PML(N) is the best bet for Pakistan as even the opinion polls there seem to indicate (Swing in Reverse, May 06). Imran Khan is the worst of the lot. Not only for Indo-Pak relations but even for Pakistan itself. Any half-idiot can see through him. The way he goes on about good Taliban/bad Taliban, it’s clear he has no intention of reining them in if he comes to power. It’s also clear that he’s the army straw man in some ways like Nawaz Sharif was at the beginning of his political career. He has been chosen to attract the young and first-time voter. Also for being an unknown quantity with an unsullied political reputation since he has never been in power. He is more saleable to the West.
Ashutosh Kaul, Toronto
Imran is nothing but a pro-Taliban, Pakistan army stooge. He’ll be another deceiver a la Pervez Musharraf.
Kishore Dasmunshi, Calcutta
I am all for Imran Khan. He comes across as sincere in his desire to make Pakistan a true democracy, a welfare state with regard for rule of law and an independent judiciary.
Haritha Shaganti, on e-mail
Indians seem to believe that Imran would do wonders for the Indo-Pak relationship and quell terrorists. This is partly fuelled by the 40-plus aunties in the media and the carryover of their infatuation with him as cricketer. But we better watch out. Imran, if he makes it to the PM’s seat, will rake up the Kashmir issue, stoke terrorism and play it like a cricket game with a bit of ball-tampering.
Sanjay Mittal, New Delhi
Imran could be a fresh face on the Pak national scene even if he has no fresh ideas or isn’t particularly bright.
Anwaar, Dallas, US
Power can come in Pakistan only through the barrel of a gun. Every country has an army. In Pakistan, the army has a country.
Col C.V. Venugopalan, Palakkad
Musharraf running from a Pakistani court for fear of being arrested is the most crucial game-changing element in Pakistan politics. A couple of years back it was unimaginable that a former army chief, let alone a former army-nomina_ted president of the Pakistani state, could be arrested by civil authorities. The process of defanging Pakistan was initiated by President Obama. The policy of withdrawing American support to the Pakistan army, slowly and gradually, was the best way to do it. The chaotic political climate in Pakistan now is something of a birth pang, rudimentary democratic paraphernalia being in place for some time.
Manish Banerjee, Calcutta
No reason to believe that the good generals in Rawalpindi do not think long and hard about the future of Pakistan, about the fragile state of its economy, the internal security situation, the churn and frustration amongst its young, the gradual decline in the flow of resources and support from both the US and, potentially, China in future. Running Pakistan is an enterprise increasingly beyond the capabilities of the army. India should steadfastly reach out to all the constituencies for peace.
Ashok Lal, Mumbai
Protecting Pakistanis from a fake invading Indian army is much easier. So, the Pak army will continue the myth. It just needs a civilian interlude to demonstrate how corrupt civilian leaders are. It will sit out for a while and return in three to four years claiming to save Pakistan.
Paritosh Pathak, Lucknow
