The astonishing saga of Imran Khan

The cover story about the astonishing saga of Imran Khan printed in Time magazine has received a mixed reaction in Pakistan. Though the cover story was highlighted by the PTI leadership but its content also brought in cries of protest from the party’s rank and file. As is the wont of western approach, the cover story was a mix of praise and criticism that was not appreciated by his cult following as it wants hagiographic depiction of their leader. His support base therefore came out with denunciation to the effect that the magazine’s remarks did not go beyond the West’s binary, myopic and fallacious view of the Muslim world and that this article is a perfect example of pathetic Orientalism obfuscating facts and hiding disdain under a cloak of objectivity. The other side of the divide was equally judgmental about the piece highlighting Imran Khan’s flaws that they see brings to fore that he is responsible for the current economic crisis. The magazine, however, did project The astonishing saga of Imran Khan position that only elections can end the bitter political divide that the entire country is suffering from. Coincidentally, the article was published hours before the Supreme Court verdict on holding elections in Punjab and KP. TW

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