Taking U-turn is 'hallmark of great leadership', says PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday reaffirmed his U-turn statement saying that taking a U-turn to reach one's objective is the "hallmark of great leadership."

"Doing a U-turn to reach one's objective is the hallmark of great leadership, just as lying to save ill-gotten wealth is the hallmark of crooks," he said in a tweet.

Khan on Friday had said that a leader who does not take U-turns according to the requirements of the situation is not a real leader.

During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, the premiere had cited an example from his cricket days when he led Pakistan's national team saying, "We used to make a strategy and then step out into the field but if the opponent team formed a strategy against ours then we would have to change it."

Speaking to Geo News, senior journalist Mazhar Barlas, who had also attended the meeting, said the prime minister had also referred to Adolf Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte.

"Hitler and Napoleon suffered huge defeats and caused losses as they did not take U-turns," Khan was quoted as saying at the meeting.

"If you are walking and there is a wall in front of you, then you will have to change and find another way," the senior journalist further quoted the premier as explaining.

"A leader who does not know how to take U-turns is not successful."

The statement by the prime minister was heavily criticised by members of the opposition, whereas his party members defended it.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and former National Assembly Opposition Leader, Khursheed Shah was the first to react. During a news conference in Sukkur, Shah said, “Imran Khan is Hitler and is taking U-turns to avoid losses.”

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former federal minister Khawaja Asif said, “Imran Khan will take a U-turn on his U-turn statement as well. Please wait it won’t be before long.”

Pak Sarzameen Party Secretary-General Raza Haroon tweeted that taking a U-turn was not a good characteristic for any leader.

"Serious misconception of leadership skills. One may need to adopt an alternate plan or path or strategy etc. ... but never #UTurn."

President Arif Alvi came forward in the prime minister’s support and shared that he too has taken “U-Turns.”

During a visit to a shopping mall in Lahore, the president said, “Decisions are taken according to the situations.”

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also came out in support of prime minister's statement and said, "Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement regarding "U-turn was correct."

Governor Ismail added, "Until a leader doesn't take a "U-turn" he cannot take big decisions."