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Monday, February 6, 2012

Wild flowers of Kashmir


The  Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC, is a pioneer institution to start cultivation of important indigenous medicinal plants and introduce many from other parts of the world. A preliminary study on cultivation of medicinal plants in Jammu and Kashmir was from this institution. Subsequently lot of work on cultivation and improvement was done on selected plants by different   scientists and a consolidated account on cultivation and utilization of these plants was published (Sheikh GULZAAR, 2002 & 2007).

Availability of  Seed/Planting material for research purpose only
(The following seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for Research institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

A                                             

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

V

W

Z

ABOUT OUR SEEDS
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC specialises in seeds and plants that are the backbone of organic and permaculture systems. These include a wide range of open-pollinated, heirloom medicinal, fruit, herbal, vegetable seeds, rare edibles, living mulches, green manures and insectary plants for beneficial insects.


SEED QUALITY
We specialise in high quality seed with a guaranteed viability and purity and so we appreciate very much when gardeners let us if know they have an occasional problem with seed germination. This allows us to further improve our growing information and triggers additional germination testing to pinpoint any problems. Germination testing is carried out on a regular basis to check that the viability of seed is being maintained throughout the year.

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

SEED SAVING
Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage.Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical option for home gardeners.

HEIRLOOM SEEDS
Most of our open-pollinated seeds are also considered heirloom or heritage seed. These are herb, flower and vegetable varieties that were bred and handed down by generations of gardeners and farmers. These varieties have stood the test of time, gardeners have saved them year after year because they were recognised for their superior qualities such as great flavour, good yield or disease resistance.

SEED PACKING
Our seeds are packed in simple plain paper, 90 mm x 145 mm, re-sealable packets with an inner cliplock plastic bag that is also resealable. Our intention is to avoid as much as possible glossy paper and full-colour printing due to its greater environmental impact. The paper packets can be composted. The inner cliplock bag helps greatly to maintain the seed's viability as it resists moisture far better than just a paper packet alone. Each Packet contains 50-100 seeds.

GROWING INFORMATION
Seed packets are printed with detailed growing information to help you with successful seed raising. In addition a free leaflet Successful Seed Raising Guide is provided with each seed purchase.

SEED TREATMENT
Please be aware that much of the seed retailed in South Asia  is chemically treated with fungicides. The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre does not use chemical treatments, our organic solution to weevils is diatomaceous earth, the grey, powdery coating on some of our seeds. Sometimes a hot water seed treatment is worthwhile if you have been having persistent disease problems.

Effective 01/02/2012 / Due to the volatility of shortages in the seed markets, Prices can change on a semi daily bases. Please place your order we will notify you of higher or lower prices on your purchase date.

For more details:-
Sheikh GULZAAR
Head
The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D division : Sonamarag (Kashmir)
Ph: (Resi) 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Medicinal Plants of Kashmir and Ladakh : Temperate and Cold Arid


Details: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com
The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre Srinagar is responsible for development of hundreds of well known medicinal/fruit/ornamental plants.  JKMPIC one  of  the premier institution  involved in production,  development, introduction, & manufacturing of  Medicinal, Fruit,  Ornamental Plants and seeds. 

Availability of  Seed/Planting material
(The following seeds  and planting material is available for distribution/purchase for growers, institutions, universities, associations and NGOs)

(A)
Aconitum heterophyllum                  
Abies pindrow                                  
Acacia melanoxylon
Atropa  belladona                                                                
Asparagus racemosus                    

B
Buxus wallichiana                 

C

D

E

F
                       
G

H
Hippophae rhamnoides

I

J

K

L

M

N

O
                       
P

Q

R

S
Sea Buckthorn

T

W

Z
             
ABOUT OUR SEEDS
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC specialises in seeds and plants that are the backbone of organic and permaculture systems. These include a wide range of open-pollinated, heirloom medicinal, fruit, herbal, vegetable seeds, rare edibles, living mulches, green manures and insectary plants for beneficial insects.


SEED QUALITY
We specialise in high quality seed with a guaranteed viability and purity and so we appreciate very much when gardeners let us if know they have an occasional problem with seed germination. This allows us to further improve our growing information and triggers additional germination testing to pinpoint any problems. Germination testing is carried out on a regular basis to check that the viability of seed is being maintained throughout the year.

OPEN POLLINATED SEEDS/Non-hybrid
Our seeds are nearly all open-pollinated and so are able to be grown again from seed you save yourself. Open-pollinated seeds are genetically diverse treasures that have been passed on from generation to generation. When you buy and plant open-pollinated seeds you are helping to protect this valuable resource for the future.

