Heat-sensitive imaging element for making positive working printing plates according to the present invention there is provided a heat-sensitive imaging element for making positive working lithographic printing plates comprising on a lithographic base a layer comprising a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and an IR-radiation sensitive top layer. Upon image-wise exposure the capacity of the aqueous alkaline solution to penetrate and/or solubilize the top layer is changed. Image-wise exposure can be performed with an infrared laser with a short as well as with a long pixel well time.The obtained positive working printing plates have excellent printing properties and an improved infrared sensitivity.