Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
| Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf پاکستان تحريک انصاف |
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| Secretary-General | Arif Alvi |
| Chairman/Founder | Imran Khan |
| Vice Chairman | Shah Mehmood Qureshi |
| PTI Main Leader | Javed Hashmi |
| Central Information Secretary | Shafqat Mahmood |
| Women Wing President | Fauzia Kasuri |
| Slogan | Justice, Humanity and Self Esteem |
| Founded | April 25, 1996[1] |
| Headquarters | PTI Central Secretariat. 2, Street No. 84, Sector G-6/4 Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Student wing | Insaf Student Federation |
| Research Wing | Insaf Research Wing |
| Women Wing | PTI Women Wing |
| Ideology | Anti-corruption, Centrism, Pakistani Nationalism |
| National affiliation | All Parties Democratic Movement |
| Official colors | Green and red |
| Election symbol | |
| Balance [2] | |
| Website | |
| Officia website | |
| Party flag | |
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| Pakistan |
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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) (Urdu: پاکستان تحريک انصاف; Pakistan Movement for Justice) is a centrist, progressive political party in Pakistan, which was founded by former Pakistani cricket captain and philanthropist Imran Khan. The fastest growing political party in Pakistan[3], PTI has established itself as one of the country's mainstream national parties.
Contents |
History
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was founded by Imran Khan on April 25, 1996 in Lahore, Pakistan. Founded initially as a sociopolitical movement, PTI began to grow slowly but never achieved immediate popularity. During the 1990s, Pakistan experienced instability, as Pakistan's two largest political parties, the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (N), were elected but never completed their tenure due to allegations of corruption and mismanagement. In this time of divisive discord between the two feuding political parties, Khan launched PTI as a revolutionary party, which he claimed represented the true aspirations of the people of Pakistan. In 1999, when President Nawaz Sharif, a PML-N politician, was ousted by General Pervez Musharraf in a bloodless coup, Khan supported General Musharraf because he believed that General Musharraf would be able to unite the country and lead it forward, away from the internal bickering and impotency of Pakistan's main political parties. Later, he would become one of General Musharraf's most vehement critics.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's constitution was approved on January 24, 1999 by the Central Executive Committee in Lahore, Pakistan and in October 2002, Imran Khan ran for office in the National Elections and became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mianwali, his hometown. PTI supported General Musharraf's 2002 referendum, which allowed President Pervez Musharraf to remain in power for another five years. During the Musharraf era, PTI supported the government's policies, which had allowed for strong economic growth, liberalization of the media, and general increase in prosperity and development. Khan, however, remained deeply critical of the entire political order of Pakistan, which he deemed corrupt, inefficient, and morally bereft of any of the founding principles of Pakistan. In protest, Khan began a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about his political party.
PTI believes that because Pakistan never developed properly, due to successive indifferent and incompetent administrations, the country never remained true to its founding ideals. As a relatively new political party in the national arena, PTI wishes to create a modern, democratic Islamic republic which advocates complete political, religious, and economic freedom.[4] Basing his entire political platform as being derived from Jinnah's vision of a harmonious and peaceful country, PTI chief Imran Khan has consistently spoken out against exploitation, corruption, and prejudices of all kind. One of the most dynamic political parties, PTI has envisaged a democratic system ensuring justice, equality and prosperity for all citizens.
In large part, the rise of PTI has stemmed from dissatisfaction with the status-quo, which has usually consisted of military dictatorships and corrupt democratically elected administrations. With a ruling elite in Pakistan that has historically focused on maintaining power, thereby stunting the growth of true democracy, Pakistan experienced several transitions from democratic to dictatorial regimes and vice versa. When such military dictatorships emerged, the federal government assumed complete control and usually subverted the constitutional powers of the various federating units.
