Khan and Trump: From zero to hero amid political battles

Political comebacks are nothing new, whether in Pakistan or the United States. Leaders often oscillate between hero and zero, navigating controversies, trials, and shifting public sentiment.

The cases of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and former U.S. President Donald Trump exemplify this trajectory.

Both leaders faced legal battles that unexpectedly bolstered their public support. From allegations of corruption to inciting violence, their legal troubles became a rallying point for their followers.

Khan’s approval ratings had dipped sharply due to rising inflation and governance issues before his removal from power in April 2022. Similarly, Trump’s national approval stood at just 33% in early 2022, as his popularity plummeted post-2021 Capitol riots.

However, both leaders turned adversity into opportunity. Khan adopted an anti-establishment narrative following his ousting, while Trump doubled down on his "America First" agenda, criticizing the “deep state". Their consistent use of social media kept their messages alive, with each post or tweet drawing millions of engagements.

Both leaders faced a barrage of legal challenges—Trump with over 90 charges, including classified document mishandling and financial crimes, and Khan with 84 cases, ranging from corruption to terrorism. Yet, these allegations only heightened their appeal among their supporters.

The political landscape further favored their resurgence. Public discontent with Biden’s administration in the US and Shehbaz Sharif’s government in Pakistan played a pivotal role in reinvigorating their popularity.

Whether Khan’s journey mirrors Trump’s path to power remains uncertain. What is evident, however, is the unparalleled political charisma that continues to captivate their followers despite the controversies surrounding them.