Imran Khan#In opposition

{{Further|Family of Imran Khan}}

File:JavedZamanWithImranKhan.jpg}} who would later become his cricket mentor, {{circa|1957}}.]]

Khan was born in Lahore on 5 October 1952.{{cite book|last1=Sandford|first1=Christopher|author-link1=Christopher Sandford (biographer)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ptqDuf48RMC&pg=PA375|title=Imran Khan: The Cricketer, The Celebrity, The Politician|page=375|date=6 August 2009|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|isbn=978-0-00-734104-7|access-date=2 March 2025}} Though some sources state he was born on 25 November 1952,{{cite web |date=13 January 2012 |title=Imran Khan |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/687806|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923051103/http://www.dawn.com/news/687806|archive-date=23 September 2016 |access-date=22 September 2016|website=Dawn}} Khan has said that this mistake stemmed from that date being written erroneously on his passport.{{cite news|url=https://www.bolnews.com/2022/10/05/politics/imran-khan-celebrates-his-70th-birthday/index.html|title=Imran Khan celebrates his 70th birthday|date=5 October 2022|work=Bol News|quote='My actual birthday date is October 5. It was mistakenly written as November 25th on my passport,' the former prime minister said on the occasion.|access-date=5 June 2023|archive-date=5 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605104023/https://www.bolnews.com/2022/10/05/politics/imran-khan-celebrates-his-70th-birthday/index.html|url-status=live}} He is the only son of Ikramullah Khan Niazi, a civil engineer, and his wife, Shaukat Khanum, and has four sisters.{{cite book |last=Khan |first=Imran |year=1993 |title=Warrior Race |publisher=Butler & Tanner Ltd. |location=London |isbn=978-0-7011-3890-5}}

Khan is of Pathan origin belonging to the Niazi tribe from his paternal family,{{cite news|last1=Rafique|first1=Muhammad|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-niazi-khan/168467377/|title=A tale of two Niazis — one revered, the other reviled|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=6 January 1983|location=Sydney|access-date=21 March 2025|quote=Two Niazis are filling the columns of the Pakistani newspapers and periodicals and both belong to the well-known Pathan tribe of the same name. One is worshipped and the other reviled. Both are tall, handome and for one of them, the journalists have run out of superlatives. His name is Imran Khan Niazi although he seldom uses his tribal title.}}{{cite news|last1=Ahmed|first1=Akbar|author-link1=Akbar Ahmed|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-independent/168467483/|title=Mighty lion river|newspaper=The Independent|date=12 September 1990|location=London|access-date=21 March 2025|quote=His father is of the Niazi tribe and his mother a Burki, both dominant groups. Living in a patriarchal society, Imran only emphasises his father's lineage.}} and claims that one of his ancestors was Haibat Khan Niazi, a leading general of Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century and the governor of Punjab.{{cite news|author=Catriona Luke|url=http://www.thefridaytimes.com/tft/the-enigma-inside-a-paradox-wrapped-in-a-conundrum/|title=The enigma inside a paradox wrapped in a conundrum|work=The Friday Times|date=3 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803013148/http://www.thefridaytimes.com/tft/the-enigma-inside-a-paradox-wrapped-in-a-conundrum/ |archive-date=3 August 2018}} Khan's maternal family belongs to the Burki community,{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/imran-khan-154467|title=CRICKETERS OF THE YEAR: Imran Khan|date=15 April 1983|website=ESPNcricinfo}} and has produced a number of cricketers, including those who have represented Pakistan, such as his cousins Javed Burki and Majid Khan.{{cite news |last=Adams |first=Tim |date=2 July 2006 |title=The path of Khan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jul/02/cricket.features3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830065830/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/jul/02/cricket.features3 |archive-date=30 August 2013 |access-date=5 November 2007 |work=The Guardian |location=UK}} According to Khaled Ahmed, Khan is also a descendant of the Sufi mystic and founder of the Roshaniya Movement, Pir Roshan, who hailed from his maternal family's ancestral town of Kaniguram in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/433550|title=Will Imran Khan go to Kaniguram?|author=Khaled Ahmed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926213731/https://tribune.com.pk/story/433550|archive-date=26 September 2013|work=The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2012}} Khan's maternal family lived near Jalandhar, for centuries before migrating to Pakistan after the Independence in 1947.{{cite web |title=Imran Khan's Jalandhar connect |website=The Tribune Chandigarh |date=27 July 2018 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/imran-khan-s-jalandhar-connect/627212.html |access-date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731000052/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/imran-khan-s-jalandhar-connect/627212.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thequint.com/videos/news-videos/imran-khans-tryst-with-the-city-of-jalandhar |title=Imran Khan's Connection With the City of Jalandhar |work=The Quint |access-date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730033420/https://www.thequint.com/videos/news-videos/imran-khans-tryst-with-the-city-of-jalandhar |url-status=live}}

He studied at Aitchison College and Cathedral School in Lahore.{{cite book|author=Christopher Sandford|title=Imran Khan: The Cricketer, The Celebrity, The Politician|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ptqDuf48RMC&pg=PAPT68|date=6 August 2009|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|isbn=978-0-00-734104-7|pages=68–|quote=Imran had, meanwhile, left Aitchison College, whose vaunted enthusiasm for sports seems not to have extended to sharing one of their own with a professional cricket team. He spent his sixth-form year at the nearby Cathedral School.}} In 2021, Khan revealed that he had played for the Colts Hockey team in the mid-1960s.{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/328067|title=No, cricket is not the only sport PM Imran Khan played|date=4 January 2021|website=Geo News}} Khan arrived at the Royal Grammar School Worcester in England in September 1971, where he excelled at cricket.{{cite news |last1=Merrifield |first1=Ryan |title=Former RGS schoolboy Imran Khan declared Pakistan prime minister |url=https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/16382357.former-rgs-schoolboy-imran-khan-declared-pakistan-prime-minister/ |access-date=21 January 2025 |work=Worcester News |date=27 July 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1032793/schoolboy-imran|title=Schoolboy Imran|first1=Francis|last1=Kelly|date=August 2016}} During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Khan took a part-time job at a store in England to support himself while studying. He worked during the Christmas season, washing dishes and cutting cheese. "It was my first and only job," he said, adding that it ended after ten days due to an argument with someone there.{{cite news|url=https://arynews.tv/imran-khan-was-fired-from-his-first-ever-job/|title=Imran Khan was fired from his first ever job|date=9 July 2015|work=ARY News}}

In 1972, after being turned down by Cambridge University,Ivo Tennant, "Excellence exhausted", espncricinfo.com, 4 September 2008 Khan was admitted to Keble College, Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics and economics, graduating in 1975.{{cite news |year=1999 |title=The Interview: Anything he Khan't do? |url=http://www.oxfordstudent.com/tt1999wk5/News/the_interview%3A_anything_he_khan%27t_do%3F |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929104812/http://www.oxfordstudent.com/tt1999wk5/News/the_interview%3A_anything_he_khan%27t_do%3F |archive-date=29 September 2007 |access-date=30 October 2018 |work=The Oxford Student}} Paul Hayes, a keen cricket enthusiast, played a role in facilitating his entry.

During the 1980s, Khan was inspired by the writings of the poet-philosopher Muhammad Iqbal, the Iranian writer-sociologist Ali Shariati, and the British diplomat-convert Charles Le Gai Eaton. He found their works intellectually stimulating and influential in deepening his understanding of Islam, particularly its potential for creating a just society and its compatibility with Western identity.Imran Khan, Pakistan: A Personal History, Random House (2011), pp. 53: "I was inspired by the writings of great scholars like Iqbal, the poet-philosopher integral to the founding of Pakistan, and Ali Shariati, an Iranian writer and sociologist, who regarded himself as a disciple of Iqbal (...) I was also drawn to the writing of Charles Le Gai Eaton. a British convert."

Khan had numerous relationships during his bachelor life.{{cite news|title=Sex to spirituality: The love life of Imran Khan|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=23 February 2018|url=https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/sex-to-spirituality-the-love-life-of-imran-khan/|access-date=11 March 2025|quote=In his youth, he dated several women around the world, including Bollywood stars and at least one from Hollywood.}} He was then known as a hedonistic bachelor and a playboy who was active in London's nightlife, frequently visiting venues such as Tramp in St James's.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19844270|title=The cricket hero who could be Pakistan's next PM|date=25 July 2018|website=BBC|access-date=26 July 2018|archive-date=2 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802053432/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19844270|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Brook |first=Danae |date=26 July 2018 |title=Imran Khan: from playboy to politician |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7046650/Imran-Khan-from-playboy-to-politician.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7046650/Imran-Khan-from-playboy-to-politician.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |website=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cbignore}} One or two of his girlfriends were called "mysterious blondes" in British tabloids. During the 1980s and 1990s, Khan was regarded as one of the most eligible bachelors.{{cite news |last=Tennant |first=Ivo |date=30 July 2018 |title=VIP clubs and 'mystery blondes': Imran Khan's party years |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vip-clubs-and-mystery-blondes-imran-khans-party-years-lwsz5d3rj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810205356/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vip-clubs-and-mystery-blondes-imran-khans-party-years-lwsz5d3rj |archive-date=10 August 2018 |access-date=10 August 2018 |website=The Sunday Times}}

His first girlfriend, Emma Sergeant, an artist and the daughter of British investor Sir Patrick Sergeant, introduced him to socialites. The Times states that Emma was the "one woman he truly loved before his first marriage". They first met in 1982 and subsequently visited Pakistan. She accompanied him everywhere, including a hunting trip to Peshawar and a cricket tour to Australia.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19950615-bowling-maidens-over-the-love-life-of-cricket-superstar-imran-khan-807422-1995-06-15|title=Bowling maidens over: The love life of cricket superstar Imran Khan|website=India Today|date=15 June 1995 |access-date=8 August 2018|archive-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234443/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19950615-bowling-maidens-over-the-love-life-of-cricket-superstar-imran-khan-807422-1995-06-15|url-status=live}} She painted a portrait of Khan during their relationship at his request.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4705862/Emmas-brush-with-marriage.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010004821/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/4705862/Emmas-brush-with-marriage.html|archive-date=10 October 2012|title=Emma's brush with marriage|date=16 November 1996|website=Telegraph.co.uk}} Khan's residence in Chelsea, near Sergeant's studio and Tramp nightclub, became a central location for his social activities. After long separations, his relationship with Sergeant ended in 1986.

Jonathan Orders introduced Khan to Susie Murray-Philipson, whom Khan later invited to Pakistan and had dinner with in 1982. However, their relationship did not progress, as Philipson felt out of place in Pakistan and found their cultural differences irreconcilable. He also had a brief relationship with Susannah Constantine, whom he met through Lulu Blacker. Their relationship lasted for about a year without leading to marriage. Additionally, Julia Verdin and Doone Murray were among the women associated with Khan during this period, with their relationships receiving media attention.

Some of the other women with whom he was associated during this period include Zeenat Aman,{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1541663|title=5 Pakistani stars who tore barriers and found love across the border|date=26 October 2017|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811033455/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1541663/|url-status=live}} Sarah Crawley, Marie Helvin, Stephanie Beacham, Caroline Kellett, Liza Campbell, Goldie Hawn, Sarah Giles,{{Cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/imran-vs-benazir-1305142.html |title=Imran vs Benazir |first=Tim |last=McGirk |date=16 April 1996 |website=The Independent}} Anastasia Cooke, and Hannah Rothschild. These relationships did not result in permanence, as Khan made it clear that residing in Pakistan was a requirement for a serious, long-term commitment.

Ana-Luisa White, daughter of British industrialist Gordon White, who later adopted the name Sita, began her relationship with Khan in 1986, shortly after his relationship with Emma Sergeant ended. The relationship lasted for two years, ending when Khan reportedly wrote White a note stating that he could not love her as Emma would always be the love of his life. Despite the breakup, White became pregnant after a final encounter in 1991 and gave birth to a daughter, Tyrian Jade,{{R|Hutchins-Midgley-2015}}{{R|Morgan-2012}} in June 1992. White later claimed Khan was the father and continued to keep a framed photograph of him after their split. Tyrian became the subject of a legal dispute in 1997 when a California court ruled Khan to be her father after White filed a paternity suit. The court issued the ruling after Khan failed to respond to the suit and a request for a blood test.{{Cite web |date=13 August 1997 |title=USA: Los Angeles: Court Rules That Imran Khan Is Father of 5-Year-Old |url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/USA-LOS-ANGELES-COURT-RULES-THAT-IMRAN-KHAN-IS-FATHER-OF-5-YEAR-OLD/1967905a9826cb5e0b1a199978b1d1b6|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726142035/http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/USA-LOS-ANGELES-COURT-RULES-THAT-IMRAN-KHAN-IS-FATHER-OF-5-YEAR-OLD/1967905a9826cb5e0b1a199978b1d1b6|archive-date=26 July 2018 |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=Associated Press}} Khan denied paternity and called for a paternity test in Pakistan, stating that he would accept the decision of the courts of Pakistan.{{Cite news|title=Khan willing to have paternity test in child case|newspaper=The Irish Times|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/khan-willing-to-have-paternity-test-in-child-case-1.97027|date=15 August 1997|archive-date=31 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231092452/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/khan-willing-to-have-paternity-test-in-child-case-1.97027}} After White's death in 2004, Jemima, Khan's wife at the time and a friend of Sita, was designated by Sita as the legal guardian of Tyrian in her will. Khan stated that Tyrian would be welcome to join their family in London, leaving the decision entirely up to her, given her established relationship with his and Jemima's sons.{{cite web|date=18 May 2004|title='Grieving daughter welcome to live with us' – Khan|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30148175.html|website=Irish Examiner|archive-date=24 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124022009/https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30148175.html}}

In August 1992, Khan began dating Kristiane Backer, a German-born MTV host. Their relationship lasted for nearly two years, during which he introduced her to Islam. After their relationship ended, she converted to Islam following a meeting with Khan in 1995.{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-tv-stars-tryst-with-islam/a-5214141|title=German TV Star's Tryst With Islam|date=3 July 2009|work=DW News}}

Khan and Jemima Goldsmith confirmed their engagement on 12 May 1995. The couple announced that they were to marry, with Khan stating that Jemima had converted to Islam "through her own convictions" after studying the religion. Both families approved of the match. A spokesperson for her father denied rumours that Jemima was pregnant.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/imran-s-big-day-may-jeopardise-his-career-1619387.html |title=Imran's big day may jeopardise his career |first1=Marie |last1=Woolf |first2=Peter |last2=Victor |first3=Raymond |last3=Whitaker |first4=Tim |last4=McGirk |date=13 May 1995 |website=The Independent}} On 16 May 1995, the couple got married in a brief two-minute Islamic ceremony in Paris. Later, on 21 June, they had another wedding in a civil ceremony at the Richmond register office before embarking on their new life in Lahore. The couple had two sons, Sulaiman Isa and Kasim.{{cite news|last1=McVeigh|first1=Tracy|title=Jemima Khan: Just don't take her at face value|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2011/apr/10/observer-profile-jemima-khan-wikileaks|work=The Guardian|date=9 April 2011|access-date=12 March 2025}} On 22 June 2004, it was announced that the couple had divorced, ending their nine-year marriage as it was "difficult for Jemima to adapt to life in Pakistan."{{cite news |date=22 June 2004 |title=Imran Khan and Jemima divorce |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3829383.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070826064006/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3829383.stm |archive-date=26 August 2007 |access-date=5 October 2007 |work=BBC |publisher=}}

In a 2009 book, Christopher Sandford claimed that Khan and Benazir Bhutto had a close relationship when they were both students at Oxford. He wrote that Bhutto, at the age of 21, became close to Khan in 1975. They remained in a relationship for about two months. Sandford further claimed that Khan's mother had attempted to arrange a marriage between them, though this was unsuccessful. He also suggested that their relationship was possibly sexual, but Khan strongly denied these claims, stating that they were only friends.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/6053524/Biography-claims-Imran-Khan-and-Benazir-Bhutto-were-romantically-involved.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/6053524/Biography-claims-Imran-Khan-and-Benazir-Bhutto-were-romantically-involved.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Biography claims Imran Khan and Benazir Bhutto were romantically involved|date=19 August 2009|website=Telegraph.co.uk}}{{cbignore}}

On 8 January 2015, it was announced that Khan had married British-Pakistani journalist Reham Khan in a private Nikah ceremony at his residence in Islamabad.{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1155695|work=Dawn|title=Imran and Reham Khan tied the knot in Bani Gala|date=8 January 2015|access-date=8 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108121954/http://www.dawn.com/news/1155695|archive-date=8 January 2015}} On 22 October 2015, they announced their intention to file for divorce.{{cite web|url=http://arynews.tv/en/imran-parts-ways-with-wife-reham-khan/|title=Imran, Reham decide to part ways after 10 months of marriage|work=arynews.tv|date=30 October 2015|access-date=9 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106095135/http://arynews.tv/en/imran-parts-ways-with-wife-reham-khan/|archive-date=6 January 2016}}

In 2016, media speculations emerged regarding Khan's possible third marriage, particularly in connection with his spiritual association with the Maneka family of Pakpattan. Reports suggested that Khan had visited Pakpattan multiple times in July 2016, allegedly to meet Maryam Riaz Wattoo, the sister of his spiritual guide, Bushra Bibi. However, these reports were later refuted by Khan and his party. Khan publicly denied the rumours on Twitter, clarifying that the reports about his third marriage were "absolutely baseless" and saying that when he does decide to marry, he would make an official announcement and celebrate publicly.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1140052|title=Will celebrate publicly when I get married: Imran Khan|date=12 July 2016|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223354/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1140052|url-status=live}} Members of the Manika family also denied the rumour.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1141594|title=Manika family clears the air on Imran's third marriage|date=14 July 2016|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223349/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1141594|url-status=live}} Khan termed the media "unethical" for spreading the rumour,{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1141095|title=Imran slams media for sharing pictures of women he's 'never met'|date=13 July 2016|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107064202/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1141095|url-status=live}} and PTI filed a complaint against the news channels that had aired it.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1141206|title=Imran's third marriage: PTI files complaint against media for spreading 'disinformation'|date=13 July 2016|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=7 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107141443/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1141206|url-status=live}} On 7 January 2018, the PTI central secretariat issued a statement confirming that Khan had proposed to Bushra, but she had yet to accept his proposal.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan has proposed marriage to Bushra Maneka: PTI|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/175680|access-date=7 January 2018|work=geo.tv|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223349/https://www.geo.tv/latest/175680|url-status=live}} On 18 February 2018, PTI confirmed that Khan had married Bushra.{{cite news|title=PTI confirms Imran Khan's marriage with Bushra Maneka|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/182576|access-date=18 February 2018|work=geo.tv|date=18 February 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223328/https://www.geo.tv/latest/182576|url-status=live}}

According to Khan, his life has been influenced by Sufism for three decades, which is what drew him closer to his wife.{{cite news|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1180500|title=I know more about physical attraction than anyone else: Imran Khan on his third marriage|work=Dawn|date=22 July 2018|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819082921/https://images.dawn.com/news/1180500|url-status=live}} The Mufti who conducted the marriage later testified in court that Khan's nikah had been conducted twice. The first nikah was performed on 1 January 2018, while his to-be wife was reportedly still in her Iddat. The Mufti alleged Khan believed he would become prime minister if he married her on that date.{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=Imran married Bushra during Iddat, Mufti tells court |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1747419|access-date=13 May 2023|work=Dawn|archive-date=13 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513192636/https://www.dawn.com/news/1747419|url-status=live}}

As of 2018, Khan owned five pet dogs, with one named Motu residing at his estate in Bani Gala.{{cite news|title=Sheru died years ago: Imran dismisses viral reports|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/189799|access-date=6 August 2018|work=Geo News|archive-date=6 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806085100/https://www.geo.tv/latest/189799|url-status=live}}

File:Imran Khan at Sydney University Luncheon, 1984.png's Vice-Chancellor John Manning Ward before playing for the university club. Seated: Imran Khan, Chancellor Sir Hermann Black, Coach John Dyson. Ward stands second from left, 1984]]

Khan made his first-class debut at the age of 16 in Lahore. By the early 1970s, he was playing for his hometown teams, including Lahore A,{{efn|From 1969 to 1970}} Lahore B,{{efn|From 1969 to 1970}} Lahore Greens,{{efn|From 1970 to 1971}} and eventually Lahore.{{efn|From 1970 to 1971}}{{cite web |title=Imran Khan |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1383/1383.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115203614/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1383/1383.html |archive-date=15 January 2008 |access-date=5 November 2007|website=CricketArchive}} He was also a part of the University of Oxford's Blues Cricket team during the 1973–1975 seasons. Between 1971 and 1976, Khan played English county cricket for Worcestershire. During this period, he also represented Dawood Industries{{efn|From 1975 to 1976}} and Pakistan International Airlines.{{efn|From 1975 to 1976; 1980 and 1981}} From 1983 to 1988, he played for Sussex.

Khan made his Test cricket debut against England in June 1971 at Edgbaston.{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/392043|title=Imran Khan retired from Test cricket on this day: See his top records here|publisher=Geo News|date=7 January 2022|access-date=19 March 2025}} Three years later, in August 1974, he played his first One Day International (ODI) match, again against England, at Trent Bridge for the Prudential Trophy.{{cite web|url=https://i.imgci.com/db/ARCHIVE/1970S/1974/PAK_IN_ENG/PAK_ENG_PRT_ODI1_31AUG1974.html|title=1st ODI, Pakistan tour of England at Leeds, Aug 31, 1974|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=20 March 2025}} By 1977, Khan was included in the roster of Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket.{{cite news|last1=Cotter|first1=Belinda|title=Kerry Packer changed the game of cricket with the World Series|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/the-sideline/the-packer-revolution/news-story/18ef12781ed1cd7c5f93f43b64e5061c|work=Fox Sports Australia|date=18 March 2009|access-date=20 March 2025}}

File:Imran_Khans_bowling_statistic.png statistics as a cricketer from 1971 to 1991.]]

As a bowler, Khan learned reverse swing from Sarfraz Nawaz, who is regarded as the founder of that technique. Khan later passed on this skill to Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who mastered and popularised it.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan cricket's need for speed |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/pakistan-crickets-need-for-speed-869300.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203214605/https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/cricket/pakistan-crickets-need-for-speed-869300.html |archive-date=3 February 2024 |access-date=3 February 2024 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{cite news |date=19 August 2005 |title=Swing and seam bowling |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/4155734.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818160916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/4155734.stm |archive-date=18 August 2018 |access-date=1 September 2018 |work=BBC News}} From January 1980 to 1988, Khan took 236 Test wickets at an average of 17.77, with 18 five-wicket hauls and five 10-wicket hauls. His bowling average and strike rate were better than those of Richard Hadlee (19.03), Malcolm Marshall (20.20), Dennis Lillee (24.07), Joel Garner (20.62), and Michael Holding (23.68).{{Cite web |title=A giant among allrounders |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/stats-analysis-imran-khan-484478 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118115732/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/stats-analysis-imran-khan-484478 |archive-date=18 November 2021 |access-date=18 November 2021 |website=ESPNcricinfo}} Khan was the highest wicket-taker in Test matches in the calendar year 1982.{{cite web |date=1 January 1970 |title=Records – Most wickets in a calendar year |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/229904.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209203854/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/229904.html |archive-date=9 February 2013 |access-date=31 March 2013 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}} He recorded the best Test bowling figures of his career by taking 8 wickets for 58 runs against Sri Lanka in 1981–82.{{cite web |title=Imran Khan |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/player/40560.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328063822/http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/player/40560.html |archive-date=28 March 2017 |website=Cricinfo}}

In 1982, Khan took over the captaincy of the Pakistan national cricket team.{{cite web |title=Pakistan Test Captaincy record |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;groupby=captains;orderby=won;team=7;template=results;type=team |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301141623/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Bgroupby%3Dcaptains%3Borderby%3Dwon%3Bteam%3D7%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dteam |archive-date=1 March 2017 |access-date=18 December 2012 |publisher=Cricinfo}} Under Khan's captaincy, Pakistan achieved their first Test win on English soil after 28 years at Lord's in 1982.{{cite news |date=1 May 2001 |title=Imran: Wrong time to tour |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/in_depth/2001/england_v_pakistan/1295868.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113015647/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/low/in_depth/2001/england_v_pakistan/1295868.stm |archive-date=13 January 2009 |access-date=5 November 2007 |publisher=BBC}} In 1983, he was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.{{sfn|Wilde|2013}} During Pakistan's 1982–83 home series against India, he took 40 wickets at an average of 13.95.{{sfn|Oborne|2015|page=299}} In January 1983, he became the second cricketer, after Ian Botham, to score a century and take 10 wickets in a Test match during the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/382476-first-player-to-score-a-century-and-take-10-wickets-in-a-test-match|title=First player to score a century and take 10 wickets in a Test match|website=Guinness World Records|access-date=22 March 2025}} The following month, during the same series, he attained a Test bowling rating of 922 points,{{efn|The International Cricket Council (ICC) player ratings did not exist at the time; they were calculated retrospectively.}} placing him third in the ICC's all-time Test bowling rankings.{{cite web |title=ICC Player Rankings |url=http://www.relianceiccrankings.com/alltime/test/bowling/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127012125/http://www.relianceiccrankings.com/alltime/test/bowling |archive-date=27 January 2011 |access-date=9 February 2009 |publisher=ICC}} Khan became the first Pakistani bowler to take 200 Test wickets, while the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack said that he "bowled with such venom and fire that no Indian batsman other than Mohinder Amarnath faced him with any confidence."{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-indians-in-pakistan-1982-83-153048|title=The Indians in Pakistan, 1982–83|date=15 April 1984|website=ESPN Cricinfo}} However, the series also led to a stress fracture in his left shin, sidelining him for over two years. Initially, he could still bat but could not bowl, but after further complications, he was completely unable to participate in cricket. An experimental treatment, funded by the Pakistani government and administered in London, helped him recover by the end of 1984. Khan returned to the national team under the captaincy of Javed Miandad in a home series against Sri Lanka in 1984–85. Miandad chose not to continue as captain, attributing his decision to the internal tension created by Khan's non-cooperation with the team's strategy, which resulted in Khan being restored as the captain.{{R|Oborne-2015}}

Khan was the mastermind behind reforming cricket umpiring, driven by his frustration over the constant criticism of Pakistani officials after every series in Pakistan.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/cricket-s-turning-points-neutral-umpires-511175|title=Neutral umpires|date=16 April 2011|website=ESPN Cricinfo|author=S Rajesh}} Writing for The Guardian, Mike Selvey highlighted that "such was his power" that in 1986, Khan invited Indian umpires VK Ramaswamy and Piloo Reporter to officiate a Test against West Indies, marking the first step in an initiative by the International Cricket Council towards independent umpiring. He further advanced the idea by bringing in England's John Hampshire and John Holder for the home series against India in 1989–90. This effort helped counter long-standing accusations against home umpiring, ultimately leading to the 1994 rule requiring one neutral umpire in Tests and the 2002 mandate for both umpires to be independent.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/17/neutral-home-umpires-test-cricket|title=Neutral umpires and the declaration of independence in Test cricket|date=17 December 2014|website=The Guardian|first=Mike|last=Selvey}}

In 1987, in India, Khan led Pakistan to its first-ever Test series win, which was followed by Pakistan's first series victory in England during the same year. Khan retired from international cricket at the end of the 1987 Cricket World Cup.{{sfn|Oborne|2015|page=322}} He was asked to return to the captaincy by the President of Pakistan, General Zia-ul-Haq and decided to rejoin the team.{{cite news|last1=Paracha|first1=Nadeem F.|author-link1=Nadeem F. Paracha|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/777764|title=Cross-batted: Cricketers as politicians|newspaper=Dawn|date=10 January 2013|access-date=1 April 2025}} Soon after returning to the captaincy, Khan led Pakistan on another successful tour of the West Indies, which he recounted as "the last time I really bowled well." He was declared the Man of the Series against the West Indies in 1988 after taking 23 wickets in three Tests.{{cite web |title=West Indies vs Pakistan, 3rd Test – Pakistan tour of West Indies 1987–88|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-west-indies-1987-88-61494/west-indies-vs-pakistan-3rd-test-63483/live-cricket-score|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2 April 2025}}{{cite web|last1=Rajesh|first1=S.|title=A giant among allrounders|url=https://africa.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/22507448/imran-khan|date=1 January 2000|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN|access-date=2 April 2025}}

He became the first Asian cricketer and the eighth non-Australian player to win the International Cricketer of the Year award in 1989. He received a Rover 827 Vitesse worth A$72,000. According to Khan, Australia's highly nationalistic press heavily criticised his selection, making him feel as if he had "committed a crime by winning the car." The following day, he arrived for the toss with Allan Border at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the first match of the best-of-three finals, wearing a T-shirt that read, "I'm sorry I won the car." He later told interviewer Ian Chappell that the proceeds from the car would go to his Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital.{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/335291|title=PM Imran Khan shares story of winning International Cricketer of the Year prize in 1989|date=16 February 2021|publisher=GEO TV}}

As captain, Khan led Pakistan in 48 Test matches, winning 14, losing 8, and drawing the remaining 26. He also captained in 139 ODIs, securing 75 victories, suffering 59 defeats, and ending one in a tie. In Test cricket, he holds the world record for the most wickets as a captain, the second-best bowling figures in an innings (8 wickets for 60 runs), the most five-wicket hauls in an innings (12), and the most ten-wicket hauls in a match (4).{{cite web |title=Bowling records |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?captain=1;class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=wickets;template=results;type=bowling |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302124445/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?captain=1%3Bclass%3D1%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Dwickets%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbowling |archive-date=2 March 2014 |access-date=1 July 2013 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}} Khan has been compared to Franz Beckenbauer in terms of his popularity and influence in Pakistan.{{cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/pakistan-musharraf-laesst-cricket-legende-imran-khan-festnehmen-a-517256.html|title=Musharraf lässt Cricket-Legende Imran Khan festnehmen|website=Der Spiegel|date=14 November 2007|language=de}}

File:Imran Khan at the 1992 Cricket World Cup Ceremony.jpg, during a dinner held in the team's honour after their win in the 1992 World Cup.{{cite news|last1=Memon|first1=Ayaz|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/290718/imran-khan-is-the-epitome-of-excellence.html|title=Imran Khan is the epitome of excellence|publisher=Deccan Chronicle|date=28 July 2018|access-date=18 March 2025}}]]

Khan's career high as a cricketer and captain came when he led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. During the tournament, especially in the final, he promoted himself in the batting order.{{Cite web |title=Cricket: The Top 10 All-Rounders of All Time |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1017237-the-top-10-all-rounders-of-all-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129051128/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1017237-the-top-10-all-rounders-of-all-time#:~:text=A%20true%20champion%20and%20undoubtedly,at%20an%20average%20of%2022.81. |archive-date=29 January 2022 |access-date=29 January 2022 |website=Bleacher Report}} Khan was the top scorer in the final, scoring 72 runs.{{cite web|title=Full Scorecard of England vs Pakistan, Final, Benson & Hedges World Cup|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/benson-hedges-world-cup-1991-92-60924/england-vs-pakistan-final-65156/full-scorecard|website=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=3 April 2025}} By the 35th over, Khan brought back Wasim Akram, who delivered the two most decisive blows to England.{{Cite web |last=Ramis |first=Mohammad |title=The 1992 World Cup: an ambition fulfilled for Pakistan |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-1992-world-cup-an-ambition-fulfilled-for-pakistan-119141 |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en|year=2002}} Khan took the winning final wicket himself. This was Pakistan's first world cup victory. After the victory, Khan proclaimed,

{{blockquote|text=It was rock-bottom when we lost to South Africa. I told the boys they had to play as if they were cornered tigers. I told them to forget about bowling no-balls and wides, and just go out there and fight.{{Cite web |last=Wilkins |first=Phil |date=2022-03-24 |title=From the Archives, 1992: Pakistan on top of the world |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/from-the-archives-1992-pakistan-on-top-of-the-world-20220317-p5a5fa.html |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}}}

He played his last Test match for Pakistan in January 1992, against Sri Lanka. Khan retired from international cricket after leading Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup Final.

He ended his career with 88 Test matches, 126 innings, and scored 3,807 runs at an average of 37.69, including six centuries and 18 fifties. His highest score was 136. Khan had the second-highest all-time batting average of 61.86 for a Test batsman playing at number six in the batting order.{{cite news |last=Basevi |first=Travis |date=11 October 2005 |title=Best averages by batting position |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/best-averages-by-batting-position-221606 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013173613/http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/221606.html |archive-date=13 October 2007 |access-date=5 November 2007 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}} As a bowler, he took 362 wickets in Test cricket. He has won the most Player of the Series awards in Test cricket for Pakistan, and ranks fourth overall in Test history.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/most-player-of-the-series-awards-283469|title=Most Player-of-the-Series awards in Test matches|website=ESPNcricinfo|year=2025|access-date=14 April 2025}} In ODIs, he played 175 matches and scored 3,709 runs at an average of 33.41. His highest score was 102 not out. His best ODI bowling was 6 for 14, a record for the best bowling figures by any bowler in an ODI innings in a losing cause.{{cite web |title=Records / One-Day Internationals / Bowling records / Best figures in an innings when on the losing side |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283927.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725170758/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283927.html |archive-date=25 July 2017 |work=stats.espncricinfo.com}} Khan achieved the all-rounder's triple (securing 3,000 runs and 300 wickets) in 75 Tests,{{cite news|last1=Nishant|first1=Shashwat|title=Ravindra Jadeja surpasses Pakistan's Imran Khan for incredible achievement|url=https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/news/ravindra-jadeja-surpasses-pakistan-s-imran-khan-for-incredible-achievement-124100200206_1.html|work=Business Standard|date=2 October 2024|access-date=15 April 2025}} becoming one of the first four players to reach this milestone. As of 2025, he is one of eleven players to have achieved this feat,{{cite web |title=Combined Test match records – All-round career|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=wickets;template=results;type=allround |website=ESPNcricinfo|year=2025|access-date=16 April 2025}} and his 75-Test achievement remains the third-fastest in history.

File:Imran in peshawar.jpg in 1996]]

After retiring, Khan admitted to ball tampering during county cricket, stating that he "occasionally scratched the side of the ball and lifted the seam." He defended his actions, arguing that such conduct was commonplace at the time.{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/field/873457/watch-former-pakistan-skipper-imran-khan-speaking-on-ball-tampering-on-a-tv-show-in-1994|title=Watch: Former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan speaking on ball-tampering on a TV show in 1994|website=Scroll.in|date=27 March 2018|access-date=13 February 2019|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214002931/https://scroll.in/field/873457/watch-former-pakistan-skipper-imran-khan-speaking-on-ball-tampering-on-a-tv-show-in-1994|url-status=live}} Khan announced his return as a domestic league coach in May 2003. Reflecting on his return, Imran remarked, "After Pakistan's disappointing performance in the World Cup, a lot of my friends asked me to help Pakistan cricket and despite my commitments in politics I have agreed to help with coaching," during the launch of regional cricket clinics. He added, "I want to pay back what this country has given me."{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/131596.html|title=Imran returns to coaching to boost Pakistan|website=Cricinfo|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=31 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115117/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/imran-returns-to-coaching-to-boost-pakistan-131596|url-status=live|date=28 May 2003}}

File:University of Bradford school of management.jpg between November 2005 and November 2014.]]

Khan has written opinion pieces in the Indian magazine Outlook,{{cite news |title=Sports: opinion |work=Outlook magazine|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/author.asp?id=section&name=Imran+Khan§ion=Sports |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104083330/http://www.outlookindia.com/author.asp?id=section&name=Imran+Khan§ion=Sports|archive-date=4 January 2013 |access-date=21 July 2008}} The Guardian,{{cite news |last=Khan |first=Imran |title=Who's the real villain? |work=The Guardian |location=UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/jan/24/cricket.iraq |date=24 January 2003 |access-date=21 July 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826204200/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/jan/24/cricket.iraq |archive-date=26 August 2013}} and the BBC.{{cite news|last=Khan|first=Imran|title= Another poor batting display|publisher=BBC|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/cwc2003/hi/newsid_2790000/newsid_2799100/2799123.stm|date= 25 February 2003|access-date= 21 July 2008|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090113150058/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/cwc2003/hi/newsid_2790000/newsid_2799100/2799123.stm|archive-date= 13 January 2009|df= dmy-all}} Khan occasionally appeared as a cricket commentator on the Star TV network. In 2004, when the Indian cricket team toured Pakistan, Khan appeared as a commentator on TEN Sports' special live show, Straight Drive.{{cite web|title=Ten Sports to play it 'Straight' during Ind-Pak series|url=https://indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/sports/ten-sports-to-play-it-straight-during-ind-pak-series-040302|website=Indiantelevision.com|date=2 March 2004|access-date=7 April 2025}}

On 23 November 2005, Khan was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of Bradford.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/nov/23/highereducation.news|title=Imran Khan appointed Bradford chancellor|date=23 November 2005|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224035730/https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/nov/23/highereducation.news|archive-date=24 December 2016}} In 2009, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famer-imran-khan|title=Hall of Famer: Imran Khan|website=International Cricket Council|year=2009|access-date=14 April 2025}} On 26 February 2014, the University of Bradford Union floated a no-confidence motion to remove Khan from the post due to his absence from every graduation ceremony since 2010.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/bradford-university-defends-former-pakistan-cricket-captain-imran-khan-after-students-demand-he-9152144.html|title=University defends former Pakistan cricket captain Khan|date=25 February 2014|work=The Independent|access-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224031229/http://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/bradford-university-defends-former-pakistan-cricket-captain-imran-khan-after-students-demand-he-9152144.html|archive-date=24 December 2016}} On 30 November 2014, Khan stepped down, citing his "increasing political commitments". However, Khan was essentially compelled to resign due to mounting pressure from the union. Bradford University's Vice-Chancellor, Brian Cantor, appealed to students to show sympathy.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/641977|title=Imran made to quit as chancellor of UK University|website=The News International|access-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224031359/https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/641977|archive-date=24 December 2016}} He said Khan had been "a wonderful role model for our students."{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leeds-27664806|title=Imran Khan resigns as University of Bradford chancellor|date=2 June 2014|work=BBC News|access-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224032105/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leeds-27664806|archive-date=24 December 2016}}

{{Main|Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre|Namal College}}

Khan served as UNICEF's Special Representative for Sports and promoted health and immunisation programmes in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.{{cite web|title=Mr Imran Khan's Statement|publisher=World Health Organization|url=http://www.emro.who.int/tfi/wntd2002/WNTD2002Kit-Khan.htm|access-date=5 November 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124200420/http://www.emro.who.int/tfi/wntd2002/WNTD2002Kit-Khan.htm|archive-date=24 January 2008}}{{cite web |title=UNICEF and the stars |publisher=unicef.org |url=http://www.unicef.org/sowc96/kstars.htm |access-date=5 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215124523/http://www.unicef.org/sowc96/kstars.htm |archive-date=15 December 2007}} By 1994, Khan had established Pakistan's first cancer hospital, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, named after his mother, Shaukat Khanum, using donations and funds exceeding $25 million. The money was raised by Khan through touring the country and appealing for contributions, with the majority of donations coming from the poor.{{cite news |last=Kervin |first=Alison |title=Imran Khan: 'What I do now fulfils me like never before' |work=The Sunday Times |location=UK |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/fe87d649-aa3c-4cac-aa0f-8b933432801e|date=6 August 2006|access-date=7 April 2025}}

File:Imran Khan at Pakistan Embassy School, Jeddah.jpg in Jeddah, 1992]]

As a result of the 2001 Islamabad cloud burst, Pakistan faced severe flooding. In response, Khan auctioned his signed cricket bat from the 1992 Cricket World Cup and the sweater he wore while playing cricket. The bat alone raised $20,000 for flood victims. Khan stated that these were the last two items he had left, as he had previously auctioned off the rest to support Shaukat Khanum Hospital.{{cite web|url=https://reuters.screenocean.com/record/178959|title=Pakistan: Cricket bat used by Imran Khan in Pakistan's victorious 1992 World Cup campaign raises 20,000 US dollars for flood victims at auction|website=Reuters|date=4 August 2001}}

In December 2005, Khan, then Chancellor of the University of Bradford, signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Bradford, establishing Namal College in Mianwali as its associate college. The college was planned to be built by the Mianwali Development Trust on land donated by locals and aimed to tackle unemployment by providing technical and vocational education.{{cite news |title=University delegation goes east to establish new College |publisher=University of Bradford |url=http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/pr/pressreleases/2006/delegation.php |date=22 February 2006 |access-date=5 November 2007 |archive-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915124809/https://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/pr/pressreleases/2006/delegation.php }} In July 2006, Khan announced his vision behind Namal College, saying, "I want to make young people employable by arming them with the skills they will need to get jobs."{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/846369.legend-imrans-dream-for-his-school/|title=Legend Imran's dream for his school|website=Telegraph & Argus|date=24 July 2006}} Namal College officially opened in 2008.{{cite news |title=TI chief plans Knowledge City|work=Dawn|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/497161/|date=18 October 2009|access-date=8 April 2025}}

According to a 2006 report, while visiting his children in London, he also worked with the Lord's Taverners, a cricket charity.

