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PM Imran Khan, Jacinda Ardern named among Time's 100 most influential people of 2019

Dawn.com Published April 17, 2019
Prime Minister Imran Khan has been named on Time's 100 most influential people of 2019 list in the leaders category. — Reuters/File
Prime Minister Imran Khan has been named on Time's 100 most influential people of 2019 list in the leaders category. — Reuters/File
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Prime Minister Imran Khan has been named among the '100 Most Influential People' of 2019 by Time magazine.

The list, unveiled on Wednesday, has chosen the "influential people" under five categories: leaders, pioneers, artists, icons and titans.

Journalist Ahmed Rashid wrote the following regarding Prime Minister Khan for Time's 100 most influential people issue.

"Pakistan is at a critical crossroads, and the man in charge is the closest it has to a rock star. Imran Khan captained the team that won the 1992 Cricket World Cup, built a world-class cancer hospital in Lahore, then a top-notch university for kids who could never have dreamed of attending one. Twenty years ago, he entered politics—a dirty business in Pakistan at the best of times.

Read: Khan’s finest hour

"Now he is Prime Minister of an impoverished nation that cannot pay its bills and is dependent on handouts from rich neighbours like China and the Arab Gulf states. Critics say Khan is too close to the army and Islamic fundamentalists, and chooses advisers poorly. Driven by fierce ambition, he can be cold and calculating. But he still generates the broadest hope among young and old that he can turn Pakistan around, and help make South Asia an ocean of peace rather than a state of permanent conflict."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who received global acclaim for her handling of the aftermath of a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, also made it to the annual list.

Among the other leaders on the list are US President Donald Trump, Pope Francis, American Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director who headed the two-year Russia election meddling probe, also made it to the list as a 'leader'. A redacted version of the report into the investigation — which had cast a cloud over Donald Trump's presidency — is expected to be released tomorrow.

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Zahid
Apr 17, 2019 06:26pm
Very apt comments. May he achieve his dreams
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Nasir
Apr 17, 2019 06:26pm
Well said but disagree with "chooses advisers poorly"
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Saif Zulfiqar
Apr 17, 2019 06:37pm
Well done dear Leader. We pray for your success in bringing back the country on her sound footing economically.
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Fastrack
Apr 17, 2019 06:38pm
Splendid.
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Ali
Apr 17, 2019 06:38pm
Prime Minister Imran Khan is a man of "peace and friendship" with all the countries. He respects all religions and faiths. He is a sincere and honest leader who is committed to lifting millions of people out of poverty. He has declared zero tolerance on corruption. He is a great visionary who sees a beautiful future for the people. Therefore, the TIME magazine rightly named him among the 100 most influential people of 2019.
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Khurram
Apr 17, 2019 06:40pm
Awesome. IK is the best.
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Shahid
Apr 17, 2019 06:40pm
There is no match, Jacinda visited and comforted the victims of the terrorist attack in her country. Looks like after receiving aid from KSA, IK has other priorities.
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Welcome
Apr 17, 2019 06:45pm
Congrats IK for making it to the list. Welcome to the club and clubhouse. Hang on tough. Two Indian lawyers Arundhati Katju & Menaka Guruswamy too made it to this years list. Priyanka Chopra wrote their profile in Time. For Reliance’s Mukesh Ambani, Anand Mahindra of Mahindra group wrote the profile. Who wrote the profile for IK ?
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Adeel Saleem
Apr 17, 2019 06:49pm
Well said. Good luck IK
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Peace Lover
Apr 17, 2019 06:50pm
No!!!! there is no Narinder Modi in the list of leaders. India is going to choose him as PM once again but the guy is not even in top 100.
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Khan USA
Apr 17, 2019 06:53pm
Imran failed to bring any real change !
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Ahmed bin Babar
Apr 17, 2019 06:53pm
How come influential when no influence is in sight..?!
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Apr 17, 2019 06:54pm
Welcome to the distinguished and unique club. Keep it up and hang on tough.
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Must learn
Apr 17, 2019 07:00pm
Both deserve Nobel Prize.
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aslam khan
Apr 17, 2019 07:03pm
This is nothing. He will be getting the Nobel Prize.
