Imran Khan and the Future of Pakistan

By Sajjad Suhail-Sindhu

It has come to my attention that people in Pakistan, Pakistanis around the world and other sections of Pakistan society continue to be wary and incredulous as to Imran’s abilities to bring about real change. To these people, I say this:

Know, that the present path and direction of this country, is one that has taken more than a quarter century to carve out. It is like a river that has had its direction of flow determined by the malfeasance of the previous two criminal organizations that wanted the waters of that river to only flow into their own lands, those crooks who masqueraded as political parties, channeling resources, just for their own, for so long a time as to have caused near catastrophe for Pakistan and her people.

Know, that the only way to change the direction of flow of this river and therefore the change in the direction of Pakistan is if we, the people of Pakistan, HELP Imran Khan to carve out new directions for that river, to help nourish every nook and cranny of the land that is Pakistan, and therefore, new directions for Pakistan by working together.

Let us be like a startup company, where each employee has a stake in its success.  Let us call Pakistan a Startup Nation, and endeavor to undertake steps consistent with a startup company. Let us all roll up our sleeves and join hands with our startup’s chief executive – Imran Khan.

Let us listen to the words of Pakistan’s greatest poet – Alama Iqbal, let’s  find inspiration that helps to guide us, lift us, for we are like the eagle caught up in those mighty storms, and Imran Khan is, literally, the wind under our wings, and he seeks to make us fly higher.

Let us find direction from the lines of the legendary poem, Desiderata, and carve out our near future, and, not be under any illusion as to the size of this task, and, as far as possible, without surrender, let us bring our neighbors together, speaking truth and listening clearly to each other – avoiding loud and aggressive persons.

Let us consider Rudyard Kipling’s IF and the two faces of the coin that is success and failure and learn from it, balancing one against the other, all the while enjoying our achievements and our plans, working together, plowing along.

Let us keep being interested in our programs, encouraging one another for success, always exercising caution, for, indeed, there is much trickery. And, yes, we must never be blind to what virtues there are, and must always be heroic and strive for higher ideals.

Let us love one another, without feigning affection, and nurture strength of character in the face of challenges ahead, relying upon them and one another, for cushion and shield in sudden misfortune.

Let us not distress ourself with imagined failure. We must be disciplined and gentle with one another in full view of God, asking for his assistance in quiet prayer, as we labor with Imran, carving out a new direction for our river to flow, leaving yesterday’s sham, drudgery and broken dreams in the past – and create a  new Pakistan.

Let us push back on naysayers, who would see Imran fail, for In the words of Robert Frost’s famous poem, Mountain Interval, these are the ages, ages hence. Two roads have diverged in the woods and Imran, takes us on the road less travelled, showing us new directions.

Let us not stand around wondering what Imran can do, for in the words of Robert Plant’s prophetic song, Stairway to Heaven, Imran is the Piper calling you to join him,  for he cannot do it all by himself, as a new day has dawned for those who stood long, and the Forest, does indeed, echo with laughter.

Let us go to work for our mothers, fathers, for our sisters and our brothers, for our yet unborn children, let us go to work for Imran’s and our children’s future – Pakistan.