Understanding Imran Khan: The Hero Or The Villain? Ft. Atif Rehan Siddique | EP223

In this episode, we are joined by Atif Rehan Siddique, a screenwriter, director, and actor. We explore Imran Khan's journey from cricket celebrity to philanthropist, and his transition into politics. We also question whether Imran Khan has united or divided the nation. Additionally, Atif Rehan discusses what it truly means to be a man, drawing from his play Apka Matlooba Number. We also delve into his recent work on Umro Ayyar and critically analyze if it was a success or not.

#imrankhan #leadership #howdoesitwork

00:00 Highlights
04:10 Imran Khan’s different eras and what's wrong with his leadership
06:30 Is Imran Khan really the best choice for Pakistan?
20:00 Cult leadership and its impact on the nation
22:00 Should establishment play a role in politics?
25:30 What does the establishment want from Imran Khan?
34:00 Problems with the cult following
38:00 The logic behind Imran Khan’s dramatic arrest
41:00 The solution: What can be done?
51:40 The 2018 play Apka Matlooba Number
53:00 What does it mean to be a real man?
01:01:00 Was Umro Ayyar a success or failure?

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[abasitkhawaja]

Very intense. Atif is the kind of person who should be on mainstream media to explain the chaos created by Imran Khan.

[ShafaitUrRehmanAbbasi]

This man has done the postmortem of Imran Khan and PTI. In fact PTI Cult can be exposed by such people and this misguided cult suffers a lot from people like Rehan Siddiqui.Keep it Up Boss 👍

[namerak]

This is one of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to. I understand it might be difficult for PTI followers to accept what’s being discussed. People really need to learn how to critically analyze the events happening around them to be able to make informed decisions and to avoid becoming a part of cults repeatedly

[hamzamalik]

Every Pakistani need to listen this, kab tak andhay banay raho gy

[Xehr]

An establishment apologist, interesting choice of burden to bear. I didn't think the arguments were very convincing but gotta love a fellow contrarian.

[ExpretaEntertainment]

Flawed Assumption of Khan as an "Establishment Project"
Atif’s narrative revolves entirely around the assumption that Imran Khan was a project of the establishment, and the conversation builds upon this faulty premise. Both Atif and the host appear to accept this notion uncritically. This leads to a biased discussion, where every subsequent argument is based on an assumption that was never properly questioned. It's essential to note that assumptions should not be treated as facts.

Grassroots Support and Historical Context
Imran Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), enjoyed grassroots support long before he rose to power in 2018. While General Hamid Gul may have initially encouraged Khan to enter politics in the 1990s, Hamid Gul passed away in 2015, long before PTI gained significant power. Meanwhile, it's important to highlight that Nawaz Sharif also benefited from the establishment during General Zia-ul-Haq's regime, who supported him early on as Finance Minister. Similarly, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was indirectly backed by General Yahya Khan during the transition period from military to civilian rule. These precedents show that political figures across different eras have had varying levels of establishment involvement—not just Khan.

Corruption Cases Pre-date Khan’s Rise
Corruption allegations and cases against major parties like the PPP and PML-N were initiated long before Imran Khan became politically relevant. For instance, Asif Ali Zardari was jailed on corruption charges during Nawaz Sharif's first tenure, as Sharif used the same anti-corruption narrative to consolidate power. If we argue that these cases were initiated by the establishment, then it is inconsistent to call only Imran Khan a "project" while ignoring that previous leaders like Bhutto and Sharif were also supported or manipulated by the same establishment at different times.

Independent Popularity of Imran Khan
Khan's anti-corruption and governance reform message resonated strongly with Pakistan's middle class and youth, which was independent of any establishment support. The establishment might have aligned itself with Khan temporarily to ride on the popularity wave, but they did not facilitate his success entirely. In fact, there is evidence of sabotage—such as the collapse of the RTS system during the 2018 elections. This led to a reduced majority for Khan, which allowed the establishment to keep a balance of power and exert influence.

