Why Do Imran Khan’s Slogans and Promises Sound so Familiar?

Imran Khan’s promise of giving the people a ‘new’ Pakistan won him the election, but these promises are hardly new.

Imran Khan has promised the people a ‘new’ Pakistan once he swears in.

(Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

He may not have been sworn in yet, but Pakistan’s new leader, Imran Khan, has in a way taken over as the new prime minister of the country. He is promising a new version of Pakistan, but if you listen closely, these promises, statements and accusations sound very familiar.

The Pakistani military may have helped him secure a win this election, but the key reason for his victory can be attributed to his promises. Here’s a look at his assurances to the people of Pakistan and judge for yourself whether they sound familiar.

Promise 1

“A Welfare State Based On Islamic Traditions”

Imran Khan assured that a Medina like welfare state would be set up in Pakistan and it would be run on Islamic traditions. Here, religious traditions and beliefs would receive priority in governance. While the focus is on welfare, religious principals would be followed as guidelines.

Promise 2

“Opposition Parties Pro-India”

According to Imran Khan, any political party that opposed him is pro-India. This is an accusation that Khan has constantly leveled against rival political parties. Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, his brother Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party’s Bilawal Bhutto were all accused of with working with Indian interests at heart. This is a formula that Imran Khan has employed time and again.

Promise 3

“Will Protect Treasury”

Imran Khan has assured the people of Pakistan that he will do his best to protect the country’s treasury while serving as the Prime Minister. Even going on to add that, if he fails to fulfill this promise, he will accept any punishment handed over to him.

Promise 4

“Won’t Let Exchequer Be Looted”

Imran Khan claimed that Pakistan was plundered by two families. He assured the people that he would free them from the ‘looting’ that was done by the Bhutto and Sharif clans. He went on to say that the reason for the bad state of Pakistan are these two families.

Promise 5

“Will Bring Back Black Money”

Imran Khan has promised the people of Pakistan that he will ensure every penny deposited in offshore accounts of foreign banks – that was looted from the people – is brought back to the country and put into public use.

Promise 6

“Put An End To Corruption”

Khan has repeated time and again that no one indulging in corruption would be spared and the practice of corruption will be eradicated. He has assured that politicians and businessmen also wouldn’t be spared irrespective of how powerful they are.

Promise 7

“The Army Is Great”

It is no secret that Imran Khan has reached the peak of power with the help of the army. That’s why he has always accused the Opposition of plotting against the Pakistan army for the benefit of India. Khan has always hit out at the Opposition, saying that despite the army’s sacrifice and contribution to the country, ‘some political parties’ are working against the country.

Here are a few other promises that you may have heard before:

• I will build a new Pakistan
• I will make Pakistan like Norway, Sweden and Denmark
• I will provide jobs to 1 crore people
• I will increase income of farmers so that farming becomes a profitable business
• I will eradicate poverty, it is the poor of the country who have the first right on the country's treasure
• Everyone will grow and prosper, even the minorities
• We will bring in more foreign investment
• The economy presently is in a bad state with a record fiscal deficit and trade deficit
•  The (Pakistani) rupee has never fallen this low compared to the dollar
• We will ensure better ease and cost of doing business
• We will form the sort of Government that Pakistan has never seen before
• Scope of taxes will be increased and politicians too wont be spared from paying taxes.
• Special arrangements will be made to ensure skill development in youth
• Pakistan will see a brand new form of government

The most significant thing to note would be that Imran Khan believes in ‘one man showmanhip’ style. His most important promise has been to run the country with simplicity and protect its treasury.

Whether or not the cricketer-turned-politician intends to act on his promises will be revealed soon. However, his words and assurances don’t sound very unique or new.

(This story was first published on Quint Hindi and has been translated by Ankita Sinha and Mariam Shaheen.)