A day after Pakistani cricket star-turned-politician Imran Khan addressed the media claiming victory in the general elections, two major newspapers in the country invoked his poll slogan “Naya Pakistan” on their front pages on Friday.

Most newspapers had used catchy and large headlines on Thursday, some even using cricket puns, as early results had started trickling in. On Friday however, headlines were more subdued, looking at Khan’s promises ahead and his press conference. Provisional results by Friday morning showed Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leading with 110 seats in the 342-member National Assembly, Dawn reported.

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In their front pages, both Dawn and Pakistan Observer made mentions of Imran Khan’s remarks on relations with India. Pakistan Observer’s headline read, with a tinge of irony: “Imran offers talks to India, supports CPEC.” India opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The morning quote on Observer’s masthead looked ceremonious: “Eighty percent of success is showing up” by Woody Allen. Around 50%-55% of the registered voters showed up to vote on Wednesday, even as an explosion killed 31 in Quetta.

“Imran vows to make ‘new Pakistan’ dream a reality” was Dawn’s headline, followed by four pointers from Khan’s address as the strap – they focused on Khan’s response to allegations of rigging, his reforms promises and relations with India.

The Express Tribune noted the “conciliatory tone” in Khan’s victory speech. A teaser below the masthead showed a remark by former wife Jemima Goldsmith, who urged Khan to “remember why he entered politics in the first place”. Another teaser mentioned Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s response to Khan’s address.

Khan’s suggestion for a recount of votes to allay fears that the election results were rigged made it to The News International’s top headline.

Some headlines on Thursday – when only early results were available amid delays – included “Man of the Match” and “Imran bowls all out”: