Imran Khan is widely known as a politician challenging the status quo in Pakistan. In 2022, he made history by becoming the first Prime Minister to be ousted by a parliamentary vote, having served from 2018 to 2022. Before his political career, Khan gained prominence as a cricket player, notably guiding Pakistan’s national cricket team to triumph at the CWC 1992. Transitioning to politics, he emerged as a vocal commentator of governmental nepotism within Pakistan. Despite his anti-corruption stance, Khan was embroiled in corruption allegations in 2022, following a rift with the influential military establishment.
| Real Name | Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi |
| Nick Name | Kaptan |
| Profession | Cricketer, Politician, Philanthropist |
| Well-known for | Ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan |
Explore interesting facts about Khan’s age, height, early life, net worth, personal life, nationality, ethnicity, and much more.
Early life of Imran Khan
IK (Imran Khan) entered world on October 5, 1952, in Lahore to parents Ikramullah Khan Niazi and Shaukat Khanum. He was the lone boy among four sisters. Khan feels a strong connection to the Pashtun culture and belongs to the Niazi group. Khan can trace his family back to Pir Roshan, a warrior-poet of the Sufi tradition.
He received his academics at prestigious institutions in his homeland and UK, attending the Royal Grammar School in Worcester and Aitchison College in Lahore. Hailing from kinship with a strong cricketing background,Imran Khan comes from a family with famous relatives like his older cousins, Javed Burki and Majid Khan, who both led Pakistan’s national cricket team. Khan’s cricket journey began in his teenage years, playing in Pakistan and the UK, while pursuing studies in philosophy, politics, and economics at the University of Oxford. Despite making his first appearance for the Pakistan national team in 1971, it wasn’t until he graduated from Oxford in 1976 that he secured a permanent place in the team.
| Date of birth | October 5, 1952 |
| Place of birth | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Ethnicity | Pashtun |
| Tribe | Niazi |
| Religion | Islam |
| Mother name | Shaukat Khanum |
| Father name | Ikramullah Khan Niazi |
| Siblings | 4 |
Cricket Career of Imran Khan
Imran Khan embarked on his cricketing journey at the tender age of 13, marking his inaugural appearance in first-class cricket at 16 in Lahore. Throughout 1970-71, he represented various home teams such as Lahore A, Lahore B, Lahore Greens, and Lahore.
Upon reaching 18 years of age, Imran Khan marked his debut for the Pakistan National Cricket Team, facing off against England in 1971 at Edgbaston. His foray into One Day International (ODI) cricket commenced in August 1974, as he took to the field against England at Trent Bridge. Following his graduation from Oxford, Khan returned to Pakistan in 1976, solidifying his place in the Pakistan National Cricket Team and participating in matches against New Zealand and Australia. It was during his West Indies tour that he crossed paths with Tony Greig, who subsequently enlisted Khan for Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket.
During a pace bowling competition held in Perth in 1978, Imran Khan achieved a notable third position with a bowling speed of 139.7 km/h, surpassing renowned bowlers such as Dennis Lillee, Garth Le Roux, and Andy Roberts, while Jeff Thomson and Michael Holding remained prior. Khan emerged as an early advocate of the ‘reverse swing’ delivery method in 1970, a skill he later passed on to Pakistan’s bowling duo, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. His prowess was further demonstrated in 1982, where he claimed 62 wickets across 9 Test matches at an impressive average of 13.29 each. In January 1983, Khan achieved a Test bowling score of 992 points while playing against India.
In 75 tests, Imran Khan achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the second-fastest all-rounder to reach 3000 runs and 300 wickets. Ian Botham holds the record for achieving this milestone in the shortest time. Additionally, Khan proudly holds the second-best batting average ever recorded by a Test batsman, standing at 61.86. Notably, he achieved this remarkable average While playing as the sixth batter in the lineup.
