Pak PM Khan faces criticism for U-turns
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been dubbed “Mister U-Turn” on both mainstream and social media by his detractors, as his supporters continue to defend his remarks that making a turnround on crucial issues is a “hallmark of great leadership”.
Last week, Khan said in a statement: “Leaders should always be ready to take U-turns according to the requirement of their duties and best interests of the nation.”
Talking to journalists on Saturday, Khan also said, “The leader who does not do timely U-turns is not a real leader.”
He gave the example of the “failure of Adolf Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte in the wars in Russia” and said: “Both Hitler and Napoleon faced defeat as they did not change their strategies according to the situation and (as a result) their armies were marooned in Russia.”
On Sunday, Khan reiterated his stance on flexibility in actions or thoughts by leaders, saying taking a U-turn was a “hallmark of great leadership”.
But his detractors say his government is responsible for going back on its word on a number of issues. He is most remembered for his recent speech in which he warned religious and extremist groups for issuing threatening statements after the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was cleared of blasphemy charges by the Supreme Court.
Within days, his government caved in to the demands of the hardliners and a half hearted attempt was made to arrest them, but most of them were let off soon after.
“His government continues to go back on its word - whether its on security or finance. The information minister, the official spokesperson, is no more taken seriously,” said Zarar Khuhro, who hosts a political show on Dawn TV.
In his defence, Khan said his government will soon present a comprehensive plan for eliminating poverty, better education and health facilities, and some other reforms. “The first 100 days of any government determine its direction and policies,” he said. Unfortunately, he said, no effort had been made to bring in what he called “real democracy” in the country, adding that instead of democracy, kleptocracy had so far ruled Pakistan, where rulers used their powers for their own interests.
Khan said despite obtaining huge foreign loans in the past, Pakistan is still among Third World countries. “We do not know the amount of resources our country has,” he added.
In response, Khursheed Shah, a senior leader of the opposition Pakistan People’s Party, said Hitler was a dictator and by citing his example, Khan has proved he too is a Hitler.