Khan established The Imran Khan Foundation (IKF) in February 2006.{{cite web|url=https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/203770402|title=Imran Khan Foundation|date=9 May 2013 |publisher=ProPublica|access-date=10 December 2024}} In January 2013, IKF announced a Rs30 million emergency relief project for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees of the war on terror, belonging to the Mehsud tribe of North Waziristan who were neglected by the government. The project provided food supplies, winter essentials, and waterproof tents to 2,600 families in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan Foundation provides relief for ignored Waziristan IDPs|newspaper=Daily Times|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013%5C01%5C17%5Cstory_17-1-2013_pg7_20|date=17 January 2013|access-date=17 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212042107/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013%5C01%5C17%5Cstory_17-1-2013_pg7_20|archive-date=12 December 2013}} The Internal Revenue Service automatically revoked the operations of IKF on 15 May 2021 for not filing the required tax exemption forms for three consecutive years.{{cite web|url=https://eintaxid.com/company/203770402-imran-khan-foundation/|title=Imran Khan Foundation|access-date=10 December 2024}}

File:Iktearsoffpapers.jpg

Khan was offered political positions several times during his cricketing career. In 1987, then-President Zia-ul-Haq offered him a position in the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), which he politely declined.{{cite web |date=17 August 2018 |title=Imran Khan ─ from flamboyant cricketer to prime minister |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1423231|work=Dawn|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223326/https://www.dawn.com/news/1423231|url-status=live}} Nawaz Sharif invited Khan to join his political party, offering him the position of second-in-command and guaranteeing 30 seats in the national parliament. However, Khan declined the offer.{{cite news |title=Imran Khan Standing for Election Again |work=The Guardian |location=UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/sep/27/pakistan.cricket |date=26 September 2002|access-date=5 November 2007}} In 1993, Khan was appointed as the ambassador for tourism in the caretaker government of Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi and held the portfolio for three months until the government was dissolved. In late 1994, Khan joined hands with former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Hamid Gul and Muhammad Ali Durrani, who was heading Pasban, a breakaway wing of Jamaat-e-Islami. The three planned to launch a "pressure group," which was intended to act as a civil society watchdog rather than a full-fledged political party. However, Khan soon became uncomfortable with the idea of being seen as a puppet of Gul, which led to his departure from the group.

In 1995, Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, fearing a potential military coup that could appoint Khan as Prime Minister, responded with marked hostility towards him. The state-run television refused to broadcast archival footage of Imran's cricketing heyday and banned fundraising advertisements for his Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital during Ramadan, a month when Muslims traditionally give to charity. Authorities also spread rumours that Khan was suspected of embezzling hospital funds and was being investigated for tax irregularities. As a result, donations to the hospital, which relied entirely on charitable contributions, were halved that year.

On 25 April 1996, Khan founded a political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).{{sfn|Sadiq|2017}} He ran for a seat in the National Assembly of Pakistan in the 1997 Pakistani general election as a candidate of PTI from two constituencies – NA-53 Mianwali and NA-94 Lahore – but was unsuccessful and lost both seats to candidates of PML-N.{{cite web|title=Results election 1997|url=https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/NA.pdf|publisher=Election Commission of Pakistan|access-date=30 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828225608/https://ecp.gov.pk/Documents/Results%201988%20-%201997/NA.pdf|archive-date=28 August 2017}}

Khan supported General Musharraf's 1999 Pakistani coup d'état,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/31/imran-khan-acclaim-pakistan|title=Imran Khan laps up acclaim in Pakistan|first=Declan|last=Walsh|work=The Guardian|date=31 October 2011|access-date=6 November 2011|location=London|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214194856/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/oct/31/imran-khan-acclaim-pakistan|archive-date=14 December 2013}} believing that Musharraf would "end corruption and clear out the political mafias."{{cite news|last=Walsh|first=Declan|title=When you speak out, people react|work=The Guardian|location=UK|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/aug/31/cricket.pakistan|date=31 August 2005|access-date=21 July 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829163743/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/aug/31/cricket.pakistan|archive-date=29 August 2013}} Khan's PTI was one of the parties that supported Pervez Musharraf in the 2002 Pakistani referendum.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/27176|title=Opposition parties may boycott referendum|date=22 March 2002|work=Dawn|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223329/https://www.dawn.com/news/27176|url-status=live}} According to Khan, he was Musharraf's choice for Prime Minister in 2002, but he turned down the offer. Khan participated in the 2002 Pakistani general election and said that if his party did not get a majority of the vote, they would consider forming a coalition.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2056431.stm|title=Khan 'optimistic' about Pakistan elections|work=BBC News|date=21 June 2002|access-date=6 November 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830154254/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/2056431.stm|archive-date=30 August 2017}} He was the only member of his party to win a seat in that election.{{sfn|Jaffrelot|2015}}

File:Imran Khan - portrait (cropped).jpg

On 6 May 2005, Khan was described by Hendrik Hertzberg as the "most directly responsible" for drawing attention in the Muslim world to the Newsweek story concerning the alleged desecration of the Qur'an at a US military prison in Guantánamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba.{{cite news |url=https://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/05/30/050530ta_talk_hertzberg |author=Hendrik Hertzberg |author-link=Hendrik Hertzberg |date=30 May 2005 |access-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113063810/http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/05/30/050530ta_talk_hertzberg|title=Big News Week|archive-date=13 November 2007}}

In August 2005, Declan Walsh described Khan as a "miserable politician", observing that "Khan's ideas and affiliations since entering politics in 1996 have swerved and skidded like a rickshaw in a rainshower... He preaches democracy one day but gives a vote to reactionary mullahs the next."{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/aug/31/cricket.pakistan|title=When you speak out, people react|last=Walsh|first=Delcan|date=31 August 2005|work=The Guardian|location=UK|access-date=21 July 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829163743/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/aug/31/cricket.pakistan|archive-date=29 August 2013}}

In March 2006, Khan was escorted by police to his home and placed under house arrest after he threatened to organise a protest against President George W. Bush, who was on a visit to Pakistan.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-03-04/imran-khan-detained-amid-anti-bush-protests/811460|title=Imran Khan detained amid anti-Bush protests|date=4 March 2006|website=ABC Australia}}

On 2 October 2007, as part of the All Parties Democratic Movement, Khan joined 85 other MPs to resign from Parliament in protest of the presidential election scheduled for 6 October, which general Musharraf was contesting without resigning as army chief.{{cite news |title=Pakistan MPs in election boycott |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7023424.stm |date=2 October 2007 |access-date=5 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112144126/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7023424.stm |archive-date=12 January 2009}} On 3 November 2007, Khan was put under house arrest after president Musharraf declared a state of emergency in Pakistan. He later escaped from detention.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan escapes from house arrest |work=The Times of India |location=India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Imran_Khan_escapes_from_house_arrest/articleshow/2517638.cms |date=5 November 2007 |access-date=5 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106173232/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Imran_Khan_escapes_from_house_arrest/articleshow/2517638.cms |archive-date=6 November 2007}} He eventually came out of hiding on 14 November to join a student protest at the University of the Punjab.{{cite news |last=Page |first=Jeremy |title=Imran Khan comes out of hiding to lead students in street protests |work=The Times |location=UK |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2866163.ece |date=14 November 2007 |access-date=15 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706182507/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2866163.ece |archive-date=6 July 2008}} At the rally, Khan was dragged into a physics building by activists from the Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, and was held in a headlock.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/15/pakistan.declanwalsh|title=Khan arrested under terror laws as Musharraf defends crackdown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301202921/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/15/pakistan.declanwalsh|access-date=1 March 2017|date=14 November 2007|last=Walsh|first=Declan|archive-date=1 March 2017}} He was arrested during the protest and was sent to the Central Jail, Dera Ghazi Khan, where he spent a week before being released.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1570106/Imran-Khan-released-from-prison-in-Pakistan.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1570106/Imran-Khan-released-from-prison-in-Pakistan.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Imran Khan released from prison in Pakistan|first1=Isambard |last1=Wilkinson |first2=Matthew|last2=Moore|date=21 November 2007|work=Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}

File:Konferenz Pakistan und der Westen - Imran Khan.jpg in Berlin, 2009]]

On 30 October 2011, Khan addressed more than 100,000 supporters in Lahore, challenging the policies of the government, and referred to his movement as "not a flood that is coming, but a tsunami."{{cite news |title=Imran Khan's 'tsunami' sweeps Lahore |work=The Express Tribune |location=Pakistan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/285058|date=30 October 2011 |access-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429061117/https://tribune.com.pk/story/285058|archive-date=29 April 2012}} Another public gathering of at least 100,000 supporters was held in Karachi on 25 December 2011.{{cite news |title=Imran's dream team wows Karachi|work=The Express Tribune|location=Pakistan|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/311748|date=25 December 2011 |access-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509055949/https://tribune.com.pk/story/311748|archive-date=9 May 2012}} According to a survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) in 2012, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) topped the list of popular political parties in Pakistan at the national level, securing 31% of the vote. The survey, conducted between 9 February and 8 March 2012, placed PTI ahead of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which received 27%, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which garnered 16%. The survey also highlighted PTI's strong performance, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (49%) and Balochistan (35%), where the party secured the top position, though it stood second in Punjab with 33%.{{cite news |title=IRI survey shows PTI on top of popularity list |work=The News |location=Pakistan |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-14418-IRI-survey-shows-PTI-on-top-of-popularity-list/ |date=7 May 2012 |access-date=10 May 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510000701/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-14418-IRI-survey-shows-PTI-on-top-of-popularity-list |archive-date=10 May 2012}}

On 6 October 2012, Khan joined a vehicle caravan of protesters from Islamabad to the village of Kotai in South Waziristan region to protest against US drone missile strikes.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan leads drone protesters into volatile Pakistan region|work=Los Angeles Times|location=Pakistan|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/10/imran-khan-leads-caravan-to-pakistans-volatile-northwest-to-protest-us-drone-strikes-.html|date=6 October 2012|access-date=6 October 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007215830/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/10/imran-khan-leads-caravan-to-pakistans-volatile-northwest-to-protest-us-drone-strikes-.html|archive-date=7 October 2012}}

{{See also||Pakistani general election, 2013}}

File:PTI Symbol Elections.png as the electoral symbol for his party in the 2013 elections, and it remained as such until 2023]]

On 21 April 2013, Khan launched his election campaign from Lahore, where he addressed thousands of supporters at The Mall.{{cite news|title=Imran opens Lahore poll war front|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/21-Apr-2013/imran-opens-lahore-poll-war-front|access-date=18 April 2013|work=The Nation|date=18 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421081334/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/21-Apr-2013/imran-opens-lahore-poll-war-front|archive-date=21 April 2013}} Khan announced that he would pull Pakistan out of the US-led war on terror and bring peace to the Pashtun tribal belt.{{cite news|title=Covering new ground: Imran Khan to address Karak, DI Khan|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-97771-Will-begin-new-Pakistan-after-three-weeks:-Imran--|access-date=21 April 2013|work=The News International|date=21 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424031826/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-97771-Will-begin-new-Pakistan-after-three-weeks%3A-Imran--|archive-date=24 April 2013}} He addressed various public meetings in different cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country, where he announced that PTI would introduce a uniform education system in which the children of both the rich and the poor would have equal opportunities.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan vows to release Pakistan from US slavery|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/22-Apr-2013/imran-khan-vows-to-release-pakistan-from-us-slavery|access-date=21 April 2013|work=The Nation|date=22 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423061904/http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/national/22-Apr-2013/imran-khan-vows-to-release-pakistan-from-us-slavery|archive-date=23 April 2013}} Khan concluded his campaign in South Punjab's Seraiki belt by addressing rallies in various cities.{{cite news|title=Election trail: Imran Khan wraps up campaign in Seraiki belt|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/541131|access-date=26 April 2013|work=The Express Tribune|date=27 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428143620/https://tribune.com.pk/story/541131|archive-date=28 April 2013}}