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Tarik
Apr 17, 2019 07:04pm
Congratulations to the patriotic people of Pakistan & Imran Khan. Breath of fresh air in a rotten atmosphere created by the corrupt politicians.
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Jamil
Apr 17, 2019 07:10pm
@Khan USA, thats because your country US is undermining him through economic and political pressure.
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Salman
Apr 17, 2019 07:12pm
@Khan USA, Good thing he has another 4 years left. Be patient, like we were with Nawaz and zardari for decades
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Alien1
Apr 17, 2019 07:17pm
Modi's name is not included because, currently there is an election in India, as a policy names are included so as not to influence people during election.
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PakPower
Apr 17, 2019 07:18pm
@Welcome Irrelevant since Modi didn't make it.
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TKhan
Apr 17, 2019 07:20pm
@Ahmed bin Babar, - Sir; IK;s influence will prevail. Decades of corruption that is permeated in every corner of Pakistani Government will take efforts to clean up. It will take time for IK's dreams to come true and his legacy and greatness to establish forever. Patience is the virtue!
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Gordon D. Walker
Apr 17, 2019 07:31pm
Three good people trying to make their countries relevant on the world stage. Go Khan! Go Jacinda! Go Trump... Gordon D. Walker Canada
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ahsan7979
Apr 17, 2019 07:31pm
Another feather in Pakistan's cap.
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FairPlay
Apr 17, 2019 07:37pm
And there's a reason why Zardari and Shariffs have never been placed on such a list, because they never did anything positive. Well done.
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rahul
Apr 17, 2019 07:38pm
Champion of Earth would make a grand entry in the list on may 23rd
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N_Saq
Apr 17, 2019 07:48pm
Well I know one thing that IK is doing his part and has sacrificed and sacrificing for the sake of Pak. He holds Pak's interest supreme but the question is will the rest of the Pak will do the same? Will the rest of Pak will keep asking what the country can do for them or will they ask themselves that what they can do for their country?
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programmingdrone
Apr 17, 2019 08:09pm
IK has the best intentions at heart, unlike some other politicians. We can at least credit him for that.
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Dr Humaid Khan
Apr 17, 2019 08:11pm
I wonder what opposition has to say about this accolade.
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M. Fida Hussain
Apr 17, 2019 08:12pm
@Shahid, If only five heads of state could be compared to Jacienda, IK would be one of them, while most world leaders are exact opposite of Jacienda.
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Pt. Shiv Poojan Dwivedi
Apr 17, 2019 08:17pm
Congratulations IK.
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dilshad ahmad
Apr 17, 2019 08:28pm
IK has promised a lot. If he can deliver half of his promises that will be great. We are hopeful that IK won't disappoint us.
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anil kumar
Apr 17, 2019 08:36pm
Only 8 months in power but still able to command respect & hope from international media. What an achievement. You are destined to be a leader who will change Pakistan forever. Loosers those who are beneficiaries of the last corrupt system will try their best to pull you down but Pakistan has to win this time. Keep it up, my leader.
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Simba
Apr 17, 2019 08:40pm
@ahsan7979, just feathers won't fly. you need wings.
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Khalid iqbal
Apr 17, 2019 08:43pm
Imran Khan , a man with a mission and purpose , has charisma and energy, very honest, resembles Mohaamed Ali Jinnah in many ways , he is the man Pakistanis have been looking for a long time .
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Dr Humaid Khan
Apr 17, 2019 08:54pm
@Gordon D. Walker, why you added Trump in this list?
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TOMATO
Apr 17, 2019 09:00pm
@Peace Lover, Check again...Modi was on Time magazine cover way back in 2012.... even before he became the PM; issue dated March 26, 2012. Headline was: "Modi means Business".
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Bilal
Apr 17, 2019 09:00pm
Being Pakistani I feel very strange that our leaders are very popular and influential internationally but are able to do nothing for their own poor nation.
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jaredlee007
Apr 17, 2019 09:06pm
Not good enough for PM IK. This list has several controversial figures. PM IK is a unique man and deserves nothing less than a Nobel Peace Prize, but not now, once Pakistan becomes a progressive nation.
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Raunak
Apr 17, 2019 09:22pm
@Peace Lover, .... Its a list of the year 2019 only.......
