By:Zubair Khalil Khan

After having made in depth analysis of Lahore Jalsa, youth fans declared Imran Khan as one of the most charismatic political leaders of Pakistan and prophesied soon he will have very strong connection with voters of the country. It was also predicted this charismatic politician will find it easier to get all required things done, thanks to an extensive network of relationships with youth who are willing to help such charismatic politician. According to the understanding of youth segment of Pakistani society, charisma is a certain quality of an individual personality by virtue of which he is set apart from his colleagues and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities. These are such as are not accessible to other colleagues, but are regarded as of divine origin or as exemplary, and on the basis of them the individual concerned is treated as a charismatic leader. To his youth fans, Khan possesses all such qualities and traits. Contrary to aforementioned analysis few media reports while commenting about historical Jalsa of Imran Khan in Lahore wrote, “Unfortunately, the PTI leader’s one true consistency has been his penchant for issuing grandois and sweeping generalized populist rhetoric without an ounce of explanation how these seemingly magical deeds are to be accomplished. Mr Khan’s politics seems to be revolving around ideals that in reality are hard to materialize, especially in the absence of a clearly chalked-out plan by his party on how to deal with the issues, problems and conflicts confronted by the country. Mr Khan’s political approach is superficial and impractical as it lacks in-depth understanding of the issues.

In the presence of these 180 degrees apart viewpoints let us examine where actually Khan stands. When it is said that Khan has charisma then he is bound to show a personality which is almost magnetic, paired with superb communication skills. The people who would like to associate with him they would like often to have a feeling of well being, contentment, and security which makes them happy to follow the charismatic individual.  Similarly a charismatic personality is associated with perceptions that leader is a real visionary and will succeed in forecasting the future national trends because a visionary leader has always been judged to be more creative, curious and good for the nation. However here comes one dilemma that charisma sometimes is an illusion where leader can establish a reputation as a transformational, charismatic leader in a number of valid ways, by veiling how he/she accomplishes what he/she does, like a stage magician. Winning in political endeavors comes not only from performing well, but also from managing the interpretations that others make of your performance. While the nation may benefit from such a leader in the eyes of the followers, such theatrics can also be dangerous, as they limit the thinking process for others. Hence, political researchers suggest that nation should probe more deeply when electing leaders on the basis of charisma. Khan has style and can gather followers through dint of personality and charm. He pays a great deal of attention in scanning and then building the image of the group, in particular in reading the environment, and is good at picking up the moods and concerns of both individuals and larger audiences. He then hones his actions and words to suit the situation. Khan uses a wide range of methods to manage his image. He shows great confidence in his followers. While delivering speech he is very persuasive and makes very effective use of body language as well as verbal language. Mr Khan these days often focuses strongly on making his political group very clear and distinct, separating it from other similar groups. The most visible and obvious drawback with him is lack of vision.  Untill now he has not been able to prove himself as a visionary leader. 

Currently iron has become hot once again. Conspiracy of Mansoor Ejaz Memo has brought an irreparable damage to current set up. Secret collection of evidence directly by ISI chief from US clearly indicates where Civil and Military top brass stand for their mutual trust and understanding. Mood in GHQ is quite angry. People of Pakistan are also fed up of Zardari, Sherif and Hussain and really begging for change.  So there seems a very strong chance emerging for a change in political set up of the country. Might be shortly Mr Khan is invited to take over the charge of Nation though under the protective umbrella of GHQ. Sicne Mr Khan lacks vision as such the most important advise for him will be urgently setting upTehrik-e-Insaf think tank comprising of talented minds, capable of formulating honest and correct ways and means to reform the psyche of the nation and to put country on the right track. If he is able to do it successfully his name can occupy a distinctive place in the history of Pakistan.