Nawaz Sharif Gains Ground on Imran Khan Ahead of Pakistan Polls
- Sharif has highest approval in key Punjab province: survey
- Delays have plagued Pakistan’s elections, scheduled for Feb. 8
A banner featuring an image of Nawaz Sharif, in Lahore on Jan. 9.
Photographer: Arif Ali/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
With less than a month to go before Pakistan’s elections, jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan remains the most popular politician, although his rival Nawaz Sharif has gained considerable ground since returning from self-exile last year.
A Gallup opinion poll carried out last month shows approval ratings for Khan stand at 57%, slightly lower than 60% in June last year. That suggests still-widespread support for the ex-cricket star who is barred from contesting in elections. Khan, 71, faces dozens of legal charges and is unlikely to get relief in time to take part in polls on Feb. 8.