SEED SAVING
Saving open-pollinated (OP) seeds protects our global food heritage.Growing open pollinated seeds and saving some for next year's crop is a practical and economical option for home gardeners.

HEIRLOOM SEEDS
Most of our open-pollinated seeds are also considered heirloom or heritage seed. These are herb, flower and vegetable varieties that were bred and handed down by generations of gardeners and farmers. These varieties have stood the test of time, gardeners have saved them year after year because they were recognised for their superior qualities such as great flavour, good yield or disease resistance.

SEED PACKING
Our seeds are packed in simple plain paper, 90 mm x 145 mm, re-sealable packets with an inner cliplock plastic bag that is also resealable. Our intention is to avoid as much as possible glossy paper and full-colour printing due to its greater environmental impact. The paper packets can be composted. The inner cliplock bag helps greatly to maintain the seed's viability as it resists moisture far better than just a paper packet alone.

GROWING INFORMATION
Seed packets are printed with detailed growing information to help you with successful seed raising. In addition a free leaflet Successful Seed Raising Guide is provided with each seed purchase. Or you can read more

SEED TREATMENT
Please be aware that much of the seed retailed in South Asia  is chemically treated with fungicides. The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre does not use chemical treatments, our organic solution to weevils is diatomaceous earth, the grey, powdery coating on some of our seeds. Sometimes a hot water seed treatment is worthwhile if you have been having persistent disease problems.
For more details:-
Sheikh GULZAAR
Head
The JK Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
R&D division : Sonamarag (Kashmir)
Ph: (Resi) 01933-223705
Mob: 09858986794

Copyright © 2000 - 2011 The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
No part of this organization website may be reproduced without permission of the owner.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sage-Salvia officinalis seeds for sale

Sage-Salvia officinalis
Family        :  Labiatae
Hindi          :  Salvia, Sefakus
Malayalam  :  Salvi tulasi
Cahmerian  :  Green leaf
Bengali       :  Bui tulasi
Panjabi       :  Sathi
Arabic        :  Mayameeah
Chineese     :  Shu wei cao
Czech         :  Salvej
Dutch         :  Salie
French       :  Sauge
German      : Salbei
Italian         : Salvia
Spanish       :Salvia

Sage is a native of Mediterranean area. It grows wild in the Dalmatian region of Yugoslavia. It is cultivated in Kashmir, Yugoslavia, Italy, Albania, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, England, Canada and USA.

Chemical constituents :  Volatile oil, resin, tannin and a bitter principle. The oil is composed of camphore, salvene, cineol and pinene. The fresh leaves provide appreciable amounts of vitamin A and C.

Medicinal use of Sage :
Sage has a very long history of effective medicinal use and is an important domestic herbal remedy for disorders of the digestive system. Its antiseptic qualities make it an effective gargle for the mouth where it can heal sore throats, ulcers etc. The leaves applied to an aching tooth will often relieve the pain. The whole herb is antihydrotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, galactofuge, stimulant, tonic and vasodilator. Sage is also used internally in the treatment of excessive lactation, night sweats, excessive salivation (as in Parkinson's disease), profuse perspiration (as in TB), anxiety, depression, female sterility and menopausal problems. Many herbalists believe that the purple-leafed forms of this species are more potent medicinally. This remedy should not be prescribed to pregnant women or to people who have epileptic fits. The plant is toxic in excess or when taken for extended periods - though the toxic dose is very large. Externally, it is used to treat insect bites, skin, throat, mouth and gum infections and vaginal discharge. The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use. The essential oil from the plant is used in small doses to remove heavy collections of mucous from the respiratory organs and mixed in embrocations for treating rheumatism. In larger doses, however, it can cause epileptic fits, giddiness etc. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is "Tonic".

Other uses : Sage is one of the most popular expensive herbs in culinary preparations in the west. It helps counteract the harmful richness of foods like pork, goose, duck and oily fish. It also combines well with dairy foods, bean and pea soups. Dried and powdered leaves are mixed with cooked vegetables and sprinkled on cheese dishes. fresh  sage leaves are used in salads and sandwiches.

Description of the plant:
Plant : Evergreen Shrub
Height : 60-120 cm (2/4 feet)
Flovering : June to August
Scent : Scented Shrub

Habitat of the herb : Dry banks and stony places, usually in limestone areas and often where there is very little soil.

Edible parts of Sage : Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked. A very common herb, the strongly aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked foods. They are an aid to digestion and so are often used with heavy, oily foods. They impart a sausage-like flavour to savoury dishes. The young leaves and flowers can be eaten raw, boiled, pickled or used in sandwiches. The flowers can also be sprinkled on salads to add colour and fragrance. A herb tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, it is said to improve the digestion. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used commercially to flavour ice cream, sweets, baked goods etc.

Other uses of the herb : The leaves make excellent tooth cleaners, simply rub the top side of the leaf over the teeth and gums. The purple-leafed form of sage has tougher leaves and is better for cleaning the teeth. The leaves have antiseptic properties and can heal diseased gums. An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfumery, hair shampoos (it is good for dark hair) and as a food flavouring. It is a very effective "fixer" in perfumes, and is also used to flavour toothpastes and is added to bio-activating cosmetics. The plant (the flowers?) is an alternative ingredient of "QR" herbal compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus shorten the time needed to make the compost. The growing or dried plant is said to repel insects, it is especially useful when grown amongst cabbages and carrots. It was formerly used as a strewing herb and has been burnt in rooms to fumigate them. A good dense ground cover plant for sunny positions, though it needs weeding for the first year or two. They are best spaced about 60cm apart each way.

Propagation of Sage : Seed - sow March/April or September in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. In areas where the plant is towards the limits of its hardiness, it is best to grow the plants on in a greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year.

Sage-Salvia officinalis seeds
No: of seeds : 100/packet
Min. order: 20-30 packets
Available : January to December
Price: INR: 550/-US$12

More details:
Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
(Via New Delhi-India)

Ph: 01933-223705, 09858986794
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com, jkmpic@yahoo.in
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I want justice. I want to see my son. I want him if he is alive, and if dead: Agya Kour

By: Sheikh Gulzaar
Srinagar: Family of a youth is awaiting justice for the past 11 years, demanding the whereabouts of their son, they say, was picked up by Special Operations Group of  Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Ichpal’s mother, Agya Kour, said her son left home on March 20, 1999 to get sugar from market, but never returned. “All I remember is that the incident took place one year after the Chittisingpora massacre,” she said, adding, “My son was on way to the market when the SOG picked him up. Since then, I have been moving from pillar to post for justice. I want my son.”

The family resides at Sanat Nagar on the city outskirts after migrating from Arina village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Ichpal, son of Karan Singh, was 13-year-old at the time of his arrest. “An SOG man would demand money from us after we sold a cow. But we refused,” she said.

In 2000, Kour said she filed a report about the case in police station, Saddar, and later moved the JK Human Rights Commission in 2001 when police did nothing.  In its judgment in 2003, the Commission recommended to the government that an amount of Rs 1 lakh be paid to Kour as ex-gratia relief and sent the order to chief secretary for implementation. “The Government shall inform the Commission about its action within one month,” the JKHRC said.

The 2-page report mentioned that the boy’s antecedents were “not shady” and the “police has not stated that he was involved in any anti-national or any illegal action.” Even the senior superintendent of police, Srinagar, in his report said that the youth was not involved in any militancy-related activity.

“The then government didn’t respect the JKHRC verdict. For three years, I was not given the ex-gratia even as I am very poor lady, working as peon and having an  ailing husband,” Kour said.

The ex-gratia was sanctioned to Kour on 10 July, 2006, by the then deputy commissioner, Budgam. But, Kour said, the amount could not compensate her son’s loss. “I want justice. I want to see my son. I want him if he is alive, and if dead, I want the killers behind bars,” she told me .(Writer-South Asia)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Ginkgo and Impotence

Ginkgo biloba seeds
Ginkgo Biloba tree is a perennial tree that is native to China and Japan; it also now grows in some areas of Europe and North America. It stands about 100 foot tall; its leaves are fan-shaped with veins radiating from its stem base and produces small, round fruit that measure from 1 to 3 cm. The fruit contains an inner seed, which is reported to cause human poisoning when ingested.

The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are among the most extensively studied plant today. Unlike many other herbs, ginkgo leaves are not frequently used in their crude state, but in a concentrated, standardized ginkgo biloba extract, which is prepared from the dried green leaves. The standardized extract is highly concentrated and seems to be more effective in treating health problems than the non-standardized leaf alone. Ginkgo supplement is now one of the best selling herbal remedy in Europe and United States.

Active components of Ginkgo biloba: There are more than 40 components identified from ginkgo biloba tree but there are only two active components that are responsible for its beneficial effects. These components include;

Flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin both have powerful antioxidant effects. Studies have shown that flavonoids protect the nerves, heart muscle, blood vessels and retina from damage.