PTI has emerged as a robust counterweight to Pakistan's two traditional political parties, the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League (N). While the PML-N's former stronghold consisted of the urban areas of Punjab and the PPP drew most of its support from Sindh, PTI maintains that it represents all Pakistanis, regardless of religious, ethnic, linguistic, and provincial backgrounds. During the Musharraf era, PTI pursued a policy of cautious optimism, but as President Musharraf declared martial law and became more anti-democratic, PTI became more vocal in denouncing him. After Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 and Nawaz Sharif returned from self-exile in Saudi Arabia, pressure increased upon President Musharraf to hold democratic elections. PTI, in conjunction with many political parties, joined the All Parties Democratic Movement, which was opposed to further military rule. The general elections in 2008, which were boycotted by the PTI, resulted in a PPP victory.
Under the Zardari administration, Khan's popularity has soared amid discontent with the ruling administration's domestic and foreign policy. PTI's strongest appeal is its credentials as a populist party. With increasing corruption, inflation, terrorism, extremism, nepotism, and crony capitalism, the popularity of PTI has surged. Projecting itself as the only political party which will be able to solve the many ills that plague Pakistan, PTI has promised to create a truly independent, self-reliant Pakistan which is free from debt, dependency, and discord if elected to power in the 2013 general elections. In Pakistan: A Personal History, PTI Chairman Imran Khan argues that a selfish and corrupt ruling elite, made up of primarily politicians, feudal leaders, and military bureaucrats, has destroyed Pakistan and brought it to the brink of disaster.
Ideology and Policies
As a revolutionary party that has recently arrived on the national stage, PTI has called for major social, economic, and political reforms. PTI's ideology is derived mainly from Allama Iqbal's vision of a self-reliant, modern democracy derived from the guiding principles of humanity inherent in Islam. While Pakistan remains heavily reliant on international lenders and aid donors, PTI has promised to stop all foreign aid if it comes to power.[5] PTI maintains that corruption in all of its forms - whether moral, financial, spiritual - has ruined Pakistan, and therefore a culture of accountability and transparency is needed to restore faith in the system of government.[6] PTI politicians have consistently said that the only way to solve all of Pakistan's ills is to implement justice. PTI has robustly argued for complete religious freedom and greater representation for minorities. A number of Christians, Sikhs, and HIndus have joined the PTI in recent months because of the party's unwavering support for tolerance and diversity.[7] PTI chief has spoken out about the dangers of religious extremism, sectarianism, narrow parochialism, intolerance, and hatred, emphasizing that it will do everything in its power to protect minority rights.[8] Besides minorities, PTI has also spoken out for the plight of senior citizens, poor people, and women.[9]
PTI believes in raising education standards across the country, launching a campaign to achieve universal literacy, and promoting schools and colleges in the nation.[10] PTI Chairman Imran Khan has called for much-needed education reform and has promised to implement a universal system of education.[11] At present, Pakistan follows several very different and competing models, which have had mixed results.[12] By focusing on women, PTI believes that it will result in an uplifting of society and general prosperity.[13]
Corruption in Pakistan is a serious and endemic problem, with Transparency International ranking the country 134/182 in its latest corruption index.[14] PTI chief Imran Khan has said that corruption is the root cause of all of Pakistan's main problems.[15] Promising to establish a model welfare state that provides for its citizens[16], reduce unemployment by creating many jobs, and implement economic policies which are conducive to reducing poverty[17], PTI has achieved widespread popularity for its proposed economic agenda.[18]
PTI has also called for a complete overhaul of Pakistan's current political order[19] and PTI chief Imran Khan has personally promised to eliminate the thana and patwari cultures which have robbed Pakistan.[20] PTI believes in a complete abolition of feudalism[21], economic inequality[22], and government mismanagement. PTI has promised to crack down on police brutality, restructure the civil service, reform the electoral system, allow for a truly independent judiciary, decentralize state power, and enforce all laws which extend personal liberty.[23] Imran Khan has been one of the few politicians to fully disclose his assets[24] and in doing so, has started a trend towards greater transparency and accountability.
