STRATEGICALLY FLAWED MOVE OF PTI:

The latest trend in Pakistani politics is that corrupt, inept and politically bankrupt politicians are joining PTI to get a new lease of life to strengthen both their image and vote bank much needed for the forthcoming elections. This dry cleaning factory established by PTI is against the basic principles on which the party was formed. Supporters are emphasizing that this is part of the one-to-one strategy being pursued by the high command to improve the probability to win the elections next year.

The question is not about the justification of one-to-one strategy but rather than means adopted to pursue this strategy. There are several negative consequences of this strategic move. First, those who are joining don't carry a considerable vote bank. Second, they have been dumped by their own party as well as people. Third, most of them are facing corruption charges in several cases against them. Fourth, their presence will dilute the brand image of PTI. Fifth, strong stand of Imran Khan against Nawaz Sharif will now be perceived as personal enmity rather than a principled stance. All these combined will weaken the vote bank of PTI instead of expanding it. More importantly, if not all but at least few have been injected to get sensitive information and will withdraw at the most opportune time highlighting party issues which may cause irreparable damage to the party.

Strategists in the party need a serious soul searching exercise as on this front they have mostly come up with flawed plans. Strength of PTI is not on the basis of political heavy weights but rather on the principles of justice and fairness for the people of Pakistan. To achieve their vision they need to strengthen the party organisational structure at the grass root level rather than going for cosmetic changes which is seriously putting the party in a vulnerable position. High command of PTI needs to come out of the thinking that they need personalities to win the election. There seems to be frustration in their actions despite the fact that with right planning they can very soon reap the benefits of their struggle spanning two decades.