History is always associated with the people rather than with the incidents. The recent election victory by Imran Khan created a great excitement in the whole world particularly in the subcontinent. In the 22-year long struggle against corruption, oppression and injustice, Imran Khan finally succeeded in breaking the stranglehold of the dynastic political parties who were taking turns to actually misgovern the country. He has shown that he is a man who not only cares deeply about his people but gets things done against all odds. From cricket to charity work, and from charity to politics it has been a long and lonely struggle for him.
I am a great fan of Imran Khan not only because of his cricket but also because of his social work and the kind of politics he is playing. I admire people who are gifted and have exceptional qualities, no matter which country or religion they belong. I grew up adoring his game while playing my local cricket. His bowling, captaincy and technically sound batting could individually grant him a great place in the world of cricket. As ESPN says, “In an era of great all-rounders, Imran Khan was perhaps the greatest”. I remember during 80s in a test match between the arch rivals in Delhi, a commentator saying that “When Imran Khan starts running to bowl, even Bhagwan comes down to earth to view this beautiful scene.” This was another class attached to his personality. In his illustrious career as player and team leader he led his country to many memorable victories on foreign soil. The cronyism and favoritism that had plagued country’s cricket suffered a permanent hiatus and meritocracy took precedence. It didn’t matter to him whether it was his cousin Majid Khan or a bowler from the slums to be axed on non performance but he would treat everyone equally. Reining in mercurial players, keeping the team united was not an easy job. It was his charismatic leadership that with a weak team he achieved a memorable victory in the 1992-World Cup. Imran introduced the fast bowling cult, discovered blooming talent who later became great payers of cricket that become inspiration for millions. His idea of introducing neutral umpires made the International cricket a more genuine and a clean game.
Having witnessed his mother’s long and painful battle with cancer, he became obsessive to build a free cancer hospital for poor, well before leaving the cricket. The experts had warned him that providing free treatment in a cancer hospital was not feasible in any part of the world and that hospital would be forced to close down after a few months if it treated poor cancer patients for free. It always seemed impossible until it was done. Imran focused indefatigably on fund-raising campaigns collected donations from the people at home and abroad. He made notable personal contributions and went overboard in his fund collection drive. The Shaukat Khanum cancer hospital in memory of his mother opened in 1994 in Lahore now is recognized internationally with its world class services and standards. It is the leading health institution in the country and only hospital in the world which offers free cancer treatment to 75 per cent of poor patients. Expanding more such hospitals, he inaugurated one in Peshawar in 2015 and another one in Karachi to be completed in 2019. In 2008 he established a technical college called Namal University, the region is growing into a Namal Knowledge City. When Imran became chancellor of Bradford University he convinced them to affiliate themselves with this college where students are getting degrees from Bradford University.
After getting all the accolades of life, Imran could have taken rest and enjoyed luxurious life. His reason of launching Tehreek-i-Insaf in 1996 was not to become a routine successful politician, as he says. He wants to wipe out corruption, nepotism and family-based politics and restore justice and dignity to long-suffering population of his country. Political commentators believe that one can’t equate leading a cricket team with leading a country. While this is true, but the fact remains that politicians in this part of the world have made politics an extremely complex affair. As Imran says that “unlike in the west where the politics is easy, it is not normal here and when one is up against mafia, it involves a physical danger”. Imran’s politics looks simple that is commitment to social justice. His adversaries may portray his negative image on small issues or exploit him for his erratic behavior that might be dangerous for the country. But Imran is unlike the other politicians that we see today. He is much ahead in terms of contributions he has already made towards his country. He has a legacy that he has built on his own. The man has not a single case of corruption charges against him. A well educated person who studied Politics, Economics and Philosophy at Oxford, he is a great orator who speaks from the heart in his beautiful Urdu and English language. The youth who played a key role in the elections see him as the only hope to bring real change in the country.
Now as new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran is facing enormous challenges at home and abroad. One of the imminent challenges is the grave economic situation in the country. He has pledged to come down hard on corruption, strengthen institutions, alleviate poverty and improve governance. It remains to be seen, how he uses his charisma and tenacity to improve relations with India and the US, as he enjoys international fame and is likable person in India. There is every hope that he will pursue his goals with the same dogged persistence as in the past that may usher in an era of peace and prosperity in the region.