Imran Khan- Army's Man, Sufi's Lover

Imran has the army and the young voters on his side. He hopes for peace with India, and is keen on ending Pakistani dependence on western aid and on ensuring its economic progress. He appeals to Pakistan’s sense of dignity. In the time of hypernationalism, he fits the bill, like Donald Trump

- Mandira Nayar

Imran Khan had gone to buy some medicines when he saw an old man holding a prescription. He thought the man had the same look that he had, whenever he saw his mother, a cancer patient, in pain. The man handed over the slip to the pharmacist. But, when he heard the price, he just walked out. His brother was dying of cancer. The old man’s desperate face remained etched in Imran’s memory for years.

In his autobiography, All Round View, Imran wrote that corruption was institutionalised in Pakistan. “Because of inflation, salaries have fallen behind, and it is partly for this reason that corruption has become so much a part of our life…. A revolutionary change in our social structure—especially in economic terms—is needed if we are to rid ourselves of this menace.”

This was 1988. Imran had come out of retirement, at the behest of Pakistan president Zia-ul-Haq. He led Pakistan on a tour to the West Indies and drew the Test series 1-1. For the first time in a decade, the West Indies had lost a Test at home.

Back then, there was no political career in sight for Imran. Thirty years later, however, he is embarking upon a tougher, more ambitious, yet less glamorous career, as prime minister of Pakistan.

Things have changed for Imran. But, not for Pakistan. For young Pakistanis, Imran and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, represent hope. He has listed several things under his slogan of tabdeli (change), including corruption and the anguish over the lack of money for education and healthcare. There is even a mention of the British National Health Service, a model that he wants to implement in Pakistan. All those who are quick to describe him as a playboy forget that Imran spent more than two decades struggling to be a successful politician.