Imran wants Modi back in power - seriously?
In the election season, Imran Khan hedging his bets for peace talks with India on the return to power for PM Modi added a bit of humour to the vein-popping serious public discourse and gave a proverbial stick to the opposition to bash the ruling party with.
Political parties need all the ammunition when push comes to shove and a billion strong lining up to exercise their right to choose is an intimidating scenario that would make hardened politicians turn to jelly.
It is equally amusing to note the secular parties taking a cue from the Pak PM to bash a PM who flaunts his nationalistic credentials rather openly.
That a-now-politically-hardened ex all-rounder would deliver a veritable full toss at a crucial political juncture beats logic.
But was it at all a 'loose ball'? Perhaps not. The seemingly innocuous statement is loaded with long term intentions. A mistimed April fool’s day joke probably?
Interestingly, Imran Khan let fly his good intentions during an interactive session with the foreign press crop. He also suggested that Congress will not be as open to the suggestion of restarting talks or peace process with Pakistan if it comes back to power. That may be partially true — given the post-Balakot air strike, India's strategic-diplomatic response has probably changed entirely. What Imran missed is that government policies in India do not change with the change of government.
Irrespective of whosoever comes to power, works for the betterment of the country, policies are amended, responses are sometimes calibrated but never does the entire response change. A change of government does not necessarily affect foreign policy initiatives or standpoints.
Balakot strikes was a response from India, not the government. That opposition parties are training their guns on PM Modi after Imran Khan's aside is just electoral politics. It will have no bearing on the government's policy on dealing with Pakistan irrespective of the ideology that dominates the Parliament.
However, if you are to disassociate yourself from the dust and grind of political opportunism, it may not be very difficult to see what Imran is aiming for.
The Pakistan economy is tethering on the brink of disaster, India is pushing hard for blacklisting it at FTAF.
On the other hand, the US and others are trying to push through a resolution to ban Azhar Masood, bypassing the UN's 1267 sanctions committee. That would make it tricky for China. However, Pakistan is on the crosshairs. As the world unites behind India, the beleaguered Pak PM needs to paint a pro-peace, pro-development, liberal image, else the economy would go bankrupt, regardless of whatever help the all-weather and only ally of Pakistan extends. So suddenly we are seeing Imran Khan projecting a dovish image, at a time when his foreign minister is openly speaking about 'intel inputs' of India's plans to attack Pakistan.
PM Khan needs an image makeover, and fast. An image makeover for the consumption of the international community, FATF, UN etc.
From the image of a hardliner, supported by the all-powerful army, ISI and radicals, to that of a liberal PM, trying to usher in change on the ground. In a country where proscribed groups get new nomenclature as soon as one is banned and terrorist organisations openly collect funds on the streets, it will be a hard ask.
Nice try. But you missed the All Fools' Day by a bit Mr PM.
Also read: Why Imran Khan’s 'naya Pakistan' is no country for Hindu women