‍Cricket legend Imran Khan has been sworn in as Pakistan's new prime minister a day after he was elected by a majority of lawmakers in the National Assembly in capital city of Islamabad. His Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) won the most seats in last month's general election but fell short of an outright majority. The victory marks the end of decades of rotating leadership between the ousted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), punctuated by periods of army rule.

Imran Khan’s election is based on his campaign promises to build an “Islamic welfare state” and to curb corruption. The great promises have drawn a large number of voters, especially in the middle class, who demand change in the country, according to Professor Syed Inam ur-Rahman of the International Islamic University in Islamabad. But how should Khan turn his promises into reality especially when opposition parties are still disputing his victory?

Prof. Rahman thinks it takes both a strong will and a strong team for Khan to carry out his bold plans. He says Khan’s nomination of Sardar Usman, who is very familiar with the plight that faces the underprivileged, as his party's candidate for Punjab chief minister is a good first step in building a committed team. The choice is well appreciated in Pakistan.

However, it’s not enough. Pakistan is now facing a dwindling economy and regional turbulence. To tackle these problems, Prof. Rahman says Khan must bring basic changes and bring confidence back to the Pakistani people, including members of opposition parties.

Prof. Rahman says another important thing for Khan is to implement laws that are already introduced. Breaking the status quo and bringing change is a must for Khan if he really wants to be a successful prime minister, according to Prof. Rahman.

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