Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf has continued the ritual of conducting grand ‘Jalsas’ in different parts of the country and abroad. As a part of the ongoing promotional campaigns of PTI, Imran Khan and his team organized a Jalsa in Glasgow Marriot Hotel. The Glasgow Jalsa followed by a dinner in the evening, was a fund raising event for PTI and Khan’s Namal University.
Being a critic and a supporter of PTI, the event was very well organized. The team of Insaf Student Federation (ISF) spent a lot of efforts for decoration and
planning of the event headed by Mr. Imran Adrees; the PTI Scotland Head.
The event started with the recitation of Quran well on time followed by National Anthem of Pakistan played by the famous singer Salman Ahmed on the guitar. Salman Ahmed has become PTI face to inspire, motivate the youngsters and trigger the zeal of passion by singing soul piercing patriotic numbers.
There was a lot of warmth in gathering despite cold weather. Imran Khan was then welcomed on the stage with a lot of enthusiasm with slogans such as Imran Khan Zindabad (Long Live Imran Khan), Pakistan Zindabad (Long Live Pakistan), Kon bacha’eye ga Pakistan – Imran Khan Imran Khan (Who would save Pakistan ? Imran Khan Imran
Khan)
The formal proceeding of the event started by a welcome note from one of the PTI Scotland senior members for Imran Khan and the attendees. There were speeches from members of Scottish parliament which not only welcomed Imran Khan but keenly spoke on building up strong ties between UK and Pakistan. Moreover, they spoke of supporting Imran Khan for his vision and building a better future for Pakistan. The members of the Scottish parliament were an inspiration for lot many Pakistanis as they had a Pakistani background (as well) which made them to think positively about Pakistan.
The microphone was then handed over to Imran Khan as the audience were eager on listening to him. He was welcomed for his speech with a lot of zeal and zest. To support and welcome Imran Khan, around 3000 audience shouted with more slogans such as We love you Imran Khan, Imran – Terey Jaan Nisaar – Beyshumaar – Beyshumaar ( Imran Khan we are willing to
sacrifice our lives for you)
The die hard fans and supporters of Imran wanted to hear him, thus he started with a question? Urdu or English?? Which brought a smile on everyone’s face. Everyone wanted to hear him in Urdu language which created a very friendly environment.
He then started to speak about the policy matters. Spoke how would eradicate corruption from Pakistan within first 90 days once he is elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Imran Khan discussed the role of overseas Pakistani much in detail and how the overseas Pakistani can contribute to well being of Pakistan.
He predicted and wished for all overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan once he and his team will sweep out corruption from the system. Not only that audience were very disciplined and keenly listening to Imran Khan but they were raising some of the concerns of how Imran Khan will address the complex issues within Pakistani system.
I personally enjoyed listening to Imran Khan, however, one of my major concern was that a formal Q/A session was not conducted as many people had questions to ask from Mr. Imran Khan including myself.
The event ended with the auction of Imran Khan’s signed bat and names of the volunteers were requested who would generously fund promotional campaigns of PTI within UK and Pakistan. The Jalsa along with the dinner was able to generate £150,000 to support PTI which was a big success.
However, I can say it was a good social event which was well disciplined and organized but was not an interactive session which could have given Pakistanis an opportunity to clarify their concerns. I have faith in Allah and Imran Khan for his honesty and I sincerely wish that he becomes the next
Prime Minister of Pakistan as Pakistan needs a CHANGE !
Author (Asma Asrar Qureshi) is a research student at Loughborough University, UK with an interest in research, management issues and politics.
