Imran Khan has raised the stakes in his pre-election electioneering by taking his anti-corruption campaigning to a new level. By declaring his financial assets on Sunday, he has set the bar and publicly challenged all political party leaders to do the same.

It’s a great move than can only help his marketed image of being the leader who is about hope and change. His swelling fan base is already praising the move and the man. They are calling him brave and a great leader, using words like “integrity.”

But Khan’s opponents are already pushing back. The PML-N’s Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan accused the PTI chief of holding back on his true assets. He alleged that the former cricketer didn’t declare the value of all his land and has paid too little in tax over the years, saying his income from international cricket should have been taxed in the country in which he earned it. The PML-N politician also defended the Sharif brothers and insulted the political team around Imran Khan.

So while Imran Khan’s move was necessary for him to take on corrupt politicians head-to-head, his opponents will be gunning for him, looking for any opportunity to sully his name.

Moreover, by taking the fight back to Imran Khan, they will be hoping to keep the spotlight off their own income statements and balance sheets. The media needs to put the spotlight on every political leader, and keep it on, until they all step up and face the scrutiny of the nation. And if Imran Khan has held back, he will have done himself some unnecessary damage.

Here is a news video of PTI leader Imran Khan declaring his assets at a news conference in Islamabad on Sunday. It’s a long segment, so for those in a rush, just watch the first 6:10:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcishyp7BGg[/youtube]