PTI believes in pursuing a foreign policy based on a nationalist agenda, which it believes will safeguard all of Pakistan's national interests and promote greater regional cooperation. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has promised to forge stronger relationships with neighboring countries, but not at the cost of Pakistan's national sovereignty or territorial integrity.[25] Promising to further cement bilateral relations with China, which have already been boosted under the PPP administration, Imran Khan has laid out a bold agenda of building alliances with friendly countries to strengthen Pakistan's long-term interests. Arguing that terrorism, extremism, and radicalization have only increased as Pakistan has joined the US-led War on Terror, PTI believes that Pakistan must withdraw from this war, negotiate a peace settlement, and fight the battle against militancy on its own terms. PTI has promised to fully restore Pakistan's economic and political sovereignty if elected into power and has consistently vilified the PPP-led federal government for subverting Pakistan's national interests and strategic ambitions in order to please international powers.[26]
General elections
Less than one year after its founding, PTI contested its first elections in the 1997 general elections, when Khan unsuccessfully stood from seven constituencies.[27] In the 2002 general elections, the party won 0.8% of the popular vote with 1 out of 272 elected members.[28]
PTI openly boycotted the Pakistani general election on February 18, 2008 because it believed that the election was fraudulent and laced with irregularities. With rising discontent among all of Pakistan's traditional political parties and dissatisfaction with the corrupt political order, PTI has surged ahead. In recent polls, Imran Khan has emerged as Pakistan's most popular politician, and many disenchanted citizens believe that only his party can bring genuine change.[29] Therefore, PTI has taken to massive campaigning and rallying to bring about a clean sweep in the next general elections. PTI's recent jalsas (rallies) have attracted a lot of publicity and have been very successful in garnering support for his party.
Insaf Student Federation
Insaf Student Federation is the official student wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. ISF is present in all provinces of Pakistan. ISF has been celebrated as the best student organization of any political party in Pakistan. Glorified for its activism and political prowess, ISF has held many protests and rallies in all parts of Pakistan to create awareness about different issues.
Membership drive
The membership campaign was started by Imran Khan to increase political participation and make the people of Pakistan become more acquainted with the PTI agenda. The membership drive is still going on and has been very successful, especially in Pakistan's largest cities. The membership campaign arranged by the party is a unique one, with a number of floats roaming various cities with huge banners and Imran Khan's picture on top of them. Also a documentary named Nijat-e-Dahinda (The Saviour) is shown on screen, in which the vision of the chairman and the party manifesto is explained. At the end of the documentary, Imran Khan appears and gives a message to the people of Pakistan to join the party and strengthen its hands.
The party is predominantly funded by wealthy benefactors who live in Europe and North America.[30]
Lahore
PTI started its membership drive with the slogan of promoting change from Lahore on November 16, 2008 and ended it on December 1, 2008 with the chairman of the party Imran Khan giving a speech at Nasir Bagh, where more than 4000 people had gathered.[31]
The membership was very successful and around 150,000 people and more than 500 lawyers joined the party.[32] This was a severe blow to all the mainstream parties of Pakistan, such as PML(N), PML(Q), and PPP) as Tehreek-e-Insaf was always considered as an insignificant party. This was also an indication that people in Lahore started to turn towards the PTI as a substitute instead of the leading political party, PML(N). The membership made PML(Q) start its own membership campaign on the pattern of PTI, but it was not able to get any attention. Also, other political parties like the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party have become more defensive and active to counter the growing political clout of the PTI.[33]
Islamabad/Rawalpindi
The membership dive was further extended and taken to Islamabad/Rawalpindi, which started on December 15, 2008 and ended on December 17, 2008. Even though the weather was not favorable, many people of these twin cities came out to support the PTI. Most of the people joining were lawyers, students, and people from the lower-middle class. Also, a great number of women were seen at the camps and floats to join the party.
Peshawar
Another city PTI chose to spread its membership drive was Peshawar, which is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) in 2007, PTI was the second most popular party in the province.[34] The membership campaign began on the same day as the one in Rawalpindi, but due to some last minute problems, it was delayed until December 20, 2008.[35] The people of Peshawar responded well to the membership drive and around 2,000 new members registered to vote on the first day, which was a great success.[36] Like other cities, mostly educated persons were seen to be joining PTI.[37] In Peshawar, the number of women appearing at the camps was markedly less due to some cultural prohibitions but many old people were seen to be joining PTI. After eight days of campaigning, around 600 people joined PTI.[38] Also, the chairman of the party Imran Khan went to Peshawar on December 23, 2008 during the membership campaign. That proved to be a historic event as thousands of people gathered there to welcome him.[39]
Other cities
The membership campaign has been further extended to Faisalabad, and around 80,000 members registered from this city.[40] Other cities where the membership drive will begin are Multan and Gujranwala.