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Md. Asghar
Apr 17, 2019 09:24pm
Imran can achieve a lot, if he remains focused in his vision and merciless on accountability for everyone.
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Kp
Apr 17, 2019 09:32pm
@Peace Lover, read the list from original source
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Ahsan Gul
Apr 17, 2019 09:38pm
IK a genuine, honest and a People person. After 70 years of Pakistan seems like he is the one we have seen so far. Majority of his ministers and close people are good too and hopefully they together will change our country. Thanks
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WayToGo
Apr 17, 2019 09:44pm
@Bilal, Well said our people actually don't know they needs they only follow!!!!!! The poor are only struggling...
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Annie
Apr 17, 2019 10:05pm
Audacious for dawn to compare madam Ardern with imran Khan. Ms Ardern is much better.
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Mazhar.A.Khan
Apr 17, 2019 10:14pm
Great news PM Imran Khan. It's an honour for the country too. I wish & pray for your success in every step you take for the prosperity of Pakistan.
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enam
Apr 17, 2019 10:25pm
no doubt; he is a unique
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bhaRAT©
Apr 17, 2019 10:35pm
@Annie, Where exactly is the 'comparison' with Ms Ardern?
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Ali maqsood
Apr 17, 2019 10:47pm
@Peace Lover, don't forget he's at no. 4 in world's strongest person. 1-xi jinping 2-putin 3-trump 4-modi 5-abe
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Timur
Apr 17, 2019 10:54pm
@Peace Lover, Narendra Modi is at no 9 among the top 10. Not top100. See the list
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Mukesh
Apr 17, 2019 11:00pm
Prime Minister Khan. So proud of you sir! I am sure a vast majority of Pakistanis must be thrilled.
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Shubha
Apr 17, 2019 11:03pm
This is a user opinion poll based list conducted annually on the time website and is thus dominated by American personalities. Calling this list, which lacks major leaders and influencers from EU and Asia, as ‘top 100 most influential people list’ is like calling Patriots as American football world champions on winning the NFL.
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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani
Apr 17, 2019 11:16pm
Another international recognisation for PM Imran Khan, this time his name is amongst 100 most influential people in the world during 2019. Honesty, dedication, hard work, sincere efforts to help the poor and the needy people together with vision for Pakistan are key factors that previous PM's lacked, as they were more interested in making money through corrupt practices. This shows that you earn respect through sincere efforts and having broad vision for your country, this is exactly what PM Imran Khan has done during the last 9 months - let him complete his five years tenure and you will see significant improvement in the future. (Gharib Awam ki Awaz)
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Mohan
Apr 17, 2019 11:27pm
Last year Virat Kohli, Satya Nadella, Padukone (actor), Begum Hazina, and even Kim Jong Un. Congratulations, IK.
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Mukesh
Apr 17, 2019 11:47pm
@Shubha, Time magazine is the leading magazine in the world with millions of readers. I live in a remote part of Africa but has been reading it for years now. It is a fair reflection of the most influential people in the world.
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Karan
Apr 17, 2019 11:49pm
Did he get famous for the record inflation?
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AZAM AKBAR
Apr 17, 2019 11:50pm
Mr. Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi, Congratulations! Congratulations!! Congratulations!!! Hopefully, Pakistan will come on the path of progress, prosperity, development and happiness in near future.
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Imran khan
Apr 17, 2019 11:53pm
Where’s Modi in the list
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Dabbang
Apr 17, 2019 11:57pm
Great leader for Pak...we need him for at least 20yrs in charge
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Dabbang
Apr 17, 2019 11:59pm
@Khan USA, how did the previous leaders bring the change?
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Raja Farhat Abbas
Apr 18, 2019 12:17am
@Jamil, Good reply.!
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Raja Farhat Abbas
Apr 18, 2019 12:24am
@anil kumar, Love your comment Bhai and I share your sentiment about our PM Imran Khan sahib.!
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Nazar Rizvi
Apr 18, 2019 12:26am
The nation is very much hopeful that Ok will achieve his goals he set before the people of pakistan.he just needs some more time let him do no leg pulling .
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Raja Farhat Abbas
Apr 18, 2019 12:29am
@Annie, you are an Indian you just can not stomach it.!
