Source: Qantara
In Pakistan, the former cricket star and populist Imran Khan is attracting an ever-growing number of followers. His rise underlines the widespread dissatisfaction with the current leadership. Marcus Michaelsen reports from Islamabad
If Imran Khan has his way, it will take him only ninety days to root out corruption in Pakistan. If it were up to him, all of the country’s politicians would have already had to publically disclose their wealth. A government under Khan’s leadership would adhere to the principles of modesty and transparency.
The former cricket star has a clear opinion about another of the country’s problems. Terrorist attacks and extremism can only be overcome by ending Pakistan’s alliance with the USA. Drone attacks and military action in the border region with Afghanistan only promote the growth of militant groups, he says. Pakistan’s sovereignty is being sold in exchange for American financial aid.
Imran Khan’s simple solutions are receiving notice. In the past few months, rallies held by Khan’s Pakistan Movement for Justice (PTI) have drawn up to a hundred thousand people. Khan founded the PTI some 15 years ago, but has, up until now, chosen to sit on the political “reserve bench”. The dissatisfaction with the current government under President Zardari, however, has led to a growth in the number of Khan’s followers. With his gaze directed at the elections scheduled for 2013, Khan sees his moment as having arrived and wants to transform his country at the head of a “political tsunami”.