As Imran Khan celebrates the fruits of his 22-year labour by emerging as the next Prime Minister of Pakistan, the army too will celebrate its victory with him. It cannot be ignored that Pakistan’s deep state influenced by its army calls the shots in the Islamic country. In a one-sided contest, Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N has been ousted from power for now with Zardari’s PPP surviving on the fringes.
After Khan emerged as the winner, he addressed the nation and promised to build a welfare-oriented state. He has promised ease of doing business with a targeted growth to solve much of Pakistan’s economic problems. The PTI chief also wants to get rid of terrorism and called for engagement with India to solve all disputes between the two countries.
Problems that Khan will face during his term in office are similar to those faced by Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif. What differentiates this election from the previous ones is that, although the election results were shaped by the army, it is the second time in the country’s history that transfer of power will take place.
It shows that the army has found it convenient to prop up leaders and change them rather than stage a coup and take power themselves.
Similar euphoria was witnessed in 2013 when Sharif, back from his exile in Saudi Arabia, took office. He reflected experience and a man who favoured relaxation of ties with India. After falling out with the army, however, Sharif’s various troubles began.
Similarly, for Khan to survive the next five years in office, he will need to make sure he does not offend the Generals. All his welfare policies will be cleared if they do not clash with the army’s interest.
The former cricketer-turned politician has promised to increase Pakistan’s engagement with China and using the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to stimulate the economy. Recently questions were raised whether the CPEC will bless Islamabad with development or debt, a question Khan will have to answer. CPEC will also be a thorn in India-Pakistan relations as it passes through the disputed part of Kashmir. It is a project that India has expressed strong opposition towards. It is unlikely that Indo-Pak relations will improve in the near future.
However, Khan could work towards improving the rule of law in Pakistan to bring credibility in Islamabad’s image. He can also initiate many economic reforms to cut down the unemployment and improve people’s access to basic facilities.
Given the tone of his speech, that seems to be his agenda. By improving the life of the average Pakistani, Khan can easily win popular support. Confronting the army on issues that he has no control over will only lead to his political downfall.
Army’s firm control of the state was decided the day it was formed. Pakistan inherited 16% of the total population of undivided India, 17% of the territory and 30% of the armed forces.
Imran Khan has a challenging task ahead of balancing the army on one hand while dealing with Pakistan’s economic and social problems. Hopefully, Khan will lead Pakistan to glory the way he led the nation to the 1992 World Cup.
