Key Points
- Imran Khan’s recent statement invoking Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Jinnah reflects a sense of confusion and uncertainty within him.
- There is a disparity between Imran Khan and the figures he mentioned, such as Gandhi accepting the creation of Pakistan and Jinnah seeing partition as a solution.
- Imran Khan’s alleged support for violence through his ideology, such as his alignment with the Taliban, contradicts the non-violent ideals of figures like Gandhi.
- The leadership crisis in Pakistan, characterized by absurd actions and a finger-pointing contest between political parties, contributes to confusion throughout society and exacerbates the challenges faced by the country.
In a recent conversation at Dr. Qamar Cheema Show with Barister Hamid Bishani; Dr Qamar Cheema raised a question that Imran Khan is giving various statements to impress his audience domestically and internationally. He recently made a statement that he is on a mission inspired by Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Jinnah. What are your views on this?
Dr. Hamid Bishani expressed his views on Imran Khan’s recent statement, highlighting its relative and significant points in contemporary politics. He noted that while Imran Khan has made references to various individuals, such as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it is interesting that he recently invoked the names of Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Jinnah.
Dr. Bishani pointed out that Imran Khan often emphasizes the concept of “Riyast e Madina” (the State of Medina), to the extent that it raised concerns in Saudi Arabia, with reports suggesting that MBS (Mohammed bin Salman) expressed his apprehension over the confusion being created in their society, as they are striving for modernization. Similarly, there is expected to be a strong reaction from India as well.
Looking at this objectively, Dr. Bishani observed that Imran Khan has discussed a wide range of ideological influences throughout his career, which reflects a deep confusion within him. Therefore, the recent statement further exemplifies his state of mind, characterized by uncertainty.
Dr. Bishani further pointed out the disparities between Imran Khan and the figures he mentioned. Gandhi, for instance, expressed his sorrow over the division of the subcontinent, but as a political figure, he accepted the creation of Pakistan as a nation and a country. On the other hand, Jinnah saw the partition as the solution to various problems in the subcontinent.
Regarding Nelson Mandela, Dr. Bishani highlighted that he was a person of different stature, but he also faced allegations of terrorism. Therefore, it is inappropriate to draw parallels between these individuals and Imran Khan.
Dr. Bishani suggested that Imran Khan may be using the names of these popular figures for his own political gains. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Imran Khan promotes violence directly. Nevertheless, Dr. Bishani believes that Imran Khan is spreading violence through his vision and actions, and this is in stark contrast to the ideology of Gandhi, who advocated non-violence.
Dr. Bishani asserted that these three leaders cannot be placed on the same pedestal, and it is politically and ideologically incorrect to align them in such a manner. Imran Khan should refrain from using every personality for his own political interests and gains.
Barrister Bishani expressed his views on Imran Khan’s planning of protests and his response to the Chief Justice’s question regarding the violence on May 9th. He believed that the opinion about Imran Khan’s actions was not just held by the general public but also by the authorities, including the military establishment and other important figures. The spokesperson for the Pakistan military had clearly stated that the incident was a planned act of violence.
Barrister Bishani agreed that Imran Khan supported violence through his ideology. He highlighted Imran Khan’s support for the Taliban and his justification of the 30-year war in Afghanistan as a success, which indicates the violence and brutality associated with such ideologies.
While current proceedings have not yet provided concrete evidence against Imran Khan, Barrister Bishani emphasized the importance of legal approval in a court of law. He noted that holding a violent ideology and actively participating in violent activities are two distinct matters. In his opinion, Imran Khan appears confused and disoriented, lacking a clear direction.
Barrister Bishani criticized the current state of affairs in Pakistan, describing the crisis and the actions of political leadership as absurd. He likened the situation to a finger-pointing between two political parties, with both sides stooping to low levels. The leadership crisis in Pakistan is causing confusion throughout society, exacerbating the challenges faced by the country.