Terpenoids such as ginkgolides improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets.

Health Benefits:
Stimulates and tones the brain. Ginkgo possessed many excellent properties among which are that of stimulating circulation, particularly in the brain. Because of the increases circulation and oxygenation of the brain cells, produced by the extract from ginkgo leaves, this plant has given excellent results for combating diseases related to the brain.

Embolism.
Normally a region of the brain stops to function in the case of an embolism. Therefore, a more generous supply of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area is necessary in order for the nerves cells to recuperate efficiently.

Increase memory and mental concentration.
Students and professional take ginkgo biloba daily to increase their mental abilities, whether for work or study because of its effectiveness on increasing memory and mental power.

Senility and Alzheimer's disease. Several studies have found that ginkgo may be as effective as the leading AD medications, a number of studies conclude that the daily consumption of Ginkgo biloba extract produces a considerable increase in memory and in the activity of neurons in the brain. There are study conducted in n 40 patients between 60 and 80 years of age. Twenty of them were given a placebo. After 3 months, the researchers reported that the patients who took Ginkgo demonstrated more concentration and much higher levels of mental activity than those who did not receive Ginkgo. Other research has demonstrated that the percentage of nerve transmission in the neurons increases significantly. In addition, ginkgo is sometimes used preventively because it may delay the onset of AD in someone who is at risk for this type of dementia.

Headache (Migraine). Study was conducted in persons suffering from migraine headaches; improvement was noted in 80% of those who took ginkgo biloba. The reason for the alleviation in migraine sufferers may be due to effect on the arteries by the active ingredients of plant.

Asthma. Ginkgo can help in the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis; this is due to the effects of ginkgolides, active ingredients of Ginkgo that helps alleviate bronchial constriction. Doctors have observed a reduction in severe asthma as well as in frequency of attacks in persons who take ginkgo as supplement.

Intermittent Claudication (pain caused by inadequate blood flow to the legs).
People with intermittent claudication have difficulty walking without suffering extreme pain. In fact, ginkgo has been shown to be as effective as a leading medication in improving pain-free walking distance. However, regular walking exercises are more beneficial than ginkgo in improving walking distance.

Prevent hearing problem.
Loss of Hearing does not only affect the old people, nowadays people even in their teens have hearing problems (due to excessive noise). A study done in 1979 reveals that the hearing organs are highly sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Ginkgo biloba has proven to be an excellent stimulant for circulation and therefore, oxygenation of the hearing organs, thus resulting in improved hearing for those having suffered from hearing loss. Expert suggest that by taking 160mg of extract per day for one to three months has produced 40 to 80 percent improvement in individuals who suffers from hearing problems.

Impotence. Ginkgo biloba can help impotence by improving circulation and therefore dilating the vessels, which in turn facilitates the necessary blood flow for obtaining sexual virility.

High Blood Pressure.
Ginkgo causes the vessels to dilate which allows a greater quantity of blood to circulate. As a consequence, this action brings about the lowering of the blood pressure.

Menopausal symptoms. Study found that a standardized ginkgo extract may reduce the side effects of menopause such as osteoporosis. Several human studies have reported that a standardized ginkgo extract has estrogenic activity and might be suitable as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy which has many reported negative side effects.

Varicose Veins and Phlebitis. Ginkgo biloba is also beneficial in the treatment of poor circulation in the legs and hands (cold legs and hands), as well as in other parts of the body where circulation is deficient.

Other Benefits: Ginkgo supplement may also help in other ailments including, chronic fatigue, altitude sickness, vertigo, multiple sclerosis (MS), and eye problems (retinal damage).

Dosage: A regular doses is 40mg of Ginkgo biloba extract per day.

Market Form: Ginkgo biloba is available in standardized extract, capsules, tablets, liquid extracts (tincture) and tea.

Possible Interactions: Ginkgo may alter the effectiveness of some prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginkgo without first talking to your health care provider:

Anticonvulsant medications - high doses of ginkgo can decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsant therapy in controlling seizures.

Antihypertensive medications - ginkgo may decrease blood pressure, therefore use of ginkgo along with prescription antihypertensive medications should be monitored by a health care provider

Blood-thinning medications -
ginkgo has blood-thinning properties and therefore should not be used if you are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicine.

Blood sugar lowering medications - ginkgo was reported to increase insulin levels in healthy individuals and to decrease insulin levels in diabetic patients.

