INSTEP Magzine


election special Charisma Unlimited An overview of the most fascinating political leaders of our time through the Instep lens... By Saba Sartaj K

Sherry Rehman Sherry (Sheherbano) Rehman brings a passionate voice and progressive politics to Pakistan's parliament. Lately, this writer, journalist and a former editor's fiery brand of feminism, progressive politics, and outspokenness have earned her a reputation as one of the country's most respected-if, at times, controversial-members of the National Assembly. It's a position that has afforded her an opportunity to bring attention to causes she's passionate about, such as the environment and women's empowerment (she sponsored the parliament's first bill for women's rights). In doing so, though, she has had to withstand some harsh criticism from local hardliners, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And Sherry Rehman is one tough cookie.

Sherry is a beautiful woman and a beautiful dresser and she has an impact fashion-speaking and politically-speaking. Her trendy and stylish dress sense topped with the willingness to fight for what she believes in has raised eyebrows, especially in our country's regressive political climate where conservatives have turned back the clock on a decade's worth of improvements in gender equality. Sherry and the handful of other female parliament members often have a difficult time doing their jobs because the speaker refused to acknowledge them. But that doesn't stop Rehman. She was the only woman who had not covered her head while swearing in the oath and also did the unthinkable when she attempted to shake hands with the speaker. We love her for all this and more. We love her for her love of fashion, for her love of bling and her playfulness with jewelry (chunky, but tasteful) and for her love of independence and most of all, the fact that she was close to Benazir Bhutto makes her all the more endearing to most. This is a fiercly independent and twice divorced woman of mettle. According to her, "Until you have paid your own utility bills and experienced the mundane terrors of living alone, you are really not independent, and if you're not independent, then you have lived half a life." Now that's what you call a woman of substance!

Kashmala Tariq Kashmala Tariq is a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from the Women Reserve Constituency for the province of Punjab. She belongs to the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam). A graduate of the ever so hip all-women Kinnaird College Lahore and a Barrister at law, she started her political career by being the chief organizer of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in the United Kingdom. Over a period of time, Kashmala has evolved into one of the staunchest supporters of President Musharraf and one of the most prominent members of the very conservative PML Q. Though some still don't take her very seriously, coining her just another pretty face with a very pretty wardrobe, she has gained prominence with her outspokenness. A staunch supporter of women's rights, she hasn't been afraid to raise her voice even about her party's conservative stance on issues such as karo kari and the Hudood Ordinance. Kashmala Tariq is to the PML Q what Sherry Rehman is to the PPP. They may be on two opposed platforms, but they do get meted out the same treatment in a patriarchal political system. Neither are from political families but they have risen despite all odds. And ultimately, we love Kashmala Tariq because she shows that it is possible to be feminine and strong at the same time. A woman doesn't have to look like a man to make it in a man's world!

Imran Khan The Oxford educated ex-cricketer/playboy who was married to a Jewish billionaire's daughter, Jemima Khan, and became a 'born again Muslim' as a result of the Rushdie affair has reinvented himself as an anti Western 'man of the people' advocating the overthrow of Musharraf and the establishment of an Islamic welfare state in Pakistan. This former cricketer turned politician and leader of the political party, the Tehreek-e-Insaf, is one of the few Pakistani politicians and electoral candidate who might be able to fill in the void Benazir Bhutto's death has left. This famous Pashtun is not only known for his performances on the field, but off the field as well. Labelled by some as an international playboy, Khan was once voted as the "Sexiest Man of The Year" by Australian magazine Oz. His Pashtun meets Oxford charisma, it appears, makes many a woman go weak in the knees. He is seen as one of the finest all-rounders the game of cricket has ever produced. One of the fastest bowlers of the world during the late 1970s and early 1980s,the best batsmen in the Pakistan team and more significantly, as a captain, he transformed the Pakistan team, previously known for its exceptional talent but lack of coherence into a well moulded unit. It has disintegrated since his departure. We can only hope the future sees him bring about a similar coherence and unity in Pakistan's present political scenario which seems to be suffering in the colossal mess our previous leaders have left.

Aitzaz Ahsan This 62-year-old, silver-haired, bespectacled sharply-dressed man looks like a mild-mannered professor but to President Musharraf, he's a dangerous man. His eloquent speeches and his command over Pakistani law make him one of the most recognizable politicians of today. Ahsan's calm, composed and confident demeanour, in the midst of the judicial crisis, has won the nation over. His charisma rose above the rasping efforts of others and it was he and his team of lawyers that won the battle for the reinstatement of the Chief Justice. He has emerged not only as the undisputed leader of the legal community but also as a 'national hero', who the government considers such a dangerous threat that it cannot risk releasing him despite the lifting of the emergency. And though he may not be contesting these elections, Aitzaz Ahsan has become a symbol of the people's struggle for democracy.

