It could have been predicted, but Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan is discovering that running his fractious country is tougher than getting batsmen out with his fiery pace bowling. This week he finally bowed to the inevitable and gave the green signal for the country to approach the IMF for funding. That was a considerable retreat for Khan who had always insisted that he wouldn't be adding to the country’s debt burden. Instead, he suggested, Pakistan could dig itself out of a financial hole by getting help from non-resident Pakistanis to bring back $10 billion taken out of the country illegally. That promise, as Indians also are aware, is easier to make than execute. When that fanciful concept turned out to be a non-starter, Khan then approached Pakistan's closest allies, China and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis have promised to put up a refinery at the upcoming Gwadar Port, but didn’t offer any hard cash. But even getting the IMF loan could have catches. The IMF is, understandably, worried that its money will just be used to service the huge loans for China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Since coming to power, Khan has made efforts to sound less hawkish than he did when in opposition and is trying to build a new image as a peacemaker with India and has even tossed hints that he’d like to improve trade with us. Khan’s determined to change the global perception that Pakistan is a state which harbours and sends out terrorists in all directions. Instead, he’d like the world to believe that India is the giant warmongering state that refuses to talk peace. Since American forces are frequently attacked by Taliban jihadis who then quickly flit back across the border, they are unlikely to swallow this story. But Pakistan, with Khan who knows how to appeal to Western audiences, is trying hard to win the perception battle. India should be on its guard and ensure that we always look and sound reasonable to counter his efforts.

Paran BalakrishnanEditorial Consultant

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