(8 Nov 1996) English/Nat

Pakistan’s cricketing legend Imran Khan has launched a drive to become his country’s next prime minister.

On the eve of the announcement that he would contest Pakistan’s next elections, Khan said corruption could only be rooted out if those at the top were made accountable.

His recently formed Tehreek-i-Insaaf or ‘Justice Movement’ is pushing for an end to widespread corruption in the country.

He led his country on the cricket field – now he wants to lead it in parliament.

Imran Khan, who captained Pakistan to victory in the World Cup, is set to stand in elections on February 3.

On the eve of his announcement, Khan spoke about his drive to become the country’s next prime minister.

So, as a former cricketer, did he have the right qualities for the job?

SOUNDBITE: (English)
Well an actor led the strongest country in the world, surely it must depend on the character, whether it’s a businessman or lawyer or anything it surely has to depend on the individual.
SUPER CAPTION: Imran Khan – leader of Tehreek-i-Insaaf party

Khan’s recently formed political party plans to field candidates in all constituencies in the upcoming elections.

Pakistan’s President Farooq Leghari sacked former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on Tuesday – she was charged with corruption, state-sponsored killings and economic mismanagement.

Khan’s campaign will focus on a clean sweep of political life in Pakistan.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
Corruption can only be rooted out from Pakistan if accountability starts from the top. Provided we catch the big fish, the big crooks, I think the corruption problem in Pakistan will be solved by an large. But it has to start with the big ones, and unless and until we catch these big crooks we will never solve the corruption problem. The reason we have always had more and more corruption despite four governments being dismissed on corruption charges, is because there is selective accountability, only a few people are held accountable, the rest who are known crooks get away with it and come back to fight another election.
SUPER CAPTION: Imran Khan – leader of Tehreek-i-Insaaf party

Although he is as yet untested in politics, Khan says he could no longer turn a blind eye to his country’s problems.

The former cricketer supported Pakistani President Leghari’s use of his constitutional authority to tackle corruption

SOUNDBITE: (English)
“I think the sacking was justified because the country was at a stage of complete collapse, corruption – unprecedented corruption – incompetence, the collapse of almost every institution in the country and I think the president was absolutely justified in dismissing the government”.
SUPER CAPTION: Imran Khan – leader of Tehreek-i-Insaaf party

Khan — who is famous for his sporting prowess and admired for his charity fund-raising is taking a strong anti-corruption stance that appeals largely to the young and the urban middle-class.

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