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Samar Ali Khan is a prominent figure in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and is considered as the founding member of the party. He is also the CEO and principal architect of Design Group Practice.
In conversation with MM News, he discusses the current political situation of Pakistan, the upcoming Senate elections, his daily life, and achievements.
MM News: Why did you join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)?
Samar Ali Khan: I first met Imran Khan in 1995 and was really impressed by his thinking and his vision for the country. My personal objectives were aligned with the ways the party wants to transform the country. Then, I joined Tehreek-e-Insaaf in 1996, when the party was formed.
MM News: Are you satisfied with the current situation of the country and PTI government’s performance?
Samar Ali Khan: Change is a journey, not a destination, it is a continuous process. Our party has a plan but it is ‘Long Term’. Many elements are present in our political circles, which are hurdles in the country’s development. Imran Khan has already changed the dynamics of Pakistan’s politics; people now know well that everyone will be held accountable for their deeds. I feel people are very demanding in the PTI, the leaders are doing well. The impact of things are very far-reaching, and you will feel the difference soon.
MM News: What is the most important step for the people after joining the government?
Samar Ali Khan: Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s topmost priority is to provide the best quality of life to the people of Pakistan. And to fulfill this commitment, I think job creation is the most important step after joining the government. In this regard, the PTI government has also taken steps to counter unemployment by reviving the construction industry, tourism industry, and textile industry. However, I would like to mention here that foreign debt is a big burden on country’s economy and a major hurdle in countering unemployment.
MM News: Your take on open ballot in Senate elections?
Samar Ali Khan: Transparency is important. Free, fair, and transparent elections help strengthen democracy and democratic institutions and the government’s electoral reforms will help ensure credibility, impartiality and transparency of elections including the Senate polls. However, according to our Constitution, secret ballot is the option. And if we want to opt for open ballot, an amendment should be made legally.
MM News: What is your view after PTI failed to claim any significant victory in bypolls?
Samar Ali Khan: I truly feel until you are in the government, you don’t have the power to do anything. The people in slum areas usually vote for those who are already in power, they don’t see ideologies or manifesto of any other party. They don’t need change. Roti and Kaapra are their basic needs, and on this basis, they vote.
MM News: What are the problems the construction industry is facing?
Samar Ali Khan: First of all, our construction system has now become inefficient. In China, building a floor takes only a day and in Pakistan, it takes almost three months. We have to adopt the modern mechanisms, the world is using, to revive the construction industry. On the other hand, our labour is not skilled or trained. We have to train them also that will boost the construction industry.
MM News: How do you manage to spend time with your family?
Samar Ali Khan: Politics is a full-time job. It cannot be continued until you are totally focused. Spending time with family is the most important thing, however, I always failed in it. Third, there should be a source for earning. So, my schedule is busier than a normal politician.
MM News: How did you meet your wife Atiqa Odho?
Samar Ali Khan: This was a love match. I first met her in 2003 and she is very beautiful. She is a real-time activist, that’s what I like the most. I was attracted to her because of her activism. She had worked with several organizations to raise awareness of different topics. I am happy to be married to her. I love being at home and love having a family.
MM News: To what extent did the pandemic affect your business life?
Samar Ali Khan: We worked irregular hours due to the effects of COVID-19. We worked harder than ever to keep our business running smoothly with fewer resources. We always followed the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent the deadly virus. And by the Grace of Almighty Allah, we survived the pandemic.
MM News: Does grouping exists in PTI Karachi and Sindh?
Samar Ali Khan: Grouping is everywhere, even in the household. It’s human nature. Now the problem starts when a particular started conspiring against the ideology of the party. Yes, there are groups in Tehreek-e-Insaaf. Differences also exist, but our leader Imran Khan always hears those and finds solutions.
MM News: Who is your favorite personality in PTI?
Samar Ali Khan: There are many. However, one of my childhood friends, Babar Tajammul, was the closest to me. Unfortunately, he died a few days earlier. We had done everything together, including education, business and marriage.
MM News: What message do you want to give to the youth?
Samar Ali Khan: Education, thinking big and loyalty. These things are the most important for the young generation of our society. The most important thing our younger generation should acquire is education. I want to mention here that cheating has no future.
Education gives you a path and will make you able to compete with the challenges. Believe in yourself and the opportunities this country has to offer. There are a lot of problems in this country, but it’s also full of opportunities. So that’s my basic message, be the change within yourself. The future belongs to the youth of Pakistan.
