Who is Imran Khan?

1. Early Life and Cricketing Legend

Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi was born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan, into an affluent Pashtun family that valued education and athletic achievement. Imran’s early education included time at elite institutions: Aitchison College in Lahore, the Royal Grammar School in Worcester, and later, Keble College at Oxford University in England, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

From a young age Khan demonstrated remarkable skill as a cricket player. After debuting for the Pakistan national cricket team in 1971, he became a regular fixture and, by the 1980s, was appointed captain of the national side. He was known as a ferocious fast bowler and dynamic all‑rounder whose leadership and tactical brilliance culminated in Pakistan’s first—and to this date only—Cricket World Cup victory in 1992. That triumph cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s all‑time greats and elevated his status to a national hero.

Retiring from international cricket after the World Cup win, Khan’s fame and influence transcended sport. His image shifted from athlete to philanthropist and public figure – notably through his role in founding the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, named after his mother. The hospital became a symbol of his commitment to social causes.

2. The Birth of a Political Movement

Khan’s transition to politics began in earnest in 1996, when he founded the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI), often translated as the Pakistan Justice Movement. Initially, the party struggled—PTI won no seats in the 1997 elections and only a single seat in 2002. Yet Khan persisted, articulating a message of anti‑corruption, accountability for elites, economic reform, and an end to political patronage that resonated especially with younger voters.

In 2007, Khan was briefly imprisoned during a political crackdown, which increased his visibility and bolstered PTI’s reputation as a reformist, anti‑establishment force. Although the party boycotted the 2008 elections in protest of state policies, its profile continued to grow. By the 2013 elections, PTI had emerged as a formidable opposition party, although it still fell short of forming a government.

Khan’s political ascent was propelled by charismatic leadership, mass rallies, and a promise to break Pakistan’s entrenched system of elite rule. This rise culminated in the 2018 general elections, where PTI won a plurality in the National Assembly. Imran Khan became Prime Minister on August 18, 2018.

3. Premiership: Reform, Challenges, and Controversy

As prime minister, Khan faced a host of domestic and international pressures.

Economic Struggles and Diplomacy

One of the defining challenges of Khan’s government was Pakistan’s economic imbalance. Imports were high, foreign reserves were constrained, and debt obligations weighed heavily on the national budget. Despite initial reluctance to seek help from international lenders, Pakistan eventually engaged with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for emergency support, even as Khan sought alternative bilateral assistance from China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Khan’s foreign policy sought to balance engagements with regional and global powers: he pursued negotiations involving the United States and Afghanistan and attempted to maintain strategic partnerships that could benefit Pakistan’s security and economic interests.

Internal Tensions and Civil-Military Relations

One of the enduring themes of Khan’s government was his relationship with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. At times allied with the military, his administration eventually faced friction with senior officers, especially as Khan resisted attempts to influence military postings and policy directions. This tension would later play a central role in his ouster.

Removal from Office

In April 2022, Khan was removed from office through a no‑confidence vote in Parliament—a historic first for a sitting Pakistani prime minister. The move was driven by a coalition of opposition parties and underscored deep political divides in the country. It also marked a dramatic shift in Khan’s political fortunes, transforming him from head of government to embattled opposition leader.

4. Post-Premiership Turmoil and Legal Battles

After his removal from office, Khan’s political career entered a period of severe crisis.

Legal Troubles

Khan faced a series of criminal charges and prosecutions—including accusations of corruption, leaking classified material, and mismanaging assets. He was convicted in the Al‑Qadir Trust corruption case and sentenced to several years in prison. In late 2023, he was taken into custody, sparking widespread protests among supporters.

The legal battles continued. Khan’s appeal against a 14‑year sentence in the Al‑Qadir case was slated for review in 2025, but Pakistani courts indicated that it would not be heard during the year, leaving his fate in limbo and prolonging his incarceration.

Political Repression Allegations

PTI, Khan’s party, has described his prosecution as politically motivated, claiming the government and military establishment sought to dismantle the party’s influence. Media figures and commentators supportive of him have faced harsh penalties—as seen in the sentencing of journalists and social media personalities to life imprisonment on terrorism‑related charges tied to unrest following his arrest.

5. Imprisonment and International Attention (2025–2026)

By late 2025 and early 2026, Khan remained in Adiala Jail, the focal point of political and human rights debates in Pakistan. His detention generated intense speculation about his health and status:

In late 2025, rumors spread on social media claiming Khan had died in custody—widely denied and unverified, but fueling public anxiety and political mobilization among supporters.
PTI leaders alleged that he had been denied visits from family and lawyers, with restrictions on meetings declared unconstitutional and in violation of legal protections for prisoners.
In early 2026, official government statements confirmed that Khan had undergone a short medical procedure for an eye condition, stating he was in “good health.” However, PTI disputed this transparency, asserting his health was in jeopardy and that authorities had not informed his family or allowed independent medical access.
These conflicting reports deepened political tensions, with protests and sit‑ins held by PTI supporters outside the prison, demanding access and fair treatment.

6. PTI’s Strategy and Internal Party Affairs

Even behind bars, Khan maintained influence over PTI decisions. In 2025, the party forwarded candidates to him for key legislative positions, indicating his continuing role in shaping strategic political appointments despite his detention.

PTI leaders also strongly condemned governmental restrictions on his meetings and treatment, asserting such measures violated Pakistan’s constitution and international prisoner treatment standards.

At the provincial level, officials such as Khyber‑Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister publicly criticized the treatment of Khan and his family, condemning alleged injustices and punitive actions.

7. Legacy and Ongoing Impact

Imran Khan’s life and career encompass extraordinary achievements and deep controversies. His transformation from a celebrated cricket hero to a polarizing political figure reflects not only personal ambition and resilience but also the complex dynamics of Pakistani politics:

Cricket Triumph and Celebrity – His 1992 World Cup victory made him a national icon and international sports legend.
Political Reformist to Prime Minister – His rise signaled a public appetite for new leadership and anti‑corruption rhetoric.
Conflict with Establishment – His career illustrates perennial tensions between civilian government aspirations and entrenched military and political institutions in Pakistan.
Martyr or Villain in Public Perception – Supporters see him as a crusader against corruption and authoritarianism; critics argue his tactics and alliances were inconsistent and at times opportunistic.
Continuing Influence – Despite imprisonment, Khan’s political movement remains a formidable force, shaping public debate, electoral politics, and Pakistan’s democratic trajectory.

Conclusion: A Complex, Divisive Figure with Enduring Influence

Imran Khan’s story is emblematic of both individual charisma and structural political conflict. From global sports fame to navigating the brutal rigors of Pakistani power struggles, his journey has influenced generations of Pakistanis and captured global attention.

Whether viewed as a reformer, populist leader, political martyr, or divisive nationalist symbol, his place in Pakistan’s history is unmistakable. As of early 2026, his incarceration, health debates, and struggles for legal redress continue to animate political tensions within Pakistan while prompting international scrutiny over rule of law, human rights, and the future of democratic governance in the country.