Pakistan icon Imran Khan claims election victory

The former allrounder, who played in 88 Test matches and 175 one-day internationals for his country, said: "We were successful and we were given a mandate"

^{Imran Khan after casting his vote}

Imran Khan has delivered a TV message claiming victory in the Pakistan general election.

The former allrounder, who played in 88 Test matches and 175 one-day internationals for his country, said: "We were successful and we were given a mandate."

A formal announcement of the outome of the vote, which has been marred by violence and allegations of corruption, is expected later on Thursday.

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It is likely, according to reports from the region, that Khan's PTI party will not get an overall majority and will have to find coalition partners.

"I think this has been the clearest, fairest election Pakistan has ever had," Khan added.

The 65-year-old, who has done away with a playboy image that was tacked to him during his cricket career, ran his candidacy on anti-corruption policies.