It may be that my wit is short, as Chaucer might put it, or perhaps this is only a coincidence, but whenever I have observed Aimal Wali Khan speaking, I have invariably seen him in a state of intensity and political fervour.

If, in the end, he has to emerge as a central leader of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf, then perhaps this attitude fits there, where such tone and style of speech is often taken as boldness and is appreciated as a sign of courage. But if he is meant to carry forward the political traditions of Wali Bagh, then he should understand that this kind of approach does not suit him at all.

If he has to continue the political legacy of Wali Bagh, then refinement of temperament becomes necessary, and I can only see one way of doing that. That is, Aimal Wali Khan should occasionally find time to visit Maulana Fazlur Rehman and learn from him. In traditional politics, there is now only one remaining school, and it is called Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

There are three main reasons for turning to Maulana’s school of thought. The first reason is Maulana himself, the second is the late Bacha Khan, and the third is the late Wali Khan.

Maulana’s case is in front of all of us. He represents an entire political tradition of thought. His way of speaking is unmatched. Even the harshest words come wrapped in such grace that the listener does not even find the courage to feel offended. His conversation is like a bouquet. Sometimes the fragrance of flowers becomes prominent, and at other times the thorns stand out. Whoever he places that bouquet in the hands of must accept their fate, whether they feel the scent or the sting of thorns. Yet in every case, it remains a bouquet. The recipient may feel the pain of a thorn, but still smiles and keeps thanking Maulana. If Aimal Wali Khan learns such a school of expression in his youth, it could refine his political temperament. Otherwise, this fiery style suggests that if it is not checked, it may wound the political traditions of Wali Bagh.

The second reason is the political tradition of Wali Bagh itself. The late Bacha Khan had such humility in matters of knowledge that despite his towering stature, he always considered learning and understanding a matter of honor. In this regard, a testimony by Maulana Fazlur Rehman is worth noting.

“One day we were perhaps sitting in Wali Bagh. It was known that Bacha Khan was quite strict, and when guests were served tea, it was controlled, only one cup, and not more than a limited amount of food. I remember that during the movement in the time of Bhutto, Khan Abdul Wali Khan, Mufti Sahib, Chaudhry Zahur Elahi, Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan were all part of the same political........

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