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Ghaznavi
Apr 18, 2019 12:37am
IK only Pakistani leader bringing some order and drive into the country.
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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
Apr 18, 2019 12:45am
What an honor for Pakistan and I wish my favorite PM Imran earns more and more laurels in the days to come, aameen. Truly speaking Imran is facing big crunch of foreign loans and therefore he is walking on a very tight rope to promote welfare for his country fellows but had Pakistan not been in such bad condition I am sure much had been done by Imran during the last few months when he took over as PM. I will continue saying that he must curtail his cabinet (ministers, advisers, state ministers, special assistants etc) to half if not more simply because we cannot afford it to be honest. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi
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bhaRAT©
Apr 18, 2019 01:13am
@Timur, At at no 9 from the wooden spoon?
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Hussain
Apr 18, 2019 01:17am
@Shahid, and what priorities would they be..plz enlighten me..
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Chinpaksaddique
Apr 18, 2019 01:39am
He should be at number one but some are jealous. PMIK should be our permanent ruler
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Vijay B.
Apr 18, 2019 02:12am
This distinction bestowed on Imran Khan (IK) is so premature. They could have at least waited and given him a chance to prove or disprove himself.
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Naveed Khan
Apr 18, 2019 02:41am
Imran is a committed Leader, he needs support from every Pakistani to succeed.
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Moth
Apr 18, 2019 03:06am
The leaders with divine principles, truth + justice, always blessed and shine and be remnered with golden words.
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Must learn
Apr 18, 2019 03:44am
@TKhan, Khan Sahab you are right.
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Coldwar
Apr 18, 2019 03:50am
Jacinda definitely deserves all the accolades! Too early for Imran to give him so much importance
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Jameel Siddique
Apr 18, 2019 05:42am
@Khan USA, you want all in 8 months : from 1969 the disasters train has wreck havoc up till now : give him at least 2-3 years: and don’t forget PM Khan has 4 votes thin majority only and each partner demands his pound of flesh: it is dancing with snakes on the mine field .
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Thinking
Apr 18, 2019 06:23am
@Peace Lover, being in times 100 won't bring back your economy health. It's just a recognition maybe. Modi didn't get recognize, but don't forget, India is in far better shape than Pakistan. I'm not even a modi fan, but compare your country parameters with other country parameters, unless this recognize bringing your country the much needed funds
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nadine
Apr 18, 2019 06:40am
Both are great leaders.
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Noor
Apr 18, 2019 06:42am
@Khan USA, Well better than doing nothing. At least this Khan is doing something for Pakistan better than sitting in the USA and making money.
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Changez Khan
Apr 18, 2019 06:47am
A lesson for Modi to learn.
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Habib Zuberi
Apr 18, 2019 07:35am
Since Bangladesh separated, all leaders in Pakistan enriched themselves not their country. Imran Khan is the first PM who is working hard to improve the financial conditions of the country without filling his own pockets. I hope he succeed.
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:37am
@Ali, well said, 100%agree
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:39am
@Khan USA, people like you are so impatient, he is a leader and not a magician
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:40am
@Alien1, modi will go down into the drains of history
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:41am
@rahul, champion or the thug of Hindustan
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:45am
@Gordon D. Walker, just don't write for the writing sake
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:46am
@Karan, grapes are sour
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:46am
@TOMATO, was it because of Godhra
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Rani
Apr 18, 2019 07:47am
@Imran khan, modi is on this list of Godhra carnage
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Rajsahoo
Apr 18, 2019 08:54am
@Peace Lover, i don't think during Election they put his name in this list. But if Modi win again then i am sure his name definitely rank push in most power person in the world.
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Meesaq Zaidi
Apr 18, 2019 08:59am
Congratulations IK & Jacinda. You really deserved it. We appreciate it. Both deserve Nobel Prize for Peace. Let them share it.
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Shwetanshu Acharya
Apr 18, 2019 09:03am
@Peace Lover, Because it is 2019 list. He has been in every list 2016-18. If he loses election, he would no longer be influential in 2019. If he will win, be assured you will see him in every edition from 2020-24. Atleast read the criteria to be placed in world leader list before making such comments :/
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Mumtaz Ahmed Shah
Apr 18, 2019 09:05am
We congratulate to Imran Khan Prime Minister of Pakistan to be nominated one of "100 most influntial people 2019 by Time Magazine" IK is an honest ,dedicated,hard worker,sincer efforts to uplift the standard of living of downtrodden people.(Texas)
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SkyHawk
Apr 18, 2019 09:17am
PM Imran Khan is great leader. Pakistani nation stands with him and fully trusts him.
