Daily Times

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. In contrast, Sharif’s popularity jumped to 52% from 36% after the 74-year-old politician returned to Pakistan in October from four year of self-imposed exile that saw him dodge a jail sentence on health grounds.