Imran Khan's political education is bordering between shrewdness and naivety. Promising to end militancy and corruption within 90 days of being elected prime minister of Pakistan, the former Pakistan cricket captain is going to find himself stumped out of the crease in a manner of speaking.
While it is true that Khan is riding the crest of a popular wave, generated mainly by Pakistan's youth who see him as a saviour of sorts, his ambitions must be tinged with a healthy dose of realism.
A politician's potential should not be measured simply by the number of people who turn up for his rallies. Khan's mettle so far has been untested. His party — Tehreek-e-Insaaf — has briefly held one seat in parliament and that belonged to him. His relationships so far with more established parties, the US and the military in particular needs development. While it is true that he holds out the promise of hope, Khan must ensure that he too takes a political reality check.
