He is not a new name in Pakistan or around the world by any means. Khan has always been in the spotlight and thrived in it. Whether it were his days as a young and dashing cricketer, his time as Pakistan’s first and only World Cup winning captain or his political beginnings till now, the heartthrob from Mianwali has always been talk of the town.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-z2_5WKtEI
But there are reasons why people love him, especially the middle classes and here they are.
Cricket World Cup
This is one reason why Imran Khan is one of Pakistan’s most popular sons. Not even his critics can take this one away from him.
Imran Khan during World Cup 1992 victory speech.
Khan steered Pakistan from possible elimination (thanks to the circumstances too) to becoming the World Champions for the first and only time in 1992.
For a cricket crazy nation, the year will always remain as the most iconic one in the country’s sporting history and that is why Pakistan loves Khan.
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital
Founded by Imran Khan in 1994, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital is Pakistan's largest cancer hospital and is home to the largest radiation oncology centre.
Imran Khan inaugurates Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Peshawar.
The hospital functions on donations from lovers of Khan and philanthropists alike from all the world.
It provides free of cost and affordable treatments to cancer patients, and is one reason why PM Khan has always had a place in the hearts of Pakistanis, especially the middle classes.
Anti-Corruption And Naya Pakistan Slogans
For a country which has been ruled by martial law, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for a long aggregate period of time, PTI and Imran Khan come as a fresh face.
Majority of the population need their basic necessities fulfilled and a system that would cater their needs in the best ways possible. That is what Khan promises to provide.
Addressing a crowd during a PTI Jalsa.
Though not a lot has been done by the current government, but 6 months into politics is humble beginnings.
Honesty And Truthfulness
Call it what you like, but Imran Khan says what he feels and does not play the usual political games.
He is blunt, at most unapologetically mean when it comes to talking about political rivals, but he does not hide his true self.
And that is why people love him.
He Can Conquer Challenges
He has won the World Cup when nobody expected him to. He founded Shaukat Khanum Hospital when people did not believe in him. Damn, he was even told as a 9-year-old that he cannot play cricket.
He did what they said he would not do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAION_Juc3U
We, as humans, seek inspiration from stories as such, where a man fights against the odds and come out victorious.
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