Imran Khan Eyes Comeback Despite Conviction, Retains Support As Pakistan's 'Last Hope'
• Khan remains popular in Pakistan despite corruption conviction and arrest, seen as a crisis-ridden country's last hope by supporters • Built powerful political brand over 50+ year career as cricket star, philanthropist, and populist politician known for probity and piety • Lost power in 2022 after fallout with military establishment; subsequent protests led to thousands of arrests of PTI workers • Convicted of corruption and faces 200 other cases, denies all charges, but conviction currently bars him from parliament/premiership • Return to power could damage ties with US, IMF, and India; messianic populism won't address poverty, inflation, joblessness