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SkyHawk
Apr 18, 2019 09:22am
Journalist Ahmed Rashid's comments are based on hatred and have no weight.
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Shan
Apr 18, 2019 09:35am
Maybe good for IK's CV to be on the list. Cannot understand how it is good or bad for the poor of this country. He is influential......OK. But he has to deliver for the poor. Nothing for me to be emotional about for the time being atleast!
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Roopesh
Apr 18, 2019 09:38am
Many Indians are also in the list like Mukesh Ambani, Arundhati Katju, Menaka Guruswamy to make TIME's 100 most influential people list
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Umair
Apr 18, 2019 09:39am
May he be able to achieve and be honest
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kk
Apr 18, 2019 09:43am
Pakistanis are praying for his success.
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Rajesh
Apr 18, 2019 09:46am
Congratulations Pakistan for electing Mr IK as PM.l
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N Abidi
Apr 18, 2019 10:07am
PM IK bringing respect to Pakistan ,his team needs to catch up to him! Every one should get on board, the winner will be Pakistan!
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balaji
Apr 18, 2019 11:53am
The love for the American product - 'TIME' by people of Pakistan brings tears to eyes. May this love for all thing American continue without disruption
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john
Apr 18, 2019 11:55am
All the things will be shown its true place once the election is india is over...just 0ne more month..please
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Ashish Gupta, Pune
Apr 18, 2019 12:14pm
Mr Khan is on the right path. He is addressing all the fundamental rights of the humans in his country - food, education, healthcare, employment and shelter. That's the real war! War against hunger, war against, unemployment, war against homelessness, war against diseases, war against poverty. No wonder he is in top 100 list of most influential people in the world. I am always happy for the progress of common people of Pakistan. Since I work in IT, I have many friends of Pakistani origin and I never had any issues with them and they never had any issues with me. I wish Pakistan becomes a progressive society under Imran Khan's leadership. He is dreaming big, he is doing big!
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Bikram Singh
Apr 18, 2019 02:10pm
@Peace Lover, Even Putin is not there..But Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani is there.
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Bikram Singh
Apr 18, 2019 02:12pm
@Peace Lover, Once upon a time, even Musharaf was there in the list and see where is he now.
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Qazi
Apr 18, 2019 02:17pm
Surely a matter of pride for all Pakistanis. A wonderful achievement in just 8 months leading the nation.
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Daskalos
Apr 18, 2019 02:46pm
@Bilal, indeed an irony of fate. It seems Pakistan is ungovernable.
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anonymous
Apr 18, 2019 03:04pm
He certainly was able to influence friendly countries to give loans to Pakistan. The loans have been nearly exhausted, that's another matter.!!
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Rashid Sultan
Apr 18, 2019 03:22pm
I cannot see how or why though? There are many more deserving in the world and these two named would agree.
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Rashid Sultan
Apr 18, 2019 03:39pm
Not many in the world know who Jacinda Ahern is? A bit of prominence in the press and media recently because of shooting of 50 congregants at two mosques in New Zealand which is otherwise a back water other than for its rugger and cricket teams. And of course Kiri Ketakanawa.
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N Abidi
Apr 18, 2019 08:50pm
This makes Pakistani proud every where. Finally,a Pakistani leader getting attention for right reasons!
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zorro
Apr 19, 2019 02:14am
Undeniably, Unequivocally, Imran Khan, for Pakistan. There is no one better!!!
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LAHORI KID
Apr 19, 2019 09:19am
Most influential, but not very effective.
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Rashid Sultan
Apr 19, 2019 02:48pm
@Ashish Gupta, Pune, How come you have many Pakistani friends working in Pune (Poona)? Are we there in numbers helping your IT industry / call centres?
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Amrut
Apr 19, 2019 04:37pm
Next is Nobel peace prize
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Kallu
Apr 19, 2019 05:48pm
@anil kumar, yes he is the biggest borrower in recent Times
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