Imran Khan's long rise to power in Pakistan has been far from conventional -- the winner of Wednesday's election is a cricket legend who traveled the world and reveled in his celebrity status.
His new job will be much more daunting -- he inherits a nation riven with economic woes, security threats and a resurgent military looking to increase its grasp on political life.
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The other major balancing act Khan will have to perform as leader is with China, which has been instrumental in keeping Pakistan's economy afloat with huge amounts of investment linked to Beijing's Belt and Road trade and infrastructure plan.
"At this point, the entrenchment of China in Pakistan is too deep to be kicked out at the stroke of a pen," said Zakaria.
Many outside observers have warned that the Belt and Road plan could end up with smaller economies being left with huge amounts of debt, for dubious rewards.
The Center for Global Development, a US-based think tank, warned earlier this year that Pakistan is "by far the largest country at high risk," with some $50 billion of Chinese-funded infrastructure and energy projects underway.
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