Imran Khan: The People's Champion or a Populist Illusion? with Professor SherAli Tareen

Pakistan is an enchanting country, fertile and vast, with a talented young population and, at least on paper, all of the ingredients of a regional powerhouse. But the country is experiencing a tumultuous time. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan languishes in prison while the country’s military leaders use every greater coercion to maintain the status quo. Pakistan’s economy is faltering, and the brain drain of qualified professionals continues to leave the country, devastatingly affecting public services and businesses. To help us understand the sheer predicament many Pakistanis feel, we have Professor SherAli Tereen, who recently returned from the country, to share with us his experience and understanding of the underlying power dynamics of the country.

SherAli K. Tareen is the author of the award-winning books “Defending Muhammad in Modernity” (2020) and “Perilous Intimacies: Debating Hindu-Muslim Friendship after Empire” (2023) – he is currently a professor of religious studies at Franklin and Marshall College.

You can find Professor SherAli Tareen here:

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Timestamps:
0:00 -Introduction
2:40 – Imran Khan’s imprisonment
5:00 – Donate to Baitulmaal
5:58 – External powers?
11:28 – Army leadership and America
18:27 – Autonomy of civilian leadership
28:10 – Khan’s military relationship
37:28 – Become a member
39:26 – Landed gentry in Pakistan
52:35 – Power of secular elites
1:12:23 – China Pakistan relationship
1:16:52 – Pakistan’s potential
1:30:48 – Join our sacred mission

[StarrGazer_]

Thank you, Thinking Muslim, for inviting a guest who doesn’t have a superficial take on the current political scenario. Mr Tareen gave detailed breakdown of events leading up to Imran Khan's removal, and everything that has taken place after that. He also provided much needed context. And kudos to Jalal for doing his homework as always!

Free Imran Khan!

[muhammadsufyan]

Finally someone on the podcast who knows the reality of what's going on in Pakistan

[mikestanford]

SubhanAllah, what a wonderful podcast! The guest was eloquent and well informed of the reality in Pakistan. Thank you very much for discussing this matter, Jalal. May Allah ﷻ protect and reward you both for this.

[talhatariqyuluqatdis]

This man actually knows what he's talking about. And I have been closely following the news on this for years.
Unlike many other 'experts' I have seen on this subject.

[yondamn]

Thanks for having Prof. Tareen. This is the most authentic expert so far on your channel on Pakistan.

[Protagonistt]

Very cogent analysis, we the common folks of Pakistan are suffering from brutal oppression & fascism by the incumbent military junta led pseudo democratic govt.

[rantsofazombie]

I'm so so so glad, as a Pakistani, that someone has spoken so truthfully for us. May Allah swt preserve you guys and every sincere, honest Thinking Muslim.

[KJ-rmje]

Thank you for doing this podcast on such a critical issue.

[waleed.junaidy]

Thank you professor SherAli Tareen that was an amazing and a very brave analysis of the situation in pakistan. i am a fan. looking forward to reading oyur books and also the book you recommended. we need more people like you who are willing to speak against injustices.

[jameelnazir]

Great podcast and much needed . Please keep up the momentum . Pakistan is an important country in the Muslim world . Its success or failure could have a huge impact on the Ummah . You may not realise this now but tine will tell.

[peacenow]

May Allah Accept your works, and make it a means of acceptance and Guidance for the Ummah!

[aghaasad]

Now you would see ISI trolls in action

[speedking]

Personally I don't like imran khan. But the people want him and that's fine. Not respecting public opinion is why pakistan is in a mess today.

[afridimo]

You forgot to add that there were no drone attacks on Pakistanis under IKs stint.
That is one reason why he left the Army alone.

He made the blunder when he gave an extension to Bajwa. That is when Bajwa used his influence to bring his govt down since IK was not appointing CM a friend of his Brother in Law.

[khandkhan]

Everyone I have met in my life weather it's pashtoon Baloch some Sindhis and some Punjabis say the same thing that this gentleman said.

[pebbles_]

What an articulate and eloquent guest! This was an incredibly informative show. He demonstrated deep knowledge and insight, presenting the discussion with clarity and balance. I’d love to see him return to share his perspective on the role of Gulf countries in Pakistan’s destabilization, as well as his thoughts on the ongoing situation in Balochistan, including the train attacks and clashes between the army and resistance movements. As always Jalal was an impeccable host.

[Pkfirst]

Brother Jalal
Thank you for this interview: it’s not his supporters but since documented by many others

[SKhan-ibkc]

Sad to see state of Saudis and Pakistanis

[zeekay]

God, I'm scared for his life now.

[scotch]

Appreciate this episode greatly! Very eloquent guest bringing the plight of Pakistanis to an international Muslim audience. Very well done.