Precautions: Herbal remedy is may be the safest treatment and prevention to all ailments, but some herbs may contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, and only under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Ginkgo biloba extract is considered safe, and side effects are rare. In a few cases, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, skin reactions, and dizziness were reported.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using ginkgo preparations.

Ginkgo use should be discontinued at least 36 hours prior to surgery due to the risk of bleeding complications.
Do not ingest Ginkgo biloba fruit or seed, because there has been a report of human poisoning from ingesting the seed.


Ginkgo biloba seed/Plants/Tea for available at:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB: 667 GPO Srinagar SGR JK 190001
Ph: 09858986794, 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: http://jkmpic.blogspot.com

More details about Ginkgo suplements: http://len7288.hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Ginkgo-Biloba

Monday, November 7, 2011

Kunan-Poshpora gang rape


Srinagar, Nov 6: : The JK Human Rights Commission (JKHRC) Wednesday asked the State government to start a fresh probe into the case relating to the alleged mass gang rape of women by army personnel in Kunan and Poshpora villages of Kupwara district 20 ago.

Announcing its recommendations on the case, a division bench of JKHRC asked the state government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reinvestigate the alleged mass gang rape of at least 31 women by army personnel in 1991.

Dozens of women from Kunan and Poshpora villages, around 110 km from here, had claimed that they were gang raped by army troopers during the intervening night of February 23 and 24 in 1991, leading to outrage across Kashmir.

"The SIT should be headed by an officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police," the bench comprising JKHRC Chairman Justice (retd) Syed Bashiruddin Ahmad and Javaid Kawoos said.

It also asked the state government to prosecute the the then Director Prosecution who had sought closure of the case as the perpetrators were "untraceable".

"The then Director Prosecution had overstepped his brief...prosecution proceedings should be initiated against him and those officers who had approved his report," the JKHRC bench recommended.

Reading out from the report of the then district magistrate, Kawoos said 31 women, who claimed to have been victims of gangrape, had been sent for medical examination, which confirmed that they were subjected to atrocities.

"In the course of hearing the case, statements of 18 women were recorded and during which they testified that they were subjected to the atrocity," he said.

The Commission asked the state government to pay compensation of Rs two lakh each to the victims of the incident.

The then Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Wajahat Habibullah, who visited the villages following the allegations, had filed a confidential report in the same year about the incident.

"While the veracity of the complaint is highly doubtful, it still needs to be determined why such complaint was made at all. The people of the village are simple folk and by the army's own admission have been generally helpful and even careful of security of the army's officers," a part of Habibullah's report, released later, read.

"Unlike Brig Sharma, I found many of the village women genuinely angry... It is recommended that the level of investigation be upgraded to that of a gazetted police officer," it said.

In response to the criticism of the government's handling of the investigation, the army had requested the Press Council of India to investigate the incident.

The Press Council team, which visited Kashmir in June that year, claimed that "such a delayed medical examination proves nothing" and that the medical findings were typical among villagers.

The team concluded that the charges against the army were "well-concocted bundle of fabricated lies" and "a massive hoax orchestrated by militant groups and their sympathisers and mentors in Kashmir and abroad".

Saturday, November 5, 2011

India will Fail in Kashmir as U.S. in Afghanistan: Imran Khan

Buy Goji berry
Lahore: It was a real show of power from the cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan who with his 100,000 flag-waving supporters rallying near the Minar-e-Pakistan monument, saw himself establishing as a real force in Pakistani politics, reports SiliconIndia (31/2011)

Talking up the issue of the rights of Kashmiris at the heavily electrified political rally, he said the Indian Army will fail in Kashmir as the U.S. army did in Afghanistan. "Did the Americans succeed in Afghanistan? Is the Indian Army more powerful than the U.S. Army? When the Americans couldn't succeed, how can you succeed with 700,000 troops that are involved in excesses?," he asks as the crowd cheered.

"No army has been able to solve any country's problems at any time," he said demanding that the Indian troops should be withdrawn from Jammu and Kashmir. The chief of Tehreek-e-Insaf also asked Hindustan to give the people of Kashmir their right to self-determination. He said his party would "stand with the Kashmiri brothers and speak for their rights at all forums".

Khan who founded his political party 15 years ago is trying hard to translate his fame into votes. Focusing on the core issues in the country such as corruption, lack of education, rising prices, inflation and unemployment, the cricketing legend is expanding his political base ahead of the 2013 general election. A poll conducted by the U.S.-based Pew Research Center back in June sees Khan as the most popular political figure in Pakistan.