The PTI odyssey

This refers to the article, ‘Twenty years of the PTI: the road to glory’ (April 25) by Zaigham Khan. The writer has belittled crucial facts regarding the PTI and Imran Khan, and their contribution towards political and democratic culture in the country. Imran has introduced the third political, democratic party in the country, which emerged as the second largest party in terms of votes in the 2013 elections, and provided space for the otherwise directionless younger generation and disillusioned leaders from other parties. The party has also introduced social media into politics, paving the way for a culture of democratic communication and debate.

The party’s struggle to have transparent and fair elections led to the formation of the electoral reforms committee in parliament. Also, Imran has done tremendous services in the field of philanthropy. The PTI has also made grave, perverse mistakes like the civil disobedience movement in the wake of the 126-day long sit-in in Islamabad. For better prospects in the future, the PTI should ward off its spiralling drift into rightwing, parochial politics. It must give importance to its core committee in formulating and implementing policies on critical issues.

Saeed Ullah Khan Wazir

Bannu