front of them.
Q What is the top challenge confronting Imran?
A Delivering on the promises made. It's not going to be easy for Imran, but if he can deliver even 50 per cent of what he's promised, then Pakistan will get transformed.
Q Is corruption the No.1 issue in Pakistan?
A Plus unemployment, suitable drinking water, uninterrupted electricity across the country, health, education... Bahut cheez hain. So far, those in power looked after themselves, not Pakistan. Imran will change that. He's promised to improve the quality of life and take Pakistan forward.
Q The voters, I assume, will be impatient - wanting Imran to deliver overnight...
A People back in Pakistan have to be patient. Imran is no magician and needs to be given time. The country is in such a mess that it may take Imran two-three years to settle down.
Q Imran's PTI didn't win an absolute majority, so will depend on partners to form a coalition government. Won't that dilute his position a wee bit?
A Look, Imran's personality is such that his coalition partners will have to follow the agenda set by him.
Q Did you vote in Birmingham? If so, for the PTI?
A I did go to our Deputy High Commission, as did many other Pakistanis, but we couldn't vote as there was no provision for doing so... I intended to vote for the PTI candidate in our area in Karachi.
Q Aren't you a British citizen by now?
A I am, but I have dual citizenship. I have a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis.
Q Lastly... You were the Pakistan captain in the first Revival Series, in 1978-1979. With a cricketer at the helm, are you hopeful that bilateral series with India would resume?
A I hope so, but cricket cannot be an immediate priority for Imran.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/spor...ani-passport-will-be-respected-mushtaq-249681
