The Official Pakistan Politics thread

[Fusion]

Congratulations to PTI supporters. I’m so proud of Pakistanis in general for exercising their right to vote and braving hostile conditions to make it to the poling booths. It won’t shock anyone to know that I’m not thrilled with the results. I will pray that Imran proves me wrong, but I actually think this is a depressing turn of events. We now have a PM-elect that is as much answerable to his devoted followers, as he is to the Army (the real power) that got him elected. To say that he is a Taliban/extremist sympathizer is actually very generous. He outright embraced and aligned with them during this election campaign. To see Imran campaign on the “khatm-e-Nabuwat” issue (essentially a campaign to target and marginalize the country’s persecuted Ahmedi minority) was extremely disheartening. But hey, he will supposedly end all corruption in 90 days and bring massive amount of investment back to Pakistan (just don’t ask about the details of how he’ll achieve this). In his victory address to the nation, he talked about his inspiration and leader – Jinnah. Hate to break it to you Imran, but Jinnah would be horrified by the campaign you ran and the “electables” you welcomed in your party. Oh well, I didn’t really expect anything better.

P.S: He’s going to sack Najam Sethi and appoint Mohammad Sami to run PCB isn’t he?

 

[smalishah84]

A short, but good, read from somebody who spent a fair bit of time with Imran over the years

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/20...ant-london-society-finally-realises-ambition/

He was the Cary Grant of London society. Marie Helvin, the model and former Mrs David Bailey, one of the most stunning women of her time, sighed: “There is a scent to Imran that drives women crazy. Everyone falls for him.”

 

[smalishah84]

https://www.dawn.com/news/1423845/pti-claims-it-has-numbers-to-form-govt-at-centre-punjab


I hope PTI can also form govt in Punjab. Need a bit of competition in the provincial assemblies.

 

[smalishah84]

https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/07/31/imran-khans-shine-wont-last-as-pakistans-prime-minister/amp/

 

[Xuhaib]

I was waiting for an article from Osman on Imran's crowning.Here it is.

The Imran Khans I've known | The Cricket Monthly | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[smalishah84]

It's a good read

 

[Xuhaib]

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...reaches-office-in-casual-attire-on-first-day/

Success or failure atleast one thing is certain he will lead with swag as he has always done.

 

[ankitj]

https://www.indiatoday.in/world/sto...sia-bibi-blasphemy-verdict-1379218-2018-10-31

 

[Niall]

That story was crazy.

https://twitter.com/bilalfqi/status/1057397622657429504

There seems to be protests from religious extremists over this, I don't know enough about Pakistan, but those protesting, are they a very small minority of idiots ?

 

[smalishah84]

That story was crazy.

https://twitter.com/bilalfqi/status/1057397622657429504

There seems to be protests from religious extremists over this, I don't know enough about Pakistan, but those protesting, are they a very small minority of idiots ?

A very vocal minority at that

 

[trundler]

They are in no way a minority. They've got a depressing amount of support. Roads blocked everywhere. Tomorrow schools and offices might be closed because of the protests.

 

[smalishah84]

They are in no way a minority. They've got a depressing amount of support. Roads blocked everywhere. Tomorrow schools and offices might be closed because of the protests.

Are they a majority?

 

[trundler]

I'd say people like Rizvi would form a third of the population whereas half of the population would passively support their ideals but perhaps be pissed at blocking roads and such. There was a lot of support for the previous dharna too. A substantial minority at the very least which far outweighs people like you and I.

 

[andmark]

Following this thread over the years gives me the instinct that it's not a tiny minority, even if not a majority. Depressing stuff.

 

[smalishah84]

at least Imran coming up with the right messages.

It will be interesting if he actually carries out his threats if push comes to shove

 

[trundler]

Yeah, good on him for that. I think TLP went too far this time. Hopefully this will be their end.

 

[andmark]

Yeah, "'do not clash with the state [...] the state will fulfil its duty [and] protect people's properties and lives'" (quote from Dawn) is quite an ominous thing to say.

 

[trundler]

I don't have a lot of faith in him, with his history of backtracking and all. Him succumbing to pressure over Atif Mian's appointment sucked.

 

[smalishah84]

Yeah, "'do not clash with the state [...] the state will fulfil its duty [and] protect people's properties and lives'" (quote from Dawn) is quite an ominous thing to say.

Yeah it is, which is why I wonder if he will actually follow up if these groups decide to test him..if he doesn't then he will lose credibility really fast

 

[ankitj]

I just heard Imran Khan's statement. His appeal for peace is all well and good, but as an outsider I cringe at the statement overall. He is bragging about how insulting prophet can't be protected under free speech. Now it can be about taking one step at time but I hope it doesn't have the effect of hardening sentiments in favour of blasphemy laws.