In a telephone conversation with Dr Mahathir Mohamad today, Imran said he wanted to visit at “the earliest date possible”.

During Pakistan’s general election campaign, Imran, who heads the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, congratulated Mahathir for his election victory.

“Corruption of Malaysian PM Najib Razak was the major reason Mahathir came out of a 15-year retirement to win elections despite attempts by Najib government to manipulate the same. Congratulations to Mahathir and the people of Malaysia,” he had said.

Imran’s main rival Shehbaz Sharif had also praised Mahathir during campaigning, saying Pakistan should emulate the Malaysian and Turkish model.

“I will learn from Brother Mahathir Mohamad and Brother Erdogan and apply their secrets of development to Pakistan,” Shehbaz said in one of his campaign speeches.