He is a lawyer by profession, Senior Advocate , Supreme Court and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and unquestionably the most admired and talked about person in the country today. Aitzaz is also a writer, human rights activist, politician, former Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Interior, Narcotics Control and Education. In the wake of 9 March events in Pakistan, barrister Aitzaz Ahsan has become a legend! Some opinion leaders have suggested that Aitzaz Ahsan should have been named the new PPP leader to succeed Benazir Bhutto. He, it seems, is the only one capable of shifting the focus from charisma of family name to the program and manifesto of the party. 'Prime Minister Aitzaz Ahsan' remains the dream of the thinking democrat. Unfortunately, there aren't that many in the rural areas of the country where feudals rule supreme. In cities though, Aitzaz Ahsan is a political star. And the irony is, the longer the powers that be keep him in prison, the higher his star will rise!

Nawaz Sharif He may not be contesting these elections after his nomination papers were rejected by parliament, but the rousing crescendo of 'Sher Hamara' loudly heralds Nawaz Sharif's arrival back into the political fold of Pakistan. Nawaz is back home, addressing the crowds, paying salams at Data Darbar and speaking to people at Sadar Chowk. Bellowing away with a newly acquired crop of hair, which seems to have infused into him a newfound and great sense of self assurance and confidence, he appears a changed man. What has not changed however, is his dress sense. With the new hairdo and an apparently honest agenda, one would expect the ex prime minister to learn a lesson or two in fashion and attire from the recent metrosexuals in power, ex PM Shaukat Aziz or even our dearly beloved President Pervez Musharraf, who with their colourful ties and primly tailored suits take their clothing just as seriously, if not more, as the matters of defence and policy making.

Twice elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sahrif's popularity came when his government undertook nuclear tests on 28 May 1998 in response to India's nuclear tests. However, after these tests, Pakistan and Nawaz started going down went down when everyone's bank accounts were frozen. He suspended many civil liberties, dismissed the Sindh provincial government and set up military courts when the stability of the government was threatened. He left after he tried a coup on then General Musharraf that turned around and got Nawaz instead. He left the country and most were glad to see him go. But after a sabbatical in Saudi Arabia, he came back with a vengeance, firmly allied with his one-time adversary Benazir Bhutto. And after her tragic assassination, he proved himself to be a real sher, rushing to the Rawalpindi hospital where she took her last breaths and visiting Naudero to condole with Asif Zardari. In that hour when the nation burned, it was only Nawaz Sharif who reacted in the way that leaders should have reacted expressing the shock and horror we all felt during those tragic days. Everyone has a second coming and Nawaz Sharif has managed his comeback magnificently.

Asif Ali Zardari And speaking of comebacks, the only one who can match Nawaz Sharif's second coming is Asif Ali Zardari. His nomination as the head of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) following the assassination of his wife came as no surprise but was still shock to the system for many. But other insiders say they anticipated the move. Though Mr Zardari, with his hair slickly gelled back and more Sindhi than ever turned down the offer and passed on the mantle to Bilawal, the couple's eldest child, he is the one actually in charge. At the press conference, Zardari was impressive, making the right statements, bridging the Sindhi-Punjabi divide that was threatening to become a rift as wide and deep as the Grand Canyon. Asif Ali Zardari is seen as a politically liability for the PPP. Labelled Mr Ten Percent, he spent several years in jail on charges of corruption, of course, these charges were eventually dropped, so officially there is nothing against him.

Born and bred in Karachi, Asif is the son Hakim Ali Zardari, head of one of the Sindhi tribes, who chose urban life over rustic surroundings. Asif did most of his schooling at St Patrick's School - ironically also the alma mater of President Musharraf. His father did relatively well, and the young Zardari's main claim to fame was that he had a private disco at home. This led to the development of his reputation as a "playboy". His marriage to Benazir Bhutto put him in another league altogether and making all the right moves after her death shows how far he has come. His incarceration has washed away his sins and he looks like he is going to run to the finish line with his new lease on political life.

Altaf Hussain Leader of the MQM Altaf Hussain is currently enjoying the title of the 'Most handsome man in the UK' according to a popular email circulating these days, which includes the likes of King Faisal's gorgeous grandson, the singer Tarkan and Hrithik Roshan. One does wonder what criteria the email is based on, but it must be said that Altaf bhai is definitely the one of the most eccentrically charismatic leaders going. You have to be charismatic to have Pakistan's throbbing commercial heart wrapped around your finger, even though you reside thousands of miles away in London. That Altaf Hussain holds on to that power is proof of his hold over Karachi's imagination.

The song 'Mazloomon Ka Saathi Hai' Altaf Hussain' still resounds in the city today so many years after his departure. And we all tune in to his emotional telephonic khitabs that have become his signature. And Altaf, despite living in another hemisphere, stays in touch with what is happening. He many never come back but his comments always do. And though he remains a controversial figure, it is to him that the credit goes for setting up the only party in Pakistan which does not rely on feudal support or on religion. And though the MQM, was about Mohajirs to begin with, Altaf had the foresight to change it into Muttahida. A colourful character, Altaf Hussain is definitely one of the most entertaining politicians we've got and one of the most powerful... considering the hold he continues to wield over Karachi.