Imran Khan concluded his Test cricket career in January 1992, facing Sri Lanka in his final match held at Faisalabad. Following Pakistan’s monumental victory in the 1992 World Cup final against England in Melbourne, Australia, Khan made the decision to retire from cricket.
Imran Khan played cricket in 88 Test matches and batted in 126 innings. Throughout his career, he scored 3807 runs, including 6 centuries and 18 fifties. Remarkably, he also excelled as a bowler, securing 362 wickets in Test matches, this achievement made him the top bowler in Pakistan and the fourth best globally. In the realm of One Day Internationals (ODIs), Khan participated in 175 matches, contributing 3709 runs with the bat. Notably, he also showcased his bowling prowess, achieving a record-breaking performance by taking 6 wickets for 14 runs in a single ODI innings, albeit in a defeated effort. His highest Test score stands at 136, while in ODIs, he achieved an unbeaten 102 runs.
In 1982, Imran Khan became the captain of the PCT after Javed Miandad. Under his leadership, Pakistan participated in 48 Test matches, achieving victory in 14, suffering defeat in 8, and drawing 26 matches. Additionally, Khan led the team in 139 One Day Internationals (ODIs), securing 77 wins, enduring 57 losses, and witnessing just one drawn match during his tenure as captain.
| Year | Opponent Country | Matches Played | Innings | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Wickets Taken | Bowling Average |
| 1971 | England | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | – |
| 1972 | England | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.00 | 1 | 109.00 |
| 1972 | Australia | 2 | 2 | 27 | 13.50 | 5 | 28.00 |
| 1972 | England | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | – |
| 1973 | West Indies | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | – |
| 1974 | England | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 1 | 51.00 |
| 1974 | Australia | 3 | 3 | 27 | 9.00 | 6 | 26.83 |
| 1974 | England | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | – |
| 1974 | West Indies | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 1 | 91.00 |
| 1975 | Australia | 2 | 3 | 49 | 16.33 | 5 | 22.40 |
| 1975 | England | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 1 | 82.00 |
| 1976 | New Zealand | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 1 | 61.00 |
| 1976 | West Indies | 3 | 3 | 34 | 11.33 | 4 | 22.50 |
| 1976 | New Zealand | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 1 | 61.00 |
| 1976 | Australia | 4 | 6 | 65 | 10.83 | 13 | 20.69 |
| 1977 | Australia | 2 | 2 | 18 | 9.00 | 1 | 70.00 |
| 1977 | England | 2 | 4 | 55 | 13.75 | 5 | 30.00 |
| 1977 | India | 1 | 2 | 0 | – | 2 | 34.00 |
| 1977 | England | 4 | 6 | 189 | 31.50 | 10 | 26.00 |
| 1977 | India | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 1 | 37.00 |
| 1978 | England | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | – |
| 1978 | India | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7.00 | 1 | 97.00 |
| 1978 | India | 1 | 1 | 12 | 12.00 | 2 | 60.00 |
| 1978 | England | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | – |
| 1978 | Australia | 2 | 4 | 10 | 3.33 | 3 | 65.00 |
| 1978 | India | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | 0 | – |
| 1978 | Australia | 2 | 2 | 30 | 15.00 | 4 | 19.00 |
| 1978 | England | 1 | 2 | 11 | 5.50 | 6 | 25.00 |
| 1979 | India | 1 | 2 | 9 | 4.50 | 1 | 68.00 |
Career in Politics
During his cricket career, Imran Khan received several political offers. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the President of Pakistan at the time, extended an offer for a political position within the Pakistan Muslim League. Additionally, Nawaz Sharif, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, asked him to become a member of his political group. However, Khan declined both offers.
In 1994, Khan became a member of a faction led by Hamid Gul, the former chief of ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence), along with Muhammad Ali Durrani, who headed Pasban, an independent youth organization branching off from Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan.
Imran Khan established his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on April 25, 1996. He participated in the 1997 Pakistani general election as a PTI candidate, vying for a seat in the National Assembly of Pakistan. Despite contesting in two constituencies, he was unsuccessful in winning the election.
Imran Khan endorsed General Pervez Musharraf’s military coup in 1999, trusting it would end corruption. In 2002, General Musharraf extended an offer for the Prime Ministerial post to Khan, which he declined.
On October 2, 2007, Imran Khan joined forces with 85 other Members of Parliament in a collective resignation from the Parliament. Their action aimed to protest the presidential election, as General Musharraf sought reelection without relinquishing his position as Army Chief. Following General Musharraf’s declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan, Khan found detained at home on November 3, 2007. Despite this, he supervised to evade confinement, subsequently participating in a student demonstration at the University of Punjab on November 14. Unfortunately, during this protest, Khan faced mistreatment at the hands of student activists and was later arrested for his involvement. He was then transferred to Dera Ghazi Khan jail in Punjab but he was made available shortly after a short time.
On October 30, 2011, Khan delivered a speech to a large gathering of supporters in Lahore, and on December 25, 2011, he addressed another sizable crowd in Karachi, criticizing the government’s policies.
On April 21, 2013, Imran Khan initiated his public relations campaigns for the 2013 Pakistan elections. He conducted public gatherings across various country regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and cities in the Seraiki belt. Khan proclaimed his party’s commitment to implementing a uniform education system to ensure equal opportunities for both the affluent and the underprivileged. Concluding his campaign, he addressed supporters in Islamabad through a video message while recuperating in a hospital bed in Lahore following head injuries sustained from a fall from a forklift near the stage’s edge.
The elections in Pakistan took place on May 11, 2013, resulting in the victory of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) with a majority. Despite this, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured the position of the second-largest party in Karachi and attained 30 directly elected parliamentary seats. As a result, PTI ascended to the position of the third-largest party in the National Assembly, trailing behind the Pakistan People’s Party.
PTI gained control over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an area heavily affected by militancy, and established the provincial government. They introduced a tax-free and well-balanced budget for the Financial Year 2013-14.
Imran Khan believed that addressing terrorist activities in Pakistan could be achieved through dialogue, proposing to establish an office in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province for this purpose. He criticized the US for their actions resulting in the death of Hakimullah Mehsud, a Taliban leader, which he argued caused unrest in Pakistan. Consequently, Khan urged the government to retaliate by blocking the NATO supply line.
On November 14, 2013, Khan instructed the removal of Ministers from the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and directed Chief Minister Pervez Khan Khattak to dissolve the alliance with QWP. Bakht Baidar and Ibrar Hussain Kamoli, who held ministerial positions for Manpower & Industry and Forest & Environment within the QWP, were subsequently dismissed. Additionally, Chief Minister Khattak dismissed Yousuf Ayub Khan, Minister for Communication and Works of PTI, due to allegations regarding his fake degree.
Pakistan Election 2018
In the 2018 Pakistan General Elections, Imran Khan ran for office in five constituencies. His historic victory marked the first instance in Pakistan’s history of an individual contesting and winning in all five constituencies. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who won in three out of four contested constituencies in 1970. Additionally, in May 2018, PTI unveiled a comprehensive 100-day agenda for the prospective government. This agenda included proposals for the establishment of a new province in Southern Punjab, expediting the merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, addressing law and order issues in Karachi, and fostering improved relations with Baloch political leaders.
Imran Khan’s achievement speech 2018
Following his victory in the 2018 Pakistan General Election, Khan outlined several policies for his upcoming government. He expressed his vision of transforming Pakistan into a humanitarian state, inspired by the principles of the first Islamic state of Medina. Additionally, Khan emphasized his party’s commitment to improving the lives of the less privileged. He underscored the importance of equality under the law and announced plans to repurpose the Prime Minister’s House into an educational institution while utilizing governors’ houses for the public’s benefit. Furthermore, Khan expressed his desire to draw lessons from China’s development model and foster enhanced relations with Afghanistan, the US, India, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
Imran Khan the Prime Minister of Pakistan
On August 6, 2018, PTI formally designated Imran Khan as their candidate for the position of Prime Minister. Subsequently, on August 17, 2018, Imran Khan assumed office as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan and took the oath of office on August 18, 2018. Following his inauguration, he initiated a restructuring of Pakistan’s bureaucracy. In 2019, Khan announced plans for a significant cabinet reshuffle, focusing on ministries such as interior, finance, information, and planning. Following the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Khan emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations with Saudi Arabia, especially amidst economic challenges. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Imran Khan-led government introduced a welfare program of nearly $1 billion, marking the largest initiative in Pakistan’s history aimed at assisting the most vulnerable segments of society.
Removal from the position, ensuing political engagement, and incarceration
Imran Khan, once a renowned cricketer who transitioned into politics, held the position of Prime Minister of Pakistan from August 2018 to April 2023. Throughout his term, he received both acclaim and critique. Supporters commended his endeavors to tackle corruption and advance economic reform, whereas detractors leveled accusations of authoritarian tendencies and managerial shortcomings against him.
Khan’s ousting from power occurred during a turbulent phase in Pakistani politics. In April 2023, opposition parties, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), launched a vote of no confidence against him. This action stemmed from allegations of economic mismanagement, failure to address pressing issues like inflation and unemployment, and claims of electoral fraud.
Despite Khan’s endeavors to garner support and thwart the vote, the opposition’s motion prevailed, resulting in his removal from the premiership. Subsequent to his dismissal, Khan vehemently contested the decision, alleging a conspiracy and foreign meddling in Pakistani political affairs.
Following his ousting from office, Imran Khan remained engaged in Pakistani politics. He persisted in his leadership role within his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and pledged to persist in his quest for what he referred to as “justice and accountability” within the nation. Khan maintained his divisive status, with his proponents supporting his anti-corruption stance, while his critics scrutinized his approach to leadership and his track record in governance.
Yet, Khan’s political trajectory drastically changed as he encountered legal hurdles. Following his expulsion from office, accusations of corruption and abuse of power emerged against him. A pivotal moment arrived when Khan was formally charged with financial misconduct and corruption from his time as Prime Minister. In a contentious move, Khan was apprehended and detained pending trial. His arrest ignited extensive discussion and demonstrations throughout Pakistan, with his advocates denouncing what they saw as politically driven persecution, whereas his adversaries regarded it as a belated step towards accountability.
During his incarceration, Imran Khan persistently asserted his innocence, depicting himself as a target of political vendetta. Concurrently, his imprisonment intensified the political unrest in Pakistan, worsening the already strained relations between the ruling administration and the opposition.
Imran Khan’s expulsion from power, subsequent political involvement, and imprisonment highlight the intricate and frequently tumultuous dynamics of Pakistani politics. His situation serves as a poignant reminder of the obstacles inherent in governance, accountability, and the delicate balance between power and justice within the country’s democratic framework.
Khan as a Philanthropist (SKMCH project)
On November 10th, 1989, Imran initiated his inaugural fundraising appeal for a cancer hospital. This call to action coincided with a cricket match between Pakistan and India in Lahore, marking the inception of a series of fundraising initiatives that garnered international attention.
Despite widespread skepticism surrounding the concept of a free cancer hospital for the impoverished, Imran remained undeterred. His appeal gained significant momentum two years after Pakistan’s World Cup victory under his captaincy.
The response was overwhelming, with £1.5 million raised within six weeks. Imran dedicated his entire World Cup prize money to the project and continued advocacy efforts until the hospital’s construction commenced. Throughout the process, Imran actively participated in fundraising activities, demonstrating his personal commitment to the project. He continues to engage in global appeals and awareness campaigns for the hospital.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts in healthcare, Imran is also involved in initiatives such as the Imran Khan Foundation and the Namal Institute, a technical college situated in Minwali as part of Namal Knowledge City.
Social Media Accounts
Height, Weight, Star Sign, and Age
According to the latest information of 2024, Imran Khan is 71 years old. He is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 70 kilograms. His astrological sign is Libra.
| Age | 71 years old |
| Height | 6 feet, 2 inches |
| Weight | 71 kg |
| Star sign | Libra |
Personal Life of Imran Khan
During his younger days, Imran Khan was recognized for his lively social activities. He was known as a carefree bachelor, often spotted enjoying himself at London’s nightclubs. He had multiple romantic relationships during this period, earning the moniker of ‘mysterious blondes’ by The Times, a British newspaper.
On May 16, 1995, at the age of 43, Khan got married to Jemima Goldsmith, who was 21 years old, in a short wedding ceremony held in Paris, where they spoke in Urdu. One month later, on June 21, they legally got married at the Richmond registry office in England. Jemima also converted to Islam around that time. Together, they welcomed two sons, Sulaiman Isa and Kasim. However, on June 22, 2004, the couple decided to end their nine-year marriage due to challenges in Jemima’s adaptation to life in Pakistan.
In January 2015, Khan tied the knot with British-Pakistani journalist Reham Khan in a private Nikah ceremony at his home in Islamabad. However, according to Reham Khan’s autobiography, she states that they got married in October 2014, but the announcement was postponed until a year later. Unfortunately, the couple announced their divorce in October 2022, bringing an end to their union.
At the beginning of 2018, speculations were circulating about Imran Khan tying the knot with his spiritual guide, Bushra Bibi. However, both Khan and the Manika family members refuted these rumors. Khan criticized the media for what he deemed “unethical” dissemination of false information, prompting PTI to file complaints against the news channels that broadcasted the rumors.
On January 7, 2018, the central office of PTI released a statement saying that Khan had suggested to Manika, though her response was still pending. Then, on February 18, 2018, PTI officially confirmed Khan’s marriage to Bushra Manika.
Khan’s Net Worth
In 2012, Imran Khan possessed a net worth of $160,000, which declined to $99,000 in 2013 (coinciding with the elections in Pakistan). By 2014, his net worth rebounded to $240,000, and in 2015, it surged to $9.4 million, further escalating to $9.9 million in 2017.
Imran Khan owns a 300 Kanal Mansion in Bani Gala valued at $5.3 million and a residence in Zaman Park, Lahore valued at $210,000. Additionally, he has investments in various businesses totaling $280,000. Khan also possesses agricultural land comprising 39 kanals in Talhar and 530 kanals in Khanewal. Furthermore, Khan’s assets include furniture valued at $4,200 and livestock valued at $1,400. 2015 Imran Khan paid $540 in taxes, which increased to $1,100 in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are Imran Khan’s notable achievements in cricket?
Imran Khan is celebrated for his achievements in cricket, including leading Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. He was also a skilled all-rounder, known for his exceptional batting and bowling prowess.
Q2. What are Imran Khan’s significant contributions to Pakistan beyond cricket?
Besides cricket, Imran Khan is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in healthcare. He established the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre in Lahore, offering cutting-edge cancer care to numerous patients regardless of their financial status.
Q3. When did Imran Khan enter politics?
Imran Khan entered politics in the 1990s, advocating for anti-corruption measures and social justice. He formally launched the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996, marking his entry into mainstream politics.
Q4. What challenges did Imran Khan face during his political career?
Imran Khan faced various challenges throughout his political career, including allegations of being a political novice, skepticism about his ability to lead, and criticism regarding his governance style and policies.
Q5. What was Imran Khan’s vision for Pakistan during his tenure as Prime Minister?
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Imran Khan aimed to address corruption, improve governance, strengthen the economy, and promote social welfare programs. He also focused on enhancing Pakistan’s international relations and addressing regional challenges.
Q6. What is Imran Khan’s current role in Pakistani politics?
Imran Khan remains active in Pakistani politics, continuing his involvement with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and advocating for his political vision and ideology.
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