In his initial address to the nation as prime minister, Khan outlined his vision for a "New Pakistan" and emphasized the importance of implementing an Islamic welfare system, reducing poverty, and addressing the country's high debt levels. Khan criticized the nation's reliance on loans and aid from other countries, stating that a country must be self-sufficient in order to prosper. Khan, a former cricket star, was inaugurated as prime minister on Saturday following his party's victory in last month's election. Known for his anti-corruption efforts, Khan's popularity has grown in recent years, particularly among young voters and the middle class in Pakistan. Despite his popularity, Khan faces various challenges at home and abroad, including a currency crisis and strained relations with the United States. Khan did not provide any details on how he plans to address Pakistan's currency issues, which analysts believe will necessitate another IMF bailout. Instead, Khan emphasized the importance of reducing debt and appointed former central bank governor Ishrat Husain to oversee austerity measures. Khan criticized the extravagant lifestyles of Pakistan's ruling class and announced his intention to live in a modest three-bedroom house instead of the luxurious prime minister's residence. He plans to have only two servants, as opposed to the 524 typically assigned to a sitting premier, and intends to sell a fleet of bullet-proof vehicles to alleviate Treasury deficits, a risky decision in a country still facing threats from Islamist militants. Khan stated his intention to lead a modest life and save money for his people. He encouraged overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country and urged the wealthy to start paying taxes, a common issue in a nation known for tax evasion. Khan emphasized the importance of paying taxes for the country's development and addressing challenges such as climate change, high maternal and infant mortality rates, and the large number of out-of-school children in Pakistan. Khan, who lacks experience in government, recently announced his 21-member cabinet, mostly composed of seasoned politicians. Critics have raised concerns about the selection, noting that many in the cabinet had ties to former military dictator Pervez Musharraf. Khan himself revealed plans to oversee the interior ministry and expressed his desire to create a welfare state in Pakistan inspired by Western models and the teachings of Prophet Mohammad in Medina. He emphasized his intention to prioritize spending on those in need.