I travelled to Pakistan to test these claims and to meet the inner circle that surrounds Khan. I moved widely across the country, joined the crowds at one of his rallies and went behind the scenes for private meetings. My objective was not to meet Khan himself; my mission was to probe the men and women who advise him. Above all, I was eager to find out whether Khan really has created a genuine political movement with a programme for this troubled country. As far as Khan’s inner circle is concerned, it soon became clear that, while his enemies have been busy lobbing accusations of political incompetence, Khan has assembled a crack team of advisers featuring some of Pakistan’s most erudite, powerful and influential men; men who could be enjoying an easy life outside politics but whose sense of commitment to their country has persuaded them to join Khan.