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I entered politics 22 years ago when I saw the collapse of governance and corruption. I have seen the country rising and falling. I want to fulfill the dreams of Muhammad Ali Jinnah (the founder of Pakistan) -Imran Khan

Islamabad: Former Pakistan Cricketer Imran Khan, who had led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, has steered his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to victory in Pakistan’s election.

Though his party has fallen short of a clear majority, Imran has claimed victory. In a televised address, he said: “we were successful and have received the mandate (to rule)”.

Obviously Pakistan is now heading for a coalition Government.  During this election, when it was continuously projected by media that Imran was having the full backing of the Pak Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Army, Pakistan was rocked by bloody violence. On the day of polling for the general election, at least 31 persons were killed when a man blew himself up outside a polling station in Quetta. The Islamic State has claimed it was behind the attack.

Besides violence, this election will also be remembered for allegations of rigging and massive irregularities in counting of votes – the Pak election authorities have denied these charges.

Ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who won the last election, is in jail for corruption after his name figured in the Panama Papers’ leak. His party Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) which has a major following in the Punjab Province has leveled charges of massive rigging.

In his first address after the election results came in, Imran said we are witnessing the evolution and progress of democracy in Pakistan. Our policies would be geared towards human development – especially the upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden. No country can progress with an ocean of poor.

Imran especially thanked the people of Balochistan for contributing immensely in strengthening democracy. Announcing that there would be no political vendetta, he gave a call for national unity. He also talked of fiscal deficit, rising debt, falling value of Pakistan rupee, need for accountability and a concerted war against the cancer of corruption.

On India

Pakistan is ready to improve its ties with India, Imran said adding “If they take one step towards us, we will take two….” He also said that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through talks.

From Twitter

22 years later, after humiliations, hurdles and sacrifices, my sons’ father is Pakistan’s next PM. It’s an incredible lesson in tenacity, belief & refusal to accept defeat. The challenge now is to remember why he entered politics in the 1st place. Congratulations @ImranKhanPTI

— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) July 26, 2018

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