Imran Khan takes guard

Imran Khan, the new light radiating in South Asia. A troubled geographical area not known for prolonged, incremental and sustained “light”. Activities under the constant watchful eyes of Uncle Sam. Any semblance of righteous effulgence socio-economic or otherwise either benign or remotely inimical subject to close scrutiny and typically towards perpetual political pillory. 

America’s sharp and technologically superior pince-nez can easily detect non-existent weapons of mass destruction, even though nations in the region are destitute and plagued with un-arrestable socio-political ills. White kids in the comfort of air-conditioned rooms playing war games have killed more people in this region.

Nonetheless, the Imran Khan brand is growing and glowing. Winning fans and well-wishers around the world. Imran Khan, not an Arjuna Ranatunga or Navjot Singh Sidhu, not even Sebastian Coe, though all embraced politics from a point of sporting stardom. He has already proven he is made of superior mettle, grit and drive. A man with unparalleled determination and motivation. Has a clear vision for his Motherland. Given his character, charisma and accomplishments he is destined for great things with God’s permission. People of Pakistan have strong faith in their hero and it’s palpable.

Who can take guard to play a long and genuine innings for Sri Lanka? It’s rare to see successful and cerebral sporting personalities engage in politics, I am not talking about the standard riffraff. One who could engage with crusader-like passion for true change, which is the need of the hour. Imran, a rare breed and wholly worthy of emulation. Kumar Sangakkara, a good bet, but can he be convinced? A true patriot and a solid prospect.

The iconic cricketer has everything required for the job. His entry may prove decisive especially in arresting the out-of-control corruption and fast-eroding common decency in politics. Obliterated, decimated, deracinated in the last two decades. The call is not a request but a fervent plea. If the game of cricket instils character, gentleman-like behaviour and tenacity, these two personalities have made a great mark, Imran Khan and our own Kumar Sangakkara. Former already doing his bit for his country and Kumar could traverse a similar path for his Motherland. Pakistan is a nation with true potential, utterly wasted with systemic and endless corruption, extremism and unabated geopolitical wrangling. It’s been a few months since Imran Khan made a resounding electoral victory. A patiently-fought battle, a battle that fully exposed him to all kinds of danger. He is in the driving seat now, navigating and negotiating a turbulent course. His only enemy the impatience of his own people. Whilst admitting quick fixes won’t work, a transparent and sustainable direction would be most welcome.

The new Prime Minister is affording and demonstrating impeccable leadership just the way he did on the cricket field. Hard-core fans and voters alike have reposed full confidence in the supposed “champion saviour” – the upbeat chorus from the grassroots. They’re hoping and praying he realises his ultimate goal of a “new Pakistan” free from all corruption.

 One cannot realistically evaluate politics and political leadership in the South Asian region without being unduly cynical. Corruption in these nations is not just corrosive but compounded, perhaps calamitously combustible. Amounts plundered of people’s wealth is gargantuan, no longer stops at 10 digits, that threshold crossed long time ago. The malaise chronic and haemorrhaging acute.

With near double-digit inflation and a failing local currency, numbers seamlessly and unrestrictedly north bound, the predicament of Sri Lanka is similar if not identical. To sustain political dynasties and compete in the expensive electoral process requires tons of currency, namely to finance campaigns, to satiate existing members from doing the long jump, to woo opposition members to do the pole-vault and to engage in many nebulous and often nocturnal activities. No exaggeration but a realistic and honest account of how the “imperfect” democratic process works in the region. 

Not to mention the new kid on the block and czar of the region flinging dollars and yuan like the amiable all-year “Santa”. Whoever wants to work with the Chinese to build ports, roads and dams are persistently tantalised. Take a good look at Sri Lanka for demonstrable experience of speedy “Chinese take-away”. No doubt a testing time for their legislators and not to succumb to lucre.

The entire SAARC region notoriously shares the nocuous contagion, the mutating and metastasising strain. If corruption was a sport with some dubious recompense, international jurors will have a tough time to adjudicate winners simply because flying to nooks and corners of the globe to unearth stashed currency and other valuables would be one heck of a task.

It is in this heinous backdrop that Imran Khan comes, the supposed saviour for Pakistan. Will he deliver or squander like his predecessors? Stakes are high and his is an untainted personality. Prime Minister Khan launched quite early, making clear his intentions and objectives. Recently he was seen sweeping in the clean and green initiative project at a local school in Islamabad. Doubtless quite symbolic considering the thousands of square feet of floors he would have to sweep in getting rid of traces of entrenched corruption. His challenges are many and not all donors will be happy to aid corruption.

The world is watching Pakistan, more importantly and precisely its charismatic and untainted leader. Achievements of its socio-economic milestones will provide positive signals. When that happens the region will wake up, it has to. That’s when Imran Khan will either extend a powerful pugilist blow or fling bovine faecal matter at the region’s traditional politicians who have exclusively contributed to the misery of the people.