IMRAN KHAN, PAKISTAN'S NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
It’s a strange thing indeed to see your childhood hero step up to take control of his home nation. Politics is no easy game. It is bloodthirsty; rife with corruption and cheating. It is not a clean game. It requires the courage and diligence of a world cup winning captain, the guile of Niccolò Machiavelli and the tenacity and brutal self assuredness of a battle-hardened warrior.
I'm proud of my mixed Pakistani heritage. Pakistan has long been failed by colonialist rule or ruin. It was moulded as a militaristic junta style pro-West strategic ally, with strong ties to India and China, always courted, out of necessity engaging in never ending brinkmanship with the West and US. Even during recent 'indirect' trade wars with India over the mighty Mango, the US sided with Pakistan over steam cleaning and Harleys. Pakistan suffered the cultural onslaught, as India was the preferred partner of choice for all things exotica and Pakistan all things hardline. Despite Hindu nationalism and Modi-led Islamophobia rife, destruction of mosques and regular human rights abuses and massacres in disputed Kashmir, the West still paints Pakistan as the pariah state and disregards decades of increasing belligerence from its near neighbour.
Yet Pakistan has the potential to be so much more. With an Azad Kashmir bejewelled with K2 and the Himalayas, deserts to rugged plains, from lakes and tropical paradises, coastal retreats, to bustling cities, Peshawar and the Khyber Pass, the Silk Road, stories of yore, of Al Sikander (Alexander) the Great, and its greatest asset: the Pakistani people. A geographical, political and strategic importance, if it were able to unlock its economic power as the region’s new industries Silicon Valley, with the sharpness and acuity of the home population, Pakistan should be a place to watch for the future. Its time to sweep away old racist tropes, from the Islamophobia of Uncle Toms delivering us Citizen Khan, to the promise of real change, real stories and Prime Minister Khan. It’s far from perfect, and the Pakistani diaspora, in typical fashion, are quick to beat down that which they love the most. Yet with some hope and faith, this is a nation with much to offer a world in need of finding its soul once more.
As a life long fan, I went from amateur player to professional cricket coach working in the development of the game for women and girls. Diversity and engagement, are the things that will define a positive future on and off the pitch. Imran Khan, after his cricket career and playboy days, turned to social care. After building a free cancer treatment centre in Pakistan in honour of his late mother, he rapidly became a voice for change and renewal. At the heart of his agenda, an outspoken advocate for gender equality, religious moderation, social and economic reform. His victory marks a gain for religious moderates, whilst maintaining a coalition of support from hardliners and balancing with it the promise of sweeping anti-corruption measures.
With so much to offer, Pakistan finally has a new direction. From military brinkmanship to socially progressive policies and towards a golden era of alliances, trade, domestic reform and outward engagement.
Alhamdulillah, duas and best wishes to Imran Khan and the PTI. The biggest game, the best captain. Let us hope he is up to the task.
First published 26 July 2018: Medium