Former cricket idol becomes Prime Minister Pakistan

islamabad - The Pakistani parliament has chosen Imran Khan Friday as the new prime minister. As expected, with 176 against 96 votes, he was clearly preferred over rival Shehbaz Sharif.

The former cricket idol can, after his inauguration, work on Saturday to form a coalition government. His main task is to stave off the impending economic crisis.

65-year-old Khan, a fiery nationalist, won the election on 25 July, among other things, by promising to tackle corruption, create jobs and bring millions of people out of poverty.

Since independence in 1947, Pakistan has been plagued by military coups and periods of prosperity followed by deep recession. More recently, the violence of militant organizations has been added.