Opinion Howzzat?

before the rally,many analysts were dismissing the event as simply another ‘Imran Khan show’. But now the same people are predicting the sportsman-turned-philanthropist-turned-politician will prove to be a game-changer on the political scene… The sudden ‘rise’ in Khan’s popularity has given rise to conspiracy theories. The loudest of these is the oft-repeated narrative that blames the agencies for the “crowds” that turned up in Lahore.”

National Assembly opposition leader and PML-N stalwart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said: “Everyone knew whom the ‘umpires’ were supporting,” and that “everyone also knew who the ‘umpires’ in the country were.”

An editorial in The News on November 1 explained: “He will have to work very hard to prove he can turn the PTI’s popularity with certain segments into votes and seats… Sunday’s rally has convinced even the biggest cynics of the PTI’s worth as an electoral ticket and may thus push a large number of undecided political heavyweights in Imran’s direction,giving his party the winnable local candidates it has so far been missing. One hopes Imran will be able to make the important judgment calls as he talks to politicians across the spectrum. One also hopes Imran will be able to demonstrate his success is not the result of an impartial umpire… Finally,since the lowering of the voting age to 18,a new constituency has emerged and it is increasingly clear Imran is the biggest contender for its vote…”

Most favoured neighbour?

The clearance given by Pakistan’s cabinet for granting the MFN status to India was hailed. An editorial Dawn on November 4 discussed the implications: “If implemented,it would have a far-reaching impact on relations between the two countries. Some political parties have expressed concerns over the consequences it would have on Pakistan’s security. Objections have also come from trade lobbies that fear Indian imports could hit the domestic industry and add to unemployment. However,the issue is not so simple: the MFN tag is a misnomer,for it is actually a non-discriminatory regime that more or less all nations have to extend to each other as members of the WTO. This would also strengthen Pakistan’s case for the removal of non-tariff barriers,which are a major source of the current imbalance in bilateral trade to Islamabad’s disadvantage.”

Spotted,finally

The English jail sentences and fines awarded to cricketers Salman Butt,Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif and their agent Mazhar Majeed found support in Pakistan’s newspapers. An editorial in The Express Tribune on November 2,titled ‘A welcome verdict’,stated: “The verdict… has put a lot of minds — and hearts — at ease. It’s about time those who throw away matches and their country’s name were made to pay for their sins… They not only let down millions who had invested their trust in them but their continued intransigence stomped upon and ridiculed every ounce of love the country’s cricket followers had bestowed on them.”

Meanwhile,support came from their families and,interestingly,Pakistan’s interior minister. The Express Tribune reported that Butt’s sisters claimed their brother had “been made made a scapegoat for a wider conspiracy”; Amir’s brother expected the court would let him off after his confession and be simply fined. Interior Minister Rehman Malik offered to “defend the players if they are found innocent,” seemingly oblivious to the judgment.