The last survey before the elections by The Herald showed that 24.98 percent of voters nationally planned to vote for his party, slightly behind Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, which secured 25.1 percent of the vote.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan gains in Pakistan, haggling over government expected|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/546938|access-date=10 May 2013|work=The Express Tribune|date=10 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607055017/https://tribune.com.pk/story/546938/|archive-date=7 June 2013}} On 7 May, just four days before the elections, Khan was shifted to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore after falling from a lifter while boarding a stage at a rally. He sustained head injuries,{{cite web|url=http://dawn.com/2013/05/07/imran-injured-after-rally-stage-fall/|title=Imran falls off stage at Lahore rally; sustains serious injuries|work=Dawn|date=8 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508043050/http://dawn.com/2013/05/07/imran-injured-after-rally-stage-fall/|archive-date=8 May 2013}} and fractured four vertebrae.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/104bbd3c-5712-11e5-9846-de406ccb37f2|title=Politician and cricket legend Imran Khan in his Islamabad mansion|date=17 September 2015|first=Victor|last=Mallet|newspaper=Financial Times}} Khan ended the campaign by addressing a rally of supporters in Islamabad via a video link while lying on a bed at a hospital in Lahore.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan's emotional appeal from hospital bed|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/imran-khan-s-emotional-appeal-from-hospital-bed-364970|access-date=10 May 2013|work=NDTV|date=10 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510003533/http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/imran-khan-s-emotional-appeal-from-hospital-bed-364970|archive-date=10 May 2013}}

The 2013 Pakistani general election was held on 11 May across the country. Nawaz Sharif and his party, the Pakistan Muslim League (N), secured victory in the elections, while Khan alleged vote-rigging.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/12/world/asia/pakistan-election/index.html|title=Amid violence and vote-rigging complaints, Pakistan elects new leaders|author1=Laura Smith-Spark|author2=Saima Mohsin|author3=Aliza Kassim|date=12 May 2013|publisher=CNN}} Khan's party emerged as the leading party in the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/548459|title=Imran's tsunami: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa lives up to tradition|work=The Express Tribune|date=12 May 2013|access-date=12 May 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609110528/https://tribune.com.pk/story/548459|archive-date=9 June 2013}} Khan's party became the second-largest in terms of popular vote nationwide, securing 28 directly elected parliamentary seats, making it the third-largest party in the National Assembly of Pakistan behind the PML-N and the PPP.{{cite news|title=PTI received second most votes in general election|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/555048/pti-received-second-most-votes-in-general-election?amp=1|publisher=The Express Tribune|date=27 May 2013|access-date=21 April 2025}} The day after the elections, Asad Umar, a leader from his party, announced that Khan had conceded defeat to PML (N).{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/547893|title=PTI concedes defeat in Pakistan elections|work=The Express Tribune|date=12 May 2013|access-date=12 May 2013|quote=Pakistani politician and cricket star Imran Khan early on Sunday conceded defeat to the rival Pakistan Muslim League-N in historic general elections senior party leader Asad Umar said.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607044620/https://tribune.com.pk/story/547893|archive-date=7 June 2013}} While Khan's party welcomed the vote, Khan pledged to release a white paper on the alleged vote-rigging and vowed to hold protests. He praised the record voter turnout, particularly the participation of youth and women, describing it as a "step forward for democracy."{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-12/imran-khan-welcomes-pakistan-vote-but-alleges-rigging/4684760|title=Khan welcomes Pakistan vote but alleges rigging|date=12 May 2013|publisher=ABC News (Australia)}}

While recovering in hospital, Khan nominated Pervez Khattak to form and lead his party's first provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Ismail |date=4 February 2024 |title=Pervez Khattak — a 'candidate' for all seasons |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1811006|access-date=15 December 2024|work=Dawn|language=en}}

{{See also|2014 Azadi march|Inqilab March||Panama Papers case}}

Khan assumed the role of parliamentary leader of his party in the National Assembly of Pakistan following the 2013 elections.{{cite web|last1=Mufti|first1=Mariam|url=https://noria-research.com/south-asia/south-asia-5-pakistan-tehrik-e-insaaf/|title=Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf: New Phenomenon or Continuation of the Political Status Quo?|website=Noria Research|date=22 October 2016|access-date=22 April 2025}} On 31 July 2013, Khan received a contempt of court notice for allegedly criticising the superior judiciary and referring to it as "shameful."{{cite news|title=Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Imran Khan|url=http://dawn.com/news/1033227|access-date=1 August 2013|work=Dawn|date=1 August 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801010237/http://dawn.com/news/1033227|archive-date=1 August 2013}} The notice was discharged after Khan submitted before the Supreme Court of Pakistan that he had criticised the lower judiciary for their actions during the May 2013 general elections, while those judicial officers were working as returning officers.{{cite news|title=SC discharges contempt of court notice against Imran Khan|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/596339|access-date=19 December 2024|work=The Express Tribune|date=28 August 2013}} Khan was criticised for his support of Sami-ul-Haq, known as the "Father of the Taliban," and for providing funds to his seminary, Darul Uloom Haqqania.{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/father-of-the-taliban-killed-in-pakistan/a-46135892|title='Father of the Taliban' killed in Pakistan|date=2 November 2018|work=Deutsche Welle|access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516113256/https://www.dw.com/en/father-of-the-taliban-killed-in-pakistan/a-46135892|url-status=live}}

File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Pakistani Party President Imran Khan.jpg in August 2013 while he was in opposition]]

Khan accused the United States of sabotaging peace efforts with the Pakistani Taliban by killing its leader Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike in 2013. He said that he would organise protests and block NATO's supply lines to Afghanistan if the US did not end its drone attacks, which, he said, were "fanning fanaticism."{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24838682|title=Hakimullah Mehsud: Imran Khan seeks Nato blockade over killing|date=6 November 2013|work=BBC News|access-date=24 August 2018|archive-date=11 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011013322/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24838682|url-status=live}}

File:Pakistanprotests2014.webm reports on Khan-led protest, August 2014]]

A year after the elections, on 11 May 2014, at a rally of his supporters, Khan called for the resignation of all members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the formation of a new ECP, and strict punishment for those who "stole the mandate of the masses."{{cite news|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-30285-Imran-demands-new-ECP-resignation-of-its-members|title=Imran demands new ECP, resignation of its members|website=The News International|date=12 May 2014|access-date=15 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819091319/http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-30285-Imran-demands-new-ECP-resignation-of-its-members|archive-date=19 August 2014}} On 14 August 2014, Khan led a rally of supporters from Lahore to Islamabad, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and an investigation into the alleged electoral fraud.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/748978|title=Destination Islamabad: Azadi march takes off|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817200918/https://tribune.com.pk/story/748978|date=15 August 2014|author=Anwer Sumra|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=16 August 2014|archive-date=17 August 2014}} Khan and Canadian-Pakistani cleric Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri entered into a "de facto" alliance,{{sfn|Naseemullah|Chhibber|2024}} both aiming to mobilise their supporters for a regime change campaign against Sharif.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/08/pakistan-set-decisive-day-protests-2014828640256887.html|title=Pakistan set for 'decisive' day of protests|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=9 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106095135/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/08/pakistan-set-decisive-day-protests-2014828640256887.html|archive-date=6 January 2016}} It was alleged that sections of the army played an active role in the protests, with Khan being advised by the then Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, Zaheer-ul-Islam, and the ISI drafted Qadri to lead the protests.{{sfn|Pande|2017}} Senior PTI member at the time, Javed Hashmi, also alleged that Khan had been instructed by the army to coordinate his protests with the Pakistan Awami Tehreek, led by Qadri. The Defence Minister of Pakistan at the time, Khawaja Asif, stated that the army was not backing anti-government demonstrations.{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistans-defense-minister-army-not-backing-anti-government-demos/2430149.html|date=27 August 2014|title=Pakistan: Army Not Backing Anti-Government Demos|website=VOA News}} Similarly, the Inter-Services Public Relations denied backing the march.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1129011|title=Islamabad stand-off: Army not backing PTI or PAT, says ISPR|date=31 August 2014|newspaper=Dawn}}

Khan urged his supporters to burn electricity bills, refuse to pay taxes, and take part in widespread civil disobedience. Protesters from Khan's PTI forced their way into the state-run television channel PTV's studios in Islamabad, creating chaos in the heart of Pakistan's capital. They assaulted PTV staff and journalists, and engaged in acts of hooliganism.{{sfn|Qadir|2024}} Prior to the violence that resulted in several deaths, Khan urged his followers to attack police officers after learning that they had initiated a baton charge against his supporters.{{cite web|url=http://dai.ly/x2aetc1|title=Azadi March- PTI Leader Imran Khan openly asked workers to attack on the Police in Islamabad|date=17 November 2014|website=Dailymotion|access-date=21 August 2018|archive-date=31 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131014613/https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2aetc1?retry|url-status=live}} On 1 September, protesters led by Qadri and Khan attempted to storm Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's official residence, prompting the outbreak of violence. Three people were killed, and more than 595 people were injured, including 115 police officers.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/09/pakistan-anti-pm-protesters-storm-state-broad-201491132720191166.html|title=Anti-PM protesters storm Pakistan broadcaster|author=Asad Hashim|work=aljazeera.com|access-date=9 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106095135/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/09/pakistan-anti-pm-protesters-storm-state-broad-201491132720191166.html|archive-date=6 January 2016}}

Following the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, Khan called off his 126-day sit-in in the interest of national unity on 17 December.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/808784|title=For a national cause: PTI calls off dharna after 126 days|author=Qamar Zaman|date=17 December 2014|website=The Express Tribune}}

In March 2015, Khan's party reached an agreement with the Sharif administration to form a judicial commission to probe electoral fraud allegations — a move facilitated by the then Army Chief, General Raheel Sharif.{{cite web|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/03/23/national/pti-pml-n-come-together-in-national-interest/|title=PTI, PML-N come together in 'national interest'|work=pakistantoday.com.pk|access-date=9 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106095135/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2015/03/23/national/pti-pml-n-come-together-in-national-interest/|archive-date=6 January 2016}} In July, the commission determined that the elections had been broadly fair and found no systemic rigging.{{cite news|last1=Haider|first1=Irfan|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1195875|title=JC finds 2013 elections 'fair and in accordance with law'|newspaper=Dawn|date=23 July 2015|access-date=13 February 2025}} Khan accepted the commission's findings but expressed reservations over not having received a copy. "We have not seen the report yet, if we had, I would have been in a better position to comment on the report. We will comment on the report tomorrow after reading it," Khan said while addressing a press conference.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1195870|title=Imran Khan accepts findings of judicial commission report|last1=Haider|first1=Irfan|newspaper=Dawn|date=23 July 2015|access-date=13 February 2025}}

Khan campaigned against Nawaz Sharif in the wake of the Panama Papers leaks in 2016, which revealed offshore companies linked to the Sharif family. He led protests, filed petitions through his party, and called for Sharif's resignation, citing allegations of corruption.{{cite web |date=1 November 2016 |title=Pakistan: Supreme Court hears Panama leaks case |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/11/pakistan-supreme-court-hears-panama-leaks-case-161101080340730.html |access-date=24 January 2017 |publisher=Al Jazeera}} Khan's party petitioned the Supreme Court regarding the Panama Papers case to investigate allegations of corruption involving Sharif's family. Khan described the case as a "defining moment" for the country.{{cite web |title=Want to become prime minister: Imran Khan |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/137187 |access-date=12 April 2017 |website=Geo |publisher=Jang Group|date=7 April 2017}}

On 7 April 2017, Khan criticised Pakistan's decision to support the Afghan jihad in the 1980s. Khan stated, "We made a big mistake in the 80s by entering into the jihad against the soviets. That left Pakistan with militants, militant groups, we had Kalashnikovs flooded and we had drugs which could be used to finance the war." Khan further added that prior to joining the war, Pakistan never had sectarian militant groups, "Fast forward to another decade later 9/11 happens and we are hunting the same jihadi groups which became terrorists." Khan remarked that Pakistan took dollars to prepare militants and then later took dollars to fight against them. Khan also expressed his views regarding US President Donald Trump, saying, "When Trump got elected and then I saw his team...I thought to myself he is not as bad as I thought he was, he is much worse."

{{Main|2018 Pakistani general election}}

File:Imran Khan in Sindh, 2017.jpg while wearing a traditional Sindhi cap and Ajrak in 2017|239x239px]]

Khan contested the 2018 Pakistani general election from NA-35 (Bannu),{{cite web|url=https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-35&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|title=ECP – Election Commission of Pakistan|website=www.ecp.gov.pk|access-date=24 August 2018}} NA-53 (Islamabad-II),{{cite web|url=https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-53&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|title=ECP – Election Commission of Pakistan|website=www.ecp.gov.pk|access-date=29 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729222455/https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-53&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|archive-date=29 July 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} NA-95 (Mianwali-I),{{cite web|url=https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-95&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|title=ECP – Election Commission of Pakistan|website=www.ecp.gov.pk|access-date=11 August 2018}} NA-131 (Lahore-IX),{{cite web|url=https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-131&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|title=ECP – Election Commission of Pakistan|website=www.ecp.gov.pk|access-date=3 September 2018}} and NA-243 (Karachi East-II).{{cite web|url=https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-243&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|title=ECP – Election Commission of Pakistan|website=www.ecp.gov.pk|access-date=3 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803185919/https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-243&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|archive-date=3 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} According to early official results, Khan's party led the poll, although his opposition, mainly the PML (N), alleged large-scale vote rigging and administrative malpractices.{{cite news|last=Gannon|first=Kathy|magazine=TIME|title=Unofficial Results in Pakistan's Election Show Lead For Imran Khan, But Opponents Allege Fraud|date=26 July 2018|access-date=26 July 2018|url=http://time.com/5349389/pakistan-election-imran-khan-lead-fraud/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729214550/http://time.com/5349389/pakistan-election-imran-khan-lead-fraud/|archive-date=29 July 2018}} On 28 July, election officials declared that Khan's party had won 116 of the 270 seats,{{Cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/205011|title=ECP declares results of 251 of 270 NA seats; Imran Khan's PTI leads with 110|date=27 July 2018|work=Geo News|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=15 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115235533/https://www.geo.tv/latest/205011|url-status=live}} giving PTI the most seats in the National Assembly of Pakistan.{{Cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/imran-khan-wins-pakistan-general-election-but-needs-to-form-coalition-government-a3897541.html|title=Imran Khan wins Pakistan general election but needs to form coalition|last=Morrison|first=Sean|date=27 July 2018|work=London Evening Standard|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727085041/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/imran-khan-wins-pakistan-general-election-but-needs-to-form-coalition-government-a3897541.html|archive-date=27 July 2018}} Khan became the first person in the history of Pakistan elections to contest and win in all five constituencies, surpassing Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who had contested four but won three constituencies in the 1970 elections.{{cite news|url=https://epaper.brecorder.com/2018/07/27/1-page/729916-news.html|title=Imran makes history by winning 5 NA seats|date=27 July 2018|newspaper=Business Recorder|access-date=28 July 2018|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728131537/https://epaper.brecorder.com/2018/07/27/1-page/729916-news.html|url-status=live}}

On 20 May 2018, Khan's party announced a 100-day agenda ahead of the 2018 general elections. The plan proposed sweeping reforms in nearly all areas of governance. Key elements included the creation of a new province in Southern Punjab, fast-tracking the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, improvements to the law and order situation in Karachi, and efforts to improve relations with political leaders in Balochistan.{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1409003|title=Imran unveils ambitious agenda for first 100 days of govt|last=Wasim|first=Amir|date=21 May 2018|work=Dawn|access-date=7 August 2018|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106085845/https://www.dawn.com/news/1409003|url-status=live}}

File:Imran Khan Arif Alvi.jpg during the 2018 electoral campaign|left]]

A number of opposition parties alleged "massive rigging" in Khan's favour, amid allegations of military interference in the general elections.{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/26/asia/pakistan-polls-close-intl/index.html |title=Imran Khan claims victory in disputed Pakistan election |last1=Wilkinson |first1=Bard |last2=Saifi |first2=Sophia |last3=Westcott |first3=Ben |website=cnn.com |date=26 July 2018 |access-date=6 August 2018 |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731004303/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/26/asia/pakistan-polls-close-intl/index.html |url-status=live}} Nawaz Sharif and his PML-N party, in particular, alleged that the military had manipulated the election process in favour of Khan and PTI, with judicial actions also seen as aligned with this effort.{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistans-army-yet-again-takes-on-the-wrong-fight/articleshow/65008467.cms|title=Nawaz Sharif: Pakistan's army yet again takes on the wrong fight|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=16 July 2018 |access-date=16 July 2018|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813063212/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/pakistans-army-yet-again-takes-on-the-wrong-fight/articleshow/65008467.cms|url-status=live}} The Election Commission rejected allegations of rigging,{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1766411|title=ECP rejects political parties' claim of 'rigging' on election day|work=The Express Tribune|date=25 July 2018|access-date=26 July 2018|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226144627/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1766411|url-status=live}} while Hamza Shehbaz, a senior PML-N leader, said that his party would concede victory to strengthen democracy, despite lingering reservations about the manner in which the election was conducted.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44980344|title=Pakistan election: Party of Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif concedes to Imran Khan|work=BBC News|date=27 July 2018|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727140007/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44980344|url-status=live}} Two days after the 2018 general elections were held, the chief observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Pakistan, Michael Gahler, said that the overall situation of the election was satisfactory.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1422911|title=EU mission terms election satisfactory, calls it better than 2013|date=26 July 2018|work=Dawn|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=27 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727014742/https://www.dawn.com/news/1422911|url-status=live}}

During his victory speech, he laid out the policy outlines for his future government. Khan said that his inspiration was to build Pakistan as a humanitarian state based on the principles of the first Islamic state of Medina. He said that his future government would prioritise the poor and common people of the country, and all policies would be directed towards raising the standard of living of the less fortunate. He promised an investigation into the allegations of rigging. He expressed his desire for a united Pakistan and pledged not to victimise his political opponents. He said that everyone would be equal before the law. He also promised a simple and less extravagant government, in which the Prime Minister of Pakistan House would be converted into an educational institute and the Governor Houses would be used for public benefit. On foreign policy, he praised China and expressed hope for better relations with Afghanistan, the United States, and India. Regarding the Middle East, he said that his government would strive to maintain a balanced relationship with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On 6 August 2018, his party formally nominated him as its candidate for the office of prime minister.{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/206277|title=PTI formally nominates Imran Khan as prime minister candidate|website=Geo.tv|date=6 August 2018|access-date=6 August 2018|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226144651/https://www.geo.tv/amp/206277%20|url-status=live}} In his speech, Khan vowed to reserve an hour each week to interact with the public and answer questions they send his way, calling it "one hour of accountability."{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/351449|title=Imran Khan to have 'one hour of accountability' every week to answer public's questions|website=The News International|date=6 August 2018|access-date=7 August 2018|archive-date=6 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806161754/https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/351449|url-status=live}} He designated Asad Umar as finance minister for his upcoming government.{{cite news|url=https://timesofislamabad.com/04-Aug-2018/in-a-surprise-pti-finance-minister-designate-asad-umer-hits-out-at-america|title=In a surprise, PTI Finance Minister designate Asad Umer hits out at America|date=4 August 2018|newspaper=Times of Islamabad|access-date=11 August 2018|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811200417/https://timesofislamabad.com/04-Aug-2018/in-a-surprise-pti-finance-minister-designate-asad-umer-hits-out-at-america|url-status=live}} He nominated Mahmood Khan as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1776208|title=PTI chief nominates ex-sports minister Mehmood Khan for K–P CM post|date=8 August 2018|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=11 August 2018|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813041742/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1776208|url-status=live}} and Sardar Usman Buzdar for Chief Minister of Punjab. Announcing the nomination, Khan said that he chose Buzdar because he hails from the most underdeveloped area of Punjab.{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/207826|title=Imran nominates Sardar Usman Buzdar as CM Punjab|website=Geo.tv|date=17 August 2018|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817205223/https://www.geo.tv/207826|url-status=live}} According to sources within PTI, Buzdar was nominated as a stop-gap arrangement because it would be easier to remove a lesser-known individual when Shah Mahmood Qureshi was ready to become chief minister. Some within PTI suggested that he was chosen because other potential candidates like the Dareshaks, Khosas, and Hashim Jawan Bakht declined the offer to take on a temporary role.{{cite web|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/17/pti-nominates-sardar-usman-ahmad-khan-buzdar-for-punjab-cm-slot/amp/|title=PTI nominates Sardar Usman Ahmad Khan Buzdar for Punjab CM slot|newspaper=Pakistan Today|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818114011/https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/08/17/pti-nominates-sardar-usman-ahmad-khan-buzdar-for-punjab-cm-slot/amp/|url-status=live}} In Balochistan, Khan directed his party to support the Balochistan Awami Party, which nominated Jam Kamal Khan for the position of chief minister and Abdul Quddus Bizenjo for speaker.{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/10-Aug-2018/jam-kamal-named-balochistan-cm|title=Jam Kamal named Balochistan CM|date=10 August 2018|website=nation.com.pk|access-date=12 August 2018|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811160543/https://nation.com.pk/10-Aug-2018/jam-kamal-named-balochistan-cm|url-status=live}}

Khan's party nominated Asad Qaiser as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan,{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1426175|title=PTI nominates Asad Qaiser for NA speaker, Chaudhry Sarwar for Punjab governor|date=10 August 2018|work=Dawn|access-date=11 August 2018|archive-date=10 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810190056/https://www.dawn.com/news/1426175|url-status=live}} and PML-Q leader Pervaiz Elahi for the position of Speaker of the Punjab Assembly.{{cite web|url=http://paktribune.com/news/Pervaiz-Elahi-nominated-as-Punjab-Assembly-speaker-281208.html|title=Pervaiz Elahi nominated as Punjab Assembly speaker|website=Paktribune|access-date=12 August 2018|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811113743/http://paktribune.com/news/Pervaiz-Elahi-nominated-as-Punjab-Assembly-speaker-281208.html|url-status=live}} In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani was nominated as Speaker of its Assembly.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1780020|title=PTI names Mushtaq Ghani for speaker, Mehmood Jan deputy speaker in K–P Assembly|date=13 August 2018|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=14 August 2018|archive-date=14 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814041503/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1780020|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Premiership of Imran Khan}}

File:Imran Khan oath as Prime Minister.jpg as Prime Minister, with President Mamnoon Hussain administering the oath in 2018.]]

Khan was sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan on 18 August 2018 after his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), won the 2018 Pakistani general election.{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/207654|title=Imran Khan elected prime minister, vows not to spare the corrupt|work=Geo News|date=17 August 2018|access-date=17 August 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223400/https://www.geo.tv/latest/207654|url-status=live}} His inauguration speech emphasised governance based on the principles of the Islamic state of Medina.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/357392|title=Prime Minister Imran Khan promises sweeping reforms in inaugural address|website=The News International|date=19 August 2018|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223414/https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/357392|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/7/26/imran-khans-speech-in-full|title=Imran Khan's speech in full|website=www.aljazeera.com|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225223414/https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2018/07/imran-khan-speech-full-180726124850706.html|url-status=live |access-date=6 February 2025}} Early bureaucratic reshuffles saw the appointment of Sohail Mahmood as Foreign Secretary, Rizwan Ahmed as Maritime Secretary, and Naveed Kamran Baloch as Finance Secretary.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1473045|title=High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood appointed new foreign secretary|date=31 March 2019 |access-date=31 January 2024|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825022640/https://www.dawn.com/news/1473045|url-status=live|newspaper=Dawn}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tribune.com.pk/story/1790079|title=To rid FBR of corruption, Jahanzeb Khan appointed chairman|work=The Express Tribune|date=28 August 2018|access-date=26 September 2018|archive-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926170256/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1790079|url-status=live}} His first major military appointment was Lt. General Asim Munir as Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1822407|title=Lt Gen Asim Munir named as new ISI chief|work=The Express Tribune|date=10 October 2018|access-date=31 January 2024|archive-date=8 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208185816/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1822407|url-status=live}} Khan initially held the Ministry of Interior portfolio after forming his cabinet.{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1427792|title=PM Imran Khan finalises names of 21-member cabinet|date=18 August 2018|work=Dawn|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-date=6 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106085842/https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1427792|url-status=live}}

File:President Trump at Davos (49421741106).jpg and other cabinet members, meets US President Donald Trump and his secretary of commerce Wilbur Ross, among others, at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, in 2020|left]]

Khan's government faced significant economic challenges after taking office in 2018, inheriting a twin balance of payments and debt crisis. His administration sought to stabilize the economy through a mix of austerity measures, structural reforms, and a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These measures, which included devaluing the rupee, slashing subsidies, and targeting ambitious tax revenue goals, led to criticism from those who believed they contradicted Khan's promises of establishing an Islamic welfare state. Among the unpopular reforms were increased gas and electricity tariffs, straining citizens' daily lives.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/8b64d9f6-9e24-11e9-9c06-a4640c9feebb |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/8b64d9f6-9e24-11e9-9c06-a4640c9feebb |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=IMF approves $6bn Pakistan bailout package after austerity budget |website=Financial Times|date=4 July 2019 |last1=Findlay |first1=Stephanie}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/ee1e2aa6-8c69-11e9-a24d-b42f641eca37 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/ee1e2aa6-8c69-11e9-a24d-b42f641eca37 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Pakistan unveils austerity budget in bid to secure IMF loan |website=Financial Times|date=11 June 2019 |last1=Bokhari |first1=Farhan}} Despite these challenges, Khan's policies achieved some economic progress. In its 2020 report, the World Bank's Ease of doing business index noted that Pakistan's business environment improved significantly, moving from 136th to 108th in global rankings, driven by six key regulatory reforms.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2086074|title=Ease of business: Pakistan up 28 places on World Bank index|date=24 October 2019|work=The Express Tribune|first=Shahbaz|last=Rana|archive-date=15 December 2024|access-date=1 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215091104/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2086074|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/10/24/doing-business-2020-accelerated-business-climate-reform-agenda-puts-pakistan-among-top-10-improvers|title=Doing Business 2020: Accelerated Business Climate Reform Agenda Puts Pakistan Among Top 10 Improvers|website=World Bank|access-date=24 October 2020|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020233755/https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/10/24/doing-business-2020-accelerated-business-climate-reform-agenda-puts-pakistan-among-top-10-improvers|url-status=live}}

Fiscal measures and a significant increase in non-tax revenue helped reduce the fiscal deficit to 0.9% of GDP by the beginning of FY21. However, persistent inflation, stagnant exports, and limited resource mobilization continued to undermine economic growth, with exports contracting by 16.6% in mid-2020.{{Cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2265491|title=Pakistan's budget deficit improves to Rs440b|date=24 September 2020|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=24 October 2020|archive-date=14 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014053344/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2265491|url-status=live}} While tax collection showed improvement, Khan's government faced significant economic setbacks, including high inflation and a weakening currency, leading to political criticism.{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-is-pm-khans-government-more-corrupt-than-previous-administrations/a-60559804|title=Pakistan: Is PM Khan more corrupt than previous rulers?|publisher=Deutsche Welle|author=Haroon Janjua|date=26 January 2022|access-date=1 November 2024|archive-date=12 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112232950/https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-is-pm-khans-government-more-corrupt-than-previous-administrations/a-60559804|url-status=live}} Economic reforms such as the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA-II) were implemented to boost exports.{{Cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/02-Jan-2020/second-phase-of-pakistan-china-free-trade-agreement-comes-into-effect|title=Second phase of Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement comes into effect|date=2 January 2020|website=The Nation|access-date=24 October 2020|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008231856/https://nation.com.pk/02-Jan-2020/second-phase-of-pakistan-china-free-trade-agreement-comes-into-effect|url-status=live}}

Upon taking office, Khan cut government spending by reducing the Prime Minister's staff from 524 to two and auctioning luxury items like bulletproof vehicles and helicopters.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/imran-khan-pakistan-tax-rich-prime-minister-servants-cabinet-swearing-in-a8499591.html|title=Imran Khan sheds hundreds of servants and says Pakistan's elite must pay tax as his first cabinet is sworn in|first=Adam|last=Withnall|date=20 August 2018|website=The Independent|archive-date=1 January 2025|access-date=1 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101221120/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/imran-khan-pakistan-tax-rich-prime-minister-servants-cabinet-swearing-in-a8499591.html|url-status=live}} Despite criticism over his use of a helicopter,{{Cite news |date=17 September 2018 |title=Pakistan bidders flock to PM Imran Khan's car auction |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45554753 |access-date=19 November 2024 |language=en-GB |work=BBC |archive-date=1 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101222623/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45554753 |url-status=live}} official documents in 2021 showed a 49% drop in Prime Minister's House expenses and a 29% cut in the Prime Minister's Office budget.{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/335371|title=PTI govt's austerity drive saves 49% expenditure of PM House: official document|date=17 July 2021|website=Geo TV|archive-date=25 December 2024|access-date=1 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225222244/https://www.geo.tv/latest/335371|url-status=live}} Additionally, his 12 foreign trips across three continents cost the national exchequer $680,000—far less than a single New York visit by his predecessors.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2307891|title=Imran foreign trips seven times cheaper than that of Nawaz's|date=29 June 2021|first=Shahbaz|last=Rana|work=The Express Tribune}}

{{see also|Plant for Pakistan}}

In July 2018, then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Saqib Nisar, launched a fundraiser for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Mohmand Dam.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2447905|title=Dams fund has Rs 17.86b, Senate told|date=25 November 2023|newspaper=The Express Tribune}} In September 2018, Khan endorsed Nisar's initiative and urged overseas Pakistanis to contribute through voluntary donations.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1431520|title=Prime Minister Imran Khan calls on overseas Pakistanis to donate to dams fund|date=7 September 2018|work=Dawn}} As of November 2023, the dams fund stood at Rs17.86 billion.

His government reported record hydropower generation by WAPDA in 2019–2020, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Key hydropower projects, including Dasu Dam, Mohmand Dam, and Diamer-Bhasha Dam, were initiated, alongside the $2.5 billion Kohala Hydropower Project (1,124 MW) signed in June 2020.{{Cite web |date=5 July 2020 |title=Hydel electricity generation increased by 20pc in FY20 to highest ever level, says Asad Umar|url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/07/06/hydel-electricity-generation-increased-by-20pc-in-fy20-to-highest-ever-level-says-asad-umar/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625181853/https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/07/06/hydel-electricity-generation-increased-by-20pc-in-fy20-to-highest-ever-level-says-asad-umar/ |url-status=live}} His government pledged to avoid new coal-fired power stations, aiming instead for a renewable energy target of 60% by 2030. The cancellation of two planned coal projects was part of this shift.{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/south-central-asia_pakistan-decides-against-new-coal-fired-power/6199512.html|title=Pakistan Decides Against New Coal-fired Power|website=VOA|date=12 December 2020}} Efforts towards climate change mitigation included the launch of the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, aiming to plant 10 billion trees across Pakistan. The government reported that approximately 1.5 million trees were planted on the programme's first day.{{Cite news|date=1 September 2018|title='Plant for Pakistan' campaign kicks off across the country|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793014|access-date=15 September 2018|work=The Express Tribune|language=en-US|archive-date=2 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902234540/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793014|url-status=live}} However, a special audit revealed over Rs3.49 billion in irregularities, including fake reporting and unverified plantation claims.{{Cite web|date=14 September 2022|title=Billion Tree Allegations|url=https://www.nation.com.pk/14-Sep-2022/billion-tree-allegations|access-date=5 November 2024|website=The Nation|language=en-US|archive-date=22 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622033356/https://www.nation.com.pk/14-Sep-2022/billion-tree-allegations|url-status=live}}

{{see also|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Imran Khan}}

In November 2018, after President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of failing to aid the U.S. in the War on Terror, Khan responded by highlighting Pakistan's losses and contributions, stating that the country was "not your hired gun anymore."{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/pakistani-leader-to-the-us-were-not-your-hired-gun-anymore/2018/12/06/e138790c-f8a5-11e8-863c-9e2f864d47e7_story.html|title=Pakistani leader to the U.S.: We're not your 'hired gun' anymore|date=6 December 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post}}

Following the 2019 Pulwama attack, India accused Pakistan of involvement, prompting Khan to authorize a military response if attacked.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/2/21/pakistans-imran-khan-approves-military-response-if-india-attacks|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan approves military response if India attacks|date=21 February 2019|website=Al Jazeera|archive-date=14 January 2025|access-date=14 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114020924/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/2/21/pakistans-imran-khan-approves-military-response-if-india-attacks|url-status=live}} This culminated in the 2019 Balakot airstrike by India, which Pakistan countered with Operation Swift Retort, leading to the capture of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, whom Khan later released as a peace gesture.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/world/asia/pakistan-india-pilot-kashmir.html|title=Imran Khan Says Pakistan Will Release Indian Pilot, Seizing Publicity in Showdown|date=28 February 2019|website=The New York Times|archive-date=14 January 2025|access-date=14 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114020924/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/world/asia/pakistan-india-pilot-kashmir.html|url-status=live}} Khan refused to engage with India after the Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 and twice denied Narendra Modi the use of Pakistani airspace.{{Cite web |date=4 June 2021 |title=Pakistan ready to talk with India if it restores Kashmir's autonomy: PM Imran |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/604682 |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=Dunya News |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210062207/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/604682 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1506013|title=Pakistan denies use of airspace to Modi|date=19 September 2019|first=Mohammad|last=Asghar|newspaper=Dawn}}

File:Pakistan PM Imran Khan met with Ali Khamenei 03.jpg and Ali Khamenei, 2019]]

In September 2019, Khan stated that Trump had asked him to facilitate U.S.-Iran talks and that Khan had spoken to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Trump later stated that Khan expressed a desire to mediate and they had a good relationship. Trump said a meeting between himself and Rouhani had not been agreed upon.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/pakistans-khan-says-he-is-mediating-with-iran-after-trump-asked-him-to-help-idUSKBN1W92VZ/|title=Pakistan's Khan says he is mediating with Iran after Trump asked him to help|date=24 September 2019|first=Michelle|last=Nichols|website=Reuters|quote=When asked about Khan's remarks, Trump said Khan would like to mediate "and we have a very good relationship and there's a chance that that could happen. A lot of people would like to get us to the table. We'll see what happens but so far we have not agreed to a meeting."}} He later visited both Iran and Saudi Arabia to ease tensions between the two nations. Saudi Arabia said it had not requested mediation.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/13/pakistans-imran-khan-in-tehran-to-facilitate-iran-saudi-talks|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan in Tehran to facilitate Iran-Saudi talks|date=13 October 2019|website=Al Jazeera}}

Khan also expressed support for Turkey during the 2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2019 |title=PM Imran assures Erdogan of Pakistan's support, solidarity over Turkey's Syria operation |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1510278 |website=Dawn |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428023755/https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1510278 |url-status=live}} He also championed the Afghan peace process and facilitated trade by inaugurating a 24/7 border crossing with Afghanistan.{{Cite web |date=26 July 2020 |title=UN report warns TTP, JUA target Pakistan from Afghan bases |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256755|access-date=24 October 2020 |website=The Express Tribune |archive-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730224810/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256755|url-status=live}} On Israel, he reiterated that Pakistan would not recognize it until a Palestinian state was established, aligning with the stance of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/20/pakistan-will-not-recognise-israel-pm-khan/|title=Pakistan will not recognise Israel: PM Khan|date=20 August 2020|website=Al Jazeera}}

In 2019, he was named in the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567764/imran-khan/|title=Imran Khan|first=Ahmed|last=Rashid|magazine=Time|date=2019|access-date=27 May 2022|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920094022/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567764/imran-khan/|url-status=live}}

His government also improved relations with Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan securing debt relief and diplomatic engagement.{{Cite web |last=Abbas |first=Waheed |title=UAE extends repayment of $2 billion loan given to Pakistan |url=https://m.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-extends-repayment-of-2-billion-loan-given-to-pakistan |website=Khaleej Times|date=20 April 2021}} His visit to Saudi Arabia was seen as an effort to restore relations strained by Pakistan's refusal to support the Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war.{{Cite news |date=10 April 2015 |title=Yemen conflict: Pakistan rebuffs Saudi coalition call |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32246547 |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603091503/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32246547 |url-status=live}}

File:Vladimir Putin and Imran Khan (2022-02-24) 01.jpg in Moscow just hours after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began.{{cite news |title=Western-Led Pressure Grows on Pakistan to Condemn Russia's Invasion of Ukraine |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/western-led-pressure-grows-on-pakistan-to-condemn-russia-s-invasion-of-ukraine/6465104.html |work=VOA News |date=1 March 2022 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322095858/https://www.voanews.com/a/western-led-pressure-grows-on-pakistan-to-condemn-russia-s-invasion-of-ukraine/6465104.html |url-status=live}}]]

In February 2022, Khan became the first Pakistani prime minister in two decades to visit Moscow, seeking to strengthen economic ties and address Pakistan's energy needs. His visit coincided with the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, prompting international criticism, including from the United States, which urged responsible nations to oppose Vladimir Putin's actions.{{cite news|url=https://www.the-independent.com/asia/south-asia/pakistan-moscow-imran-khan-prime-minister-b2022105.html|title=Pakistan PM reaches Moscow amid invasion: 'What a time I have come, so much excitement'|date=24 February 2022|website=The Independent}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-crisis-why-imran-khans-russia-trip-will-further-isolate-pakistan/a-60916130|title=Why Imran Khan's Russia trip will further isolate Pakistan|date=25 February 2022|website=DW News}} Discussions with Putin focused on "economic and energy cooperation," including the development of the Pakistan Stream gas pipeline.{{Cite web |title=In the midst of Ukraine crisis, Pakistan seeks 'multi-dimensional relationship' with Russia as Imran Khan meet Putin |url=https://www.southasiamonitor.org/pakistan/midst-ukraine-crisis-pakistan-seeks-multi-dimensional-relationship-russia-imran-khan-meet |access-date=19 July 2022 |website=South Asia Monitor|date=25 February 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Hashim |first=Asad |title=Pakistani PM Khan meets Putin amid Ukraine invasion |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/25/pakistan-imran-putin-russia-ukraine-invasion |access-date=3 April 2022 |website=www.aljazeera.com}}

Khan said that the visit to Russia was pre-planned and aimed at fostering neutrality in global alliances.{{Cite web |title=Pak PM Imran Khan to visit Russia soon, 2 mega gas pipeline projects on agenda |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2022/feb/17/pak-pm-imran-khan-to-visit-russia-soon-2-mega-gas-pipeline-projects-on-agenda-2420687.html |access-date=19 July 2022|website=The New Indian Express}} During a subsequent UN General Assembly emergency session, Pakistan abstained from condemning Russia, with Khan advocating for de-escalation and adherence to international law.{{Cite web |date=2 March 2022 |title=At UN, Pakistan refuses to condemn Russia |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2346053|access-date=30 November 2022 |website=The Express Tribune}} He later criticised Western envoys who urged Pakistan to support the UN resolution against Russia.{{Cite news |date=6 March 2022 |title=Pakistani premier hits out at Western envoys' joint letter on Russia |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-premier-hits-out-western-envoys-joint-letter-russia-2022-03-06/ |access-date=30 November 2022}} After his government's ouster, Khan stated that the visit had secured offers for discounted oil and wheat from Russia, although this was denied by the Russian Ambassador to Pakistan, who stated that no formal agreements had been signed.{{cite news|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/422109|title=No MoU signed on wheat and oil with Imran Khan's govt, says Russian ambassador|publisher=Geo News|date=18 June 2022}} The ambassador suggested that the visit may have contributed to Khan's removal from power.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2361364|title=Moscow visit one of the factors behind Imran's ouster: Russian envoy|date=13 June 2022|work=The Express Tribune}}

Khan's government faced criticism for suppressing dissent. The Human Rights Watch noted increased restrictions on media and civil society.{{Citation|publisher=Human Rights Watch|title=Pakistan: Events of 2018|date=20 December 2018|url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/pakistan|access-date=5 December 2024|language=en|quote=The government continues to muzzle dissenting voices in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and media on the pretext of national security....}} Journalists were subjected to legal actions, raids, and physical threats, with Khan reportedly referring to them as "mafias" and "blackmailers."{{Cite web|date=2022|title=Press Freedom in Pakistan 2021–22: Attacks, legislation, rhetoric and trolling — A media under pressure|url=https://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PressFreedomReport.pdf|website=Pakistan Press Foundation|quote=Under the PTI-led government, journalists became the target of senior political leadership. Imran Khan, as prime minister, himself referred to journalists as mafias and blackmailers without any evidence to back such claims up.|access-date=3 February 2025}} Reporters Without Borders condemned investigations into journalists and proposals to centralise media regulation.{{Cite web|date=1 April 2019|title=Six Pakistani journalists investigated for posting Khashoggi photos online|url=https://rsf.org/en/six-pakistani-journalists-investigated-posting-khashoggi-photos-online |language=en|publisher=Reporters Without Borders |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114153108/https://rsf.org/en/six-pakistani-journalists-investigated-posting-khashoggi-photos-online |archive-date=14 January 2025 |access-date=6 February 2025}}

During Khan's tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, there was progress in improving security, as evidenced by a 13% reduction in terrorist attacks in 2019 compared to the previous year. Challenges remained in regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and concerns about terrorism financing persisted.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1526906|title=13pc decrease in terrorist attacks observed in 2019: think tank|first=Ikram|last=Junaidi|date=8 January 2020|website=dawn.com|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722141116/https://www.dawn.com/news/1526906|url-status=live}} In 2019, his government formally banned the Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa and its affiliate Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and arrested Saeed.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pakistan-bans-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-fif-5612645/|title=Pakistan formally bans Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa, FIF|work=The Indian Express|date=5 March 2019|access-date=10 April 2022|archive-date=10 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410212545/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pakistan-bans-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-fif-5612645/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url = https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistan-sentences-anti-india-militant-leader-31-years-83959012|title = Pakistan sentences anti-India militant leader to 31 years|website = ABC News|access-date = 10 April 2022|archive-date = 10 April 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220410211311/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pakistan-sentences-anti-india-militant-leader-31-years-83959012|url-status = live}} The following year, foreign investors expressed greater confidence in Pakistan's improving security situation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1567477|title=Foreign investors see improvement in security|first=Khaleeq|last=Kiani|date=7 July 2020|website=dawn.com|access-date=22 July 2020|archive-date=13 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713135054/https://www.dawn.com/news/1567477|url-status=live}}

Public sector reforms included Pakistan International Airlines achieving operational breakeven after "quite a long time" and golden handshake schemes for employees at Pakistan Steel Mills.{{Cite news |date=19 April 2019 |title=PIA reaches break-even in operating profit |newspaper=The Express Tribune |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1954858|access-date=3 January 2021}}{{Cite news |date=30 September 2020 |title=ECC grants Rs19.66 billion for golden handshake scheme for PSM employees |newspaper=The Nation |url=https://nation.com.pk/01-Oct-2020/ecc-grants-rs19-66-billion-for-golden-handshake-scheme-for-psm-employees |access-date=3 January 2021 |archive-date=30 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230152017/https://nation.com.pk/01-Oct-2020/ecc-grants-rs19-66-billion-for-golden-handshake-scheme-for-psm-employees|url-status=live}}

Khan's government launched an anti-corruption campaign aimed at addressing elite political corruption. However, the campaign faced criticism for stalling projects, allegedly targeting political opponents, and being used for political victimization, as raised by the Pakistan People's Party and the Human Rights Watch.{{Cite news |last=Jorgic |first=Drazen |date=4 July 2019 |title='Government go-slow', as Pakistan's anti-corruption drive bites |website=Reuters.com |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-corruption-idUSKCN1TZ148 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029234016/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-corruption-idUSKCN1TZ148 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=8 August 2020 |title=NAB's victimisation of critics will be exposed: PPP |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1573166 |access-date=19 April 2021 |work=Dawn|archive-date=2 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802125454/https://www.dawn.com/news/1573166 |url-status=live }}

Khan's relationship with billionaire sugar baron Jahangir Tareen soured amid the 2020 sugar scandal, when Khan pushed for an investigation into the matter. The inquiry found that Tareen's company, JWD, received a substantial share of export subsidies between 2015 and 2018, which were linked to the rise in sugar prices. The rift between the two deepened, eventually leading to Tareen's self-imposed exile in London.{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1752036|title=Sugar scam, IMF bailout saw ouster of Pakistani PM's close aide from inner circle|date=21 October 2020|author1=Benazir Shah|author2=Nazar Ul Islam|website=Arab News}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1615646|title=FIA books Jahangir Tareen, son for fraud and money laundering|date=31 March 2021|work=Dawn|author=Wasim Riaz}}

In 2021, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) released its three-year performance report, revealing financial recoveries of Rs487 billion.{{Cite news |date=4 January 2021 |title=Rs 487bn ill-gotten money recovered in three years: NAB|newspaper=Dawn|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1599533|archive-date=4 February 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204233614/https://www.dawn.com/news/1599533 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=PM Imran Khan says NAB recovered over Rs200bn more compared to PML-N, PPP tenures |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/328060|website=GEO TV|access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029003933/https://www.geo.tv/latest/328060|url-status=live}} Pakistan's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index worsened from 117th in 2018 to 140th in 2021, leading to criticism of the effectiveness of Khan's anti-corruption measures. The Cabinet Division yearbook prepared in May 2022 revealed that the Assets Recovery Unit (ARU), established by Khan, was involved in recovering Rs426.4 billion in collaboration with agencies including NAB, with Rs389.5 billion being recovered under the supervision and assistance of the ARU. As shown in the yearbook, this amount was Rs93.9 billion more than the total amount recovered over the 17 years from 2000 to 2017. The yearbook clarified that the ARU did not directly recover assets but instead supported law enforcement agencies in the recovery process. Throughout Khan's tenure, the ARU faced criticism from the then-opposition, which demanded an audit of the unit.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1692263|title=PTI govt's ARU recovered Rs426bn in last 3 years, Cabinet Division documents reveal|date=30 May 2022|first=Tahir|last=Sherani|work=Dawn}}

In 2023, The Daily Telegraph reported that Lt. General Asim Munir intended to investigate corruption allegations involving Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, during Khan's tenure in June 2019. Shortly afterward, Munir was removed as Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and replaced by Lt. General Faiz Hameed. Khan said Munir's proposed investigation was not the reason for his removal.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/21/khan/|title=The quiet Pakistan general waging war against Imran Khan|publisher=The Daily Telegraph|date=21 May 2023|access-date=8 December 2024|author=Ben Farmer|archive-date=8 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208195631/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/21/khan/|url-status=live}}

{{main|International Day to Combat Islamophobia}}

File:UN should declare an 'International Day to Combat Islamophobia - Prime Minister Imran Khan at UNGA.webm in 2020, Prime Minister Khan suggested an international day to combat Islamophobia.{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan warns of rising Islamophobia |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1073782 |website=un.news.org |access-date=18 April 2022 |publisher=UN News |date=25 September 2020}}]]

In September 2019, Khan, alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, announced the launch of a joint English-language TV channel aimed at addressing Islamophobia.{{cite news|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkey-pakistan-malaysia-unite-to-fight-islamophobia/1594471|title=Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia unite to fight Islamophobia|agency=Anadolu Agency|first=Aamir|last=Latif|date=26 September 2019}} In October 2020, Khan criticised the spread of Islamophobia, urging Facebook to ban Islamophobic content and accusing French President Emmanuel Macron of attacking Islam for supporting the cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad. These comments came amidst protests in Pakistan.{{cite news |date=25 October 2020 |title=Pakistani PM asks Facebook CEO to ban Islamophobic content |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-facebook/pakistani-pm-asks-facebook-ceo-to-ban-islamophobic-content-idUSKBN27A0UK?rpc=401& |access-date=25 October 2020 |archive-date=13 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113175923/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-facebook/pakistani-pm-asks-facebook-ceo-to-ban-islamophobic-content-idUSKBN27A0UK?rpc=401& |url-status=live}}

In 2021, Khan called on Muslim countries to pressure Western governments to make insulting the Islamic Prophet Muhammad a crime, "likening this measure to laws against Holocaust denial".{{cite book |title=A New Era of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan |date=2022 |publisher=International Crisis Group |pages=8–14 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep42808.7 |access-date=20 July 2023 |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720210840/https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep42808.7 |url-status=live}} Khan added, "We need to explain why this hurts us, when in the name of freedom of speech they insult the honour of the prophet... when 50 Muslim countries will unite and say this, and say that if something like this happens in any country, then we will launch a trade boycott on them and not buy their goods, that will have an effect."{{cite news|last1=Hashim |first1=Asad |title=Pakistan PM calls for West to criminalise blasphemy against Islam|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/19/pakistan-pm-calls-for-west-to-criminalise-blasphemy-against-islam |access-date=16 August 2023 |work=Al Jazeera|date=19 April 2021 |archive-date=16 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816185741/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/19/pakistan-pm-calls-for-west-to-criminalise-blasphemy-against-islam |url-status=live}}

In March 2022, Pakistan led a UN resolution to designate 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.{{cite news|url=https://www.trtworld.com/life/un-declares-march-15-international-day-to-combat-islamophobia-55542|title=UN declares March 15 International Day to Combat Islamophobia|year=2022|publisher=TRT World}}

{{further|Ehsaas Programme|Sehat Sahulat Program}}

File:Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur3.jpg renovated by Khan's government]]

Khan's government supported the restoration and construction of religious sites for minorities. In Quetta, a 200-year-old Gurdwara, previously used as a school for Muslim girls, was returned to the Sikh community after a prolonged legal battle, allowing worship for the first time in 73 years.{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistan-returns-200-year-old-temple-to-sikhs-in-quetta-1.72757412|title=Pakistan returns 200-year-old temple to Sikhs in Quetta|website=Gulf News|date=23 July 2020}} His government also supported the construction and renovation of Sikh shrines, including the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1515830|title='This is the beginning': PM Imran inaugurates Kartarpur Corridor on a historic day|work=Dawn|first=Naveed|last=Siddiqui|date=9 November 2019}} Khan formally inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor on 9 November 2019, providing visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims. While the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) fully supported this initiative, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) criticised it, citing India's negative responses and tensions over Kashmir.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1516197|title=PML-N opposes, PPP supports Kartarpur Corridor initiative in NA|date=12 November 2019|work=Dawn}}

Khan's government introduced the Single National Curriculum (SNC) to standardise the education system, initially targeting classes 1 to 5.{{Cite web|last=Raza|first=Syed Irfan|date=20 March 2020|title=First phase of single national curriculum completed, says govt|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1542309}} The Sehat Sahulat Program was launched to provide free medical care, with over 7 million families in Punjab reportedly receiving coverage.{{Cite news|title=Sehat Insaf cards distributed among 7.2m families: CM|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/614747|date=16 February 2020|website=The News International}} The government also launched the Ehsaas Programme as a comprehensive social safety net. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme reportedly disbursed Rs. 175 billion to 14.6 million beneficiaries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40037157|title=Two million families to benefit from new Ehsaas Kafaalat Policy for Special Persons: PM|date=3 December 2020}} The programme received praise from Michael Barber, who described it as a transparent, results-driven poverty alleviation model.{{Cite web|title=Ehsaas becomes a global model for reducing poverty, Sir Michael Babar report says|url=https://www.app.com.pk/national/ehsaas-becomes-a-global-model-for-reducing-poverty-sir-michael-babar-report-says|date=10 December 2020|agency=Associated Press of Pakistan}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1595098|title=Ehsaas bringing positive change to Pakistan: report|first=Bakhtawar|last=Mian|date=11 December 2020|newspaper=Dawn}}

Khan proposed measures regarding sexual violence, including the public hanging and chemical castration of convicted rapists.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/16/asia/imran-khan-chemical-castration-rapists-intl/index.html|title=Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan calls for chemical castration of those convicted of rape|first=Adeel|last=Raja|work=CNN|date=16 September 2020}} However, following objections from the Council of Islamic Ideology deeming chemical castration un-Islamic, the punishment was removed.{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-drops-un-islamic-chemical-castration-as-penalty-for-rapists-/6320005.html|title=Pakistan Drops 'Un-Islamic' Chemical Castration as Penalty for Rapists|first=Ayaz|last=Gul|date=19 November 2021|work=VOA News}}

{{further|2019–2022 locust infestation}}

Khan's government also responded to a severe locust infestation between 2019 and 2020, declaring a national emergency and implementing measures like aerial spraying. Despite initial delays, Pakistan managed to bring the crisis under control by October 2020, with the Food and Agriculture Organization commending the country's efforts as exemplary.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/9/pakistan-claims-devastating-locust-swarm-brought-under-control|title=Pakistan claims devastating locust attack brought under control|date=9 October 2020|work=Al Jazeera}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-declares-national-emergency-over-locust-swarms/a-52224762|title=Pakistan declares locust swarm emergency|date=1 February 2020|work=DW News|author=Jenipher Camino Gonzalez|archive-date=9 June 2020|access-date=3 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609071557/https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-declares-national-emergency-over-locust-swarms/a-52224762|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1582949|title=Locust swarms completely under control in Pakistan, NLCC meeting told|date=3 October 2020|work=Dawn|archive-date=30 January 2025|access-date=3 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130225340/https://www.dawn.com/news/1582949|url-status=live}}

{{further|Corona Relief Tiger Force}}

File:Prime Minister Imran Khan calls for global debt relief, April 2020.webm

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan, Khan initially resisted a complete lockdown, citing Pakistan's economic vulnerability, where a quarter of the population lived in extreme poverty. Instead, his government implemented limited restrictions, such as closing educational institutions and restricting public gatherings, while also introducing screening procedures at airports. He stated that preparations had begun in January 2020 in anticipation of the virus's arrival from China.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1541689|title=PM Imran tells nation to prepare for a coronavirus epidemic, rules out lockdown|newspaper=Dawn|date=17 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2025}}

After Khan ruled out a lockdown in his 22 March 2020 address, the Pakistan Army intervened at the request of the provinces, imposing a nationwide lockdown within 24 hours. The military took charge of the COVID-19 response, establishing the National Core Committee to coordinate between the national and provincial governments.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/as-coronavirus-crisis-ravages-pakistan-military-trumps-imran-khan/articleshow/75385589.cms|title=As Coronavirus