大象传媒

Imran Khan has claimed victory in Pakistan's election - but what will he be able to change?

Khan is better known internationally for his exploits on the cricket field than in the political arena.

On the surface his ascent to power represents significant change. Politics in Pakistan has been dominated for decades by two families: one, of Nawaz Sharif, the last man to be elected prime minister, the other, of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his daughter, Benazir. Khan has ties to neither dynasty so appears to break the mould.

But there is another constant in Pakistani politics: the army. Most observers agree that Khan owes his success to military support, and many believe he will be able to govern only with military approval.

David Aaronovitch assesses the significance of his remarkable result.

CONTRIBUTORS

Ayesha Jalal, professor of history at Tufts University, Massachusetts

Shahzeb Jillani, senior executive editor, Dunya TV

Husain Haqqani, former Pakistan ambassador to the United States

Prof Katharine Adeney, director of the Asia Research Institute at the University of Nottingham

Producer: Tim Mansel.

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