By: Uzma Bawany

From August 2008, on Imran Khan’s visit to Chicago:

When I think of Pakistan, I think of the expressive Mughal Empire, the knowledge, the talent and inspiration of a country that was built on dreams of a grand future. And for some time it flourished, it had built a foundation strong enough to sustain its independence. It became known as one of the prominent knowledge hubs in the Southern Asian Region and populace from around the world gathered there whether it was to view the mystical regions of Kashmir or to earn the highest national standard in education known to the provinces of Asia.

Underlying all which was very pretty was a tumultuous political platform. A Pakistan that was young and developing as a country was in need of a leader that was strong yet compassionate, powerful but never overbearing, charismatic but also substantive of declarative intellect.

Over recent decades, we’ve seen a many leaders come and go. We’ve seen people change, the country change, unfortunately, all contrary to any efforts in prosperity for the country. Let’s face it, we all know that Pakistan doesn’t have a very brag worthy record as far as media—or the rest of the world is concerned. During these trying times, when the spotlight is on our country do we run and hide—denying our heritage? Or do we, as a cohesive group come together and promote an elect for a promising Pakistan?

Why is the country in such a chaotic position today? (And when I use words such as chaotic and tumultuous—we all know what I’m referring to. Pakistan is at the forefront of terrorist activity, an illegitimate political system and has been “honored” most dangerous country in the world.)

I feel it’s a combination of circumstances; threads of poison that have come together to create a knot that is nearly inescapable. The only thing that can make a difference is a leader that is for the people and a people that supports such a leader. The people of Pakistan need inspiration and hope. They need to know that there are genuine people who will fight for a cause—for the betterment of the country at no expectation of reward. They also need to know that people in other realms and regions of the world will believe and invest in the future of Pakistan. So don’t you for a second think that just because you are oceans away, you have no responsibility.

You my friends, are just as much responsible for the future of Pakistan—for Pakistan is what bred the opportunities our parents were given and the golden torch is now in our hands.

Now I will share with you the inspiration for the short excerpt—yes I know Pakistan Independence day is approaching and so a thought provoking narrative is fitting. Though my true inspiration is a fundraiser I attended in promotion of Imran Khan and his cause for an honest political government in Pakistan.

Imran Khan is leader elect of a political party called Tehreek-e-Insaf. A party which he says stands for Justice, Humanity and Self-Esteem.
After serving as master cricketer, Imran Khan could have retired to luxurious land to live a life of no worries, no compromising and no struggles. Instead, he chose to facilitate his time to guarantee that the poor have a world-class health care institution. He founded Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and established Pakistan’s first and only cancer hospital; providing patients with 75% free care. Mr. Imran Khan continues to raise funds and has been currently working on several other major social projects which include construction of a cancer hospital in Karachi, Pakistan and the establishment of a technical college in the Mianwali District.

Many people turn the other way and “pretend” they don’t realize the troubles of the world. It’s easier that way right?

Wrong.

Because in the end, people will realize that we are all bound to one another. The fruits that suffice your appetite, the clothes that you are wearing, the technology that you’ve been privileged with—it all came from someone else, somewhere else in the world. When a regions moral landscape is destroyed, when the structure of a province has collapsed—we all are at a loss. The world is out of balance. When the region holds historical, personal and spiritual relevancy to us—the depth of loss is even greater.

Imran Khan is a representation of what it means to not turn the other cheek. And time and time again, he has proven that his talent is above and beyond just physical aptitudes.

Mr. Khan represents an ideology which necessitates a political structure built on an honest judicial system and investment in its people. A publicly instated, qualified and dignified education for the people of Pakistan must be a priority. Mr. Khan said “Pakistan at one point had the greatest scientists and the most talented of people, today, our state school education system has collapsed and all of our money is in arms.”

Mr. Khan compared judicial systems—pointing out that Singapore has an incredibly high per capita income and coincidentally also sets the international standard for a judicial system which no other country has yet crossed the ranks of. “The better the law, the more prosperous the expectations will be of a country. The better a judicial system, the more realistic will be the hope.”

“A country itself cannot be changed, until the country itself wants to change,” he states.

He shared with us his story of visiting a jail. A jail which he said was crowded with innocent people, people only guilty of being poor. If you want to curb assassins of the law you must “stop letting crime pay,” he says. “All of the criminals are out in the open, they have taken a stronghold on Pakistan. “Crime can stop and it will stop—when it becomes expensive to be a violator of the law. These people are not being caught or punished and so crime prospers under these conditions.”

As we tackle the problems of international pressure and the “War on Terrorism” we must not forget about domestic priorities. The agricultural, industrial and services economy has grand potential in Pakistan, the resources are there. What is required is solid investment and an efficient working infrastructure. In correspondence with the support of an honest judicial system and educational priority the country CAN achieve dreams.

Opportunity is counteractive to violence.

Thank you Sir Imran Khan for speaking out in view of a policy for change in the benefit of the people!