The Real "Project of the Establishment" – PDM
If one were to look for a recent example of a political project backed by the establishment, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) fits the bill more accurately. The PDM, an alliance of opposition parties, reflects the establishment’s attempt to regain control, but it lacks national-level support and legitimacy. As such, the PDM is more likely to fail, as it does not represent the genuine aspirations of the people, unlike Khan’s PTI, which drew power from grassroots movements.

[engr.razahashmi]

This person looks also planted by establishment, just like Imran Khan, and Nawaz sharif, Nawaz sharif was also an original project of establishment, but no one calls him a project

[RHRHVL]

IMK has not been a good advocate and leader for Pakistan - he has no economic policy, no social deradicalization plan, no upliftment policy for the population in Pakistan 🇵🇰

He is a power hungry politician who is a narcissist motivated by power only.

[footballworld]

Firstly, let me tell me I'm not a fan of Imran khan and secondly, with all due respect, you did not mention one point/policy that Imran Khan did wrong. I am against cult creation and he's not the first one to do so nor he wont be the last one. We have several examples of that (both good and bad) for the likes of ZA Bhutto, Musharraf, Modi, Altaf Hussain etc so looking down upon someone only on that bases seems more of a personal issue rather than the policy disagreement. Wish you well in life Mr Siddique.

[nasirraja]

This pro youthia host should atleast allow the guest to speak. Too many interceptions

[muizulhaq]

The thing is He is just giving his opinions against Imran Khan but he has not given a single fact against him.

[qj]

Very interesting, informative and logical. To the point discussion and relevant content.

[AliAli-wubw]

Sir Assalam o Alikum. My name is Muhammad Shujaa I like your content keep it up ❤

[ClashRoyaleVSPubg]

Sir ap k mutabik phir nawaz or zardari best hain

[namerak]

This was so shameful that he agreed to use religion for gaining success in politics. He is not the most popular leader but yet his cult believes that he is. If he was the most popular leader then Imran Khan wouldn't have used faiz to control the opposition parties during his era.

[Mba]

The miltablisment has used and abused a national hero like Imran khan 😢😢
He's in jail because of the real problem of Pakistan
Pakistanis needs to learn how politics work in real life

[araizabbasi]

There is no doubt that all prime ministers of Pakistan were supported by Military establishment
Yes they also supported khan but khan did the hardwork himself unlike Nawaz sharif who was playing club cricket and was suddenly appointed Finance minister during martial law of Zia Ul Haq
Unlike Bhutto who was prepared in the laboratory of military establishment
Even Benazir and Zardari didn't have to work to make their name
But khan on the other hand has made his name on his own By becoming te most successful Pakistani cricket captain then by building first cancer hospital in Pakistan
When he joined politics he had to make his name again
He only caught the sight of establishment when he pulled an immense crowd at Minar e pakistan but pulling that crowd was his own struggle
Even in 2018 elections e wasn't allowed to make 2/3 majority gov as khwaja asif himself admitted that he called a brigadier and wjen he was loosing election
He had the public support as he still has thats why he believes in public support more than getting NROs from establishment

[muhammadsufyan]

Bhai democracy hai, awaam ki marzi, woh jisko bhi laaye, Atif Bhai ki kyun jal Rahi hai ager Awaam Imran Khan ko dhokebaaz nhi samajhti to😂😂

[muhammadsaadhaleem]

this man is a conspiracy theorist and he is also confused

[NaseerAhmed-cf]

Once i heard from one of high court judge that when any member from our bench recite Hadith And ayat instead of constitution that time we all know that now he had nothing left to Charged ağainst that person
Thatshow your guest is saying that when judiciary is incompetent then Allah Ask etc bla bla🤣😂why not you ask who control Judiciary what 6 judges from ISLAMABAD High court write in a latter to Cjp about establishment..