See also
Notes
- ^ Talbot 1998, p. 339
- ^ "MQM, PTI allotted poll symbols". Dawn News. 2009-10-16. http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/national/mqm,-pti-allotted-poll-symbols-609. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
- ^ http://www.dawn.com/2011/12/22/sea-change-in-coastal-city-before-pti-rally.html
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/AboutUs/Ideology/tabid/139/Default.aspx
- ^ http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/219952/20110926/pakistan-foreihn-aid-curse-imran-khan-us-uk.html
- ^ http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=10526&Cat=13
- ^ http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C12%5C15%5Cstory_15-12-2011_pg7_20
- ^ http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=28620&title=PTI-to-protect-rights-of-minorities
- ^ http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2011/December/international_December995.xml§ion=international&col=
- ^ http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=83816&Cat=9
- ^ http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=83816&Cat=9
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/Media/InsafBlog/tabid/168/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1646/Pakistans-Existing-Education-System-Guest-Post-by-Mr-Fida-Hussain-Sayani.aspx
- ^ http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011%5C12%5C12%5Cstory_12-12-2011_pg7_21
- ^ http://www.pakistanhotline.com/2011/12/pakistan-ranked-134-as-transparency.html
- ^ http://www.thenewstribe.com/2011/10/22/eliminating-corruption-our-first-priority-imran-khan/#.TveFQnblPVQ
- ^ http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=172237&Itemid=2
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/docs/PTImanifesto.pdf
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/docs/PTImanifesto.pdf
- ^ http://www.economist.com/node/21538200
- ^ http://nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Regional/Lahore/16-Dec-2011/PTI-to-change-Thana-Patwari-cultures-Imran
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/AboutUs/Constitution/tabid/135/Default.aspx
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/AboutUs/Constitution/tabid/135/Default.aspx
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/AboutUs/Constitution/tabid/135/Default.aspx
- ^ http://www.dawn.com/2011/12/04/pti-chief-imran-khan-declares-assets.html
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/News/tabid/60/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9057/US-should-stop-violating-Pakistans-sovereignty-Chairman-Imran-Khan-told-Ambassador-Munter-in-a-meeting-at-PTI-Secretariat.aspx
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/AboutUs/Ideology/tabid/139/Default.aspx
- ^ Talbot 1998, p. 2
- ^ Detailed Position of Political Parties / Alliances in National Assembly General Elections - 2002, Election Commission of Pakistan, http://www.ecp.gov.pk/content/GE-2002.htm, retrieved 2010-01-22
- ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45789373/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/t/rising-star-pakistani-politics-charismatic-khan-wows-rally/#.TvqpIXZi7VQ
- ^ http://www.insaf.pk/Support/Donate/tabid/179/Default.aspx
- ^ PTI leaders addressing the workers convention at Nasir Bagh
- ^ 1 lac members officially achieved and 500 lawyers join PTI in Lahore
- ^
- ^ IRI survey (in 2007) shows PTI as 2nd popular party.
- ^ Peshawar membership drive starts on 20 Dec 2008
- ^ People positively responded to the PTI membership campaign in Peshawar
- ^ People positively respond to PTI membership campaign in Peshawar
- ^ PTI enrols 57,625 members in 8 days in N.W.F.P
- ^ Peshawar Gives Imran Khan Historic Reception
- ^ 80,000 members made from Faisalabad
References
- Talbot, Ian (1998), Pakistan: a modern history, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 432, ISBN 0312216068, http://books.google.com/books?id=ZBs0HdpKuaQC&dq, retrieved 22 June 2010
- , http://www.insaf.pk
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