The ascent, autumn and uprising of Imran Khan, the next leader of Pakistan

million. Khan, on the other hand, was someone with whom the military leaders seemed to be able to work. Analysts said he shared their vision of the world, in which Pakistan would indulge less in the United States and talk more with the Taliban and other extremist groups.

As a prelude to the elections, the military seemed to be pushing even harder for Mr. Khan. Human rights groups, academics and members of other political parties have said security officials have threatened rival party politicians to side with Khan. Several did

That does not mean that Mr. Khan was not really popular. He was, especially among the young men who loved him as a sports hero. In the run-up to national elections, a wave of Khan began sweeping Pakistan. His face was everywhere-on streamers, street lamps, and torn flags flying through the rickshaws gushing from the traffic. His supporters were the most energetic and the most confident. The symbol of his party: a cricket bat

The votes were still tabulated on Thursday, but Mr. Khan's party was far ahead of everyone else, although he still is not in a position of absolute majority at Parliament. According to the results broadcast on state television, Mr. Khan's party won 120 seats, Mr. Sharif's party won 61 and a party led by the Bhuttos, one of the political families the richest in Pakistan had 40.

M. Khan hopes that in the coming days, Mr. Khan will encourage politicians from several small parties to join a coalition government, with him as prime minister. Depending on the number of small parties he runs, his government might be strong or weak

What will Mr. Khan face?

On the domestic front, the challenges will be enormous. The Pakistani electricity grid is collapsing, its infant mortality rate is among the most painful in Asia, its currency is slipping and its debt – especially in China – is swelling. So many Pakistanis are unable to find work that every year, countless young men leave in desperate descent to the Middle East to work as street cleaners, baggage handlers, whatever.