The former star of cricket becomes President of his country in a vote under the shadow of fraud

It was the year 1992 and in the Australian city of Melbourne hosted the final of the Cricket World Cup, between England – the country where the sport was born – and Pakistan, country of the Commonwealth (Commonwealth of Nations). The Asian nation conquered, against all odds, its first and only world title.

Leer en español: Imran Khan: el deportista que conquistó la presidencia de Pakistán

This triumph is still considered today as the greatest success of the Pakistani sport and everyone remembers who was the main protagonist: Imran Khan. In that World Cup, Khan was already 39 years old and after that appointment he had decided his retirement after 16 years in the national team. An excellent way to say goodbye for the idol of more than 200 million compatriots.

After finishing his sports career, Khan dedicated himself to philanthropy, taking advantage of his great international recognition. He became UNICEF Special Representative for sports, opened the first and only cancer hospital in Pakistan, as well as schools, and a foundation with his name.

Finally the doors of the Lahore Governor House open to the people of Pakistan. Symbols of colonial rule come crashing down. Our nation will become invincible when our people own their govt. pic.twitter.com/D5n9OseIjC

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 17 de septiembre de 2018

At that time, Imran Khan also stood out for his playboy fame, as it was usual to see him at parties in the most exclusive places in the world, from the Riviera to Beverly Hills. Born in Lahore (cultural capital of the country) in a high class Pashtun family, he studied in the best schools in Pakistan and the United Kingdom, so he always had everything to have a quiet life.

However, the former star always kept his political streak intact and in 1996 he founded his own party, the Movement for Justice of Pakistan (PTI), centrist, and began working in his career to the presidency of the country.

One of Khan's main motivations to take the reins of Pakistan is to end the recurring corruption that has plagued this nation for decades. However, the Muslim League acusses Khan of leading corrupt elections.

There are many voices that accuse Khan that the results obtained have been rigged with the help of the Army, possibly the most powerful institution in the country, and that the former cricket player has managed to get on his side.

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Khan promised to open an investigation to show that he won cleanly at the polls. While the process is taking place, the new Prime Minister has focused on remembering his campaign proposals, which are as well-intentioned as they are populist.

In his speech, after the victory, he insisted on the need to create a "new Pakistan" that "helps the weakest to prosper". Khan has worked mainly in attracting the youngest promising 10 million jobs, 5 million homes at advantageous prices, and a firm hand with the corrupt.

However, the new president also did not want to get away from the more conservative religious sectors, ensuring that he will defend the strict blasphemy laws that govern the country, and that still contemplate the death penalty for those who dare to profane the name of Muhammad.

Khan seems to be separating himself from the ostentatious life he had led in the last 25 years to focus on fulfilling a series of promises that, at the moment, are no more than that.

LatinAmerican Post | José María González
Translated from "Imran Khan: el deportista que conquistó la presidencia de Pakistán"