News Analysis |
The inclusion of Dr. Amir Liaqat in Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has led to an uproar against the PTI’s decision across the country.
PTI lower tier leadership seems discontent and remorseful over with the decision to accept the highly controversial Dr. Aamir Liaquat Hussain.
Whatever the explanation was given by the party leadership, PTI activists are questioning the induction policy and mechanism of the party.
Read more: Salman Ahmed took a dig at Imran Khan on Aamir Liaquat…
PTI youth members and workers have openly criticized the party decision and are seeking an answer from party leadership over its controversial recruitment. Though, PTI’s secretary Information Chaudhary Fawad Hussein downplayed the controversy and said that under party’s membership campaign anyone who supports the ideology of PTI and Imran Khan can join the part, however, party posts/position are only achievable through core committee’s decision.
Given the party policy of past few years, PTI workers should not be surprised over this decision given that Fawad was as much a critic of the party as Aamir Liaqat. Fawad criticized the party and its workers several times in the past on private channels and social media. Same has been the case with Aamir Liaqat who repeatedly condemned Imran Khan on TV channels and in newspaper columns. Despite this blatant fact, party leadership risked the induction of a personality like him that even in presence of Khan himself.
Read more: Imran Khan welcomes Aamir Liaquat: Is PTI compromising on its ideology?
Already within PTI ranks, one of the weakest links is the striking similarities between the previously unworthy leaders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) & the current crusaders of change which are profoundly presenting the case for PTI after a new source of revolutionary power under Khan.
The past achievements of Amir Liaqat depict that in the long run, he will be more of a liability than an asset for PTI. PTI’s membership campaign in Karachi would be more successful without his controversial presence, especially after his eventful departure from Bol TV network.
During and after Panama case, Fawad has been in the limelight and in other words, has been a poster boy for PTI.
Despite the fact that Amir Liaqat has been an extremely outspoken & controversial figure, always unaware of his boundaries, with a meager sense of judgment, he resembles Fawad to some extent which may be the criterion for induction.
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The past achievements of Amir Liaqat depict that in the long run, he will be more of a liability than an asset for PTI. PTI’s membership campaign in Karachi would be more successful without his controversial presence, especially after his eventful departure from Bol TV network.
Imran Khan had praised Chaudhry Fawad for achieving success within PTI in quick succession and that too, on merit.
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PTI has witnessed an apparent decline in its popularity and following in Karachi after rising dynamically before 2013 general elections. Since, then party seemed non-existent in the city and failed to grow despite the presence of void left due to the incompetence of PPP and infighting among Muttahida Qaumi Movement –Pakistan (MQM-P).
In his second visit to Karachi in quick succession, Khan was aiming to improve the image of the party.
But, if the merit is such to improve party’s profile, then PTI apparently should stop expecting much in next polls.
If the party is to revive its image, it must distance itself from controversial personalities such as Dr. Amir Liaqat, Firdous Ashiq Awan, Raja Riaz and Aleem Dar, who may leave doubt in the hearts of PTI voters.
Perplexed individuals end up questioning the stance of the party.
Read more: A greener KP: Imran Khan pays tribute to the billion tree…
A common myth is whoever comes under the leadership of Khan, automatically gets purified
If Imran’s purification plant runs more operations this summer, there is a risk that more workers may abandon the party. Imran’s membership campaign needs trustworthy, honest and reputable people, rather than abandoned members of other parties. Mingling with shambolic people might not send a right signal at this crucial juncture.
PTI had a reputation for attracting young and educated voters however the recent party recruits might prove costly for the party.