Loud Thinking

Imran surpasses Anna Hazare in awakening masses against corruption

Liaqat Toor
Daily Pakistan Observer

Tuesday, September 09, 2014 – Islamabad—As the twin protests entered 26th day on D-Chowk here whipping the government daily, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has surpassed Anna Hazare, an Indian anti-corruption campaigner in awakening masses in Pakistan, political observers said.

Challenging powerful forces of status quo, Imran Khan has launched a drive against what he alleged massive rigging in elections and corruption of the rulers and the elite forces. Attracting middle and lower middle classes, especially youngsters to rally around him, PTI Chief standing on his container in Red Zone is determined to continue his movement what he called ‘Jihad’ against those who have made democratic system hostage.

When questioned, the youngsters coming from various cities and town to the sit-in, they said they are impressed by Imran’s bravery and truthfulness. “We are not office bearers and workers of PTI, but we have come to support Imran Khan”, they said:

Independent observers in Islamabad said credit goes to Imran Khan for bringing out those classes from their homes which had never been in the mainstream of politics. October 30, 2011 was the breaking day for PTI when unprecedented crowd gathered in the ground of Minar-e-Pakistan. Afterward, the PTI did not look back and continued its march on the road of popularity. Belonging to a non-political family, Imran who had never shown his interest to enter politics when he was a celebrated captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team, Imran has proved to be a lone fighter against all odds. The cricket ground has transformed him into a man who never accepts defeat.

Before Oct.30 public rally in Lahore, Imran was a desperate person who had failed to hold any impressive public gathering anywhere in Pakistan during his long 14 year struggle. But, after 30 October, 2011 he not only succeeded in staging big shows in Punjab, Sindh and KP but he also brought his party to second position on victory stand of 2013 elections and formed government in KP.

Political observers in Islamabad who are watching Red Zone phenomenon closely said whether Imran succeeds or fails, he has done a wonderful job of awakening masses in Pakistan.

He is ahead of Anna Hazare of India who with a long record of fighting against corruption in India had not participated in political struggle. Imran has a different case, the observers said. The people of Pakistan are listening to him in the cities and towns.