That Business Recorder op-ed writer Rashed Rahman is one of the great political commentators of our time is a fact. In my view, he has dexterity in offering highly informed perspectives on situations in an effective and meaningful manner.

In his “Endgame PTI” carried by the newspaper yesterday, for example, he seems to have conveyed to his readers a strong impression that he is aware of what actually lies in store for the future of democracy in the country but he doesn’t want to share it with them for whatever reasons.

According to him, for example, “There is plenty of talk and rumour doing the rounds of ‘minus one’ formulas (i.e. the ‘removal’, here or abroad) of Imran Khan from the political scene.

If Imran Khan’s cult following is no longer able to respond to his wishes, especially to react against his arrest or other actions against him, this may be considered bad enough by the PTI. But if Imran Khan is ‘minused’ from the scene, the PTI will dwindle, if not die.”

In my view, however, Imran Khan’s cult following has in fact grown since his arrest on the premises of Islamabad High Court nearly two weeks ago.

In the meantime, government’s responses to PTI’s woes make a good spectacle, so to speak. But Imran Khan’s post-May 9 ordeal confirms his position as country’s top leader.

Our rulers seem to think if they wish Imran Khan away, then he will go away. They make the naïve assumption that because PTI is now facing an extremely harsh crackdown it will ultimately wither on the vine. I guess PTI will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.

Shahida Burney (Karachi)

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023