Why is it that every time Pakistan faces a political crisis, PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) seems to be at the forefront, often taking to the streets, engaging in protests, and making bold statements that paint the country in a negative light on international platforms? What drives this party to portray Pakistan in such a way, despite being accused of its own governance failures, corruption, and mismanagement? The answer to these questions is multifaceted, involving the party’s tactics of gaining attention, manipulation of public sentiment, and its quest for political dominance. PTI’s continued quest for power, combined with their efforts to shift blame elsewhere, has led them to employ such attention-seeking strategies.

Before exploring the reasons behind PTI’s seemingly never-ending quest for international attention, it is essential to examine the party’s track record in governance. Despite PTI’s rise to power in 2018, a substantial number of critics believe that its governance failed to meet expectations. From skyrocketing inflation to economic mismanagement, PTI’s tenure was fraught with issues that hampered Pakistan’s growth and stability. According to a report by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, inflation reached an alarming rate of 27.3% in August 2022, the highest level in 47 years, and the economic crisis left millions in poverty. Furthermore, PTI’s leadership under Imran Khan was marred by accusations of corruption, with several of its key members facing investigations for illicit activities, including money laundering and misallocation of state resources.

This dismal record of governance has led to increased scrutiny within Pakistan, both from the public and political analysts. However, instead of focusing on these internal challenges and acknowledging their shortcomings, PTI often shifts attention away from these critical issues by engaging in theatrics and orchestrating protests. Their narrative becomes more about portraying themselves as victims of a corrupt system than addressing the problems at hand. By blaming other political parties and state institutions, they deflect responsibility for the failures under their own rule, presenting an image of a political party that is fighting for justice and the people of Pakistan.

One of the most noticeable aspects of PTI’s approach is its eagerness to bring the country’s internal issues to the international stage. Time and again, Imran Khan and his party have found themselves engaging with foreign media outlets, often calling attention to Pakistan’s political struggles and accusing the non-concerning institutions of interfering in political affairs. During a speech in 2022, Imran Khan accused the United States of playing a role in his government’s ousting through a foreign conspiracy. This rhetoric caught the attention of international media, and PTI’s portrayal of the political upheaval as an affront to democracy gained traction in certain circles. However, the question arises: why does PTI feel the need to consistently place Pakistan in such a negative light on international forums?

The answer lies in PTI’s reliance on external validation to boost their political agenda. International support, particularly from the West, is crucial for Pakistan’s stability, given the nation’s reliance on foreign aid and investment. PTI, understanding this dynamic, has made it a point to seek validation from global leaders and media. For instance, Imran Khan’s frequent references to the global powers, whether the United States or the United Kingdom, in his speeches portray him as a champion of Pakistan’s sovereignty but this is not the truth. However, this strategy of presenting themselves as the victim of foreign conspiracy or intervention has often backfired. Rather than garnering genuine international support, PTI’s claims have been met with doubt, given the internal problems within the party and the broader governance failures.

In the modern-day politics, media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. PTI’s ability to manipulate the media narrative is an essential tactic in maintaining its political relevance. PTI leaders are adept at using social media platforms and traditional media outlets to amplify their message, framing themselves as the true voice of the people. By casting themselves as the underdogs in a system that has allegedly conspired against them, PTI generates a sense of sympathy and support, which often translates into more attention and a stronger base.

PTI’s most notable tactic is its use of protests and marches. These symbolic acts are designed to keep the political discourse focused on the party, especially during times of crisis or when their popularity starts to wane. In March 2022, PTI organized a long march that was heavily covered by the media, and the party’s leader Imran Khan made numerous statements aimed at portraying himself as a martyr for democracy. Such tactics are aimed at painting the ruling parties and other political leaders as corrupt and out of touch with the people, while positioning PTI as the party of the masses, ready to bring about change.

Additionally, PTI uses populist rhetoric to maintain the perception that they are the voice of the common people, while projecting an image of their rivals as part of an elite political class that has looted the country. They create a dichotomy of “us versus them” in the public eye, diverting focus away from their own flaws by shifting blame to others.

PTI’s strategy of portraying Pakistan in a negative light on international forums is not merely about exposing perceived issues; it is also about maintaining political relevance, garnering international support, and creating a narrative of victimhood. Despite the party’s own history of governance failures and corruption allegations, PTI continues to adopt attention-seeking tactics that involve portraying the political crisis as a broader issue involving conspiracies, mismanagement, and foreign interference. In doing so, they distract from their own record, engage in populist tactics to gain support, and aim to paint Pakistan as a victimized nation. However, this approach has not come without consequences, as the international community grows more aware of the complexities and contradictions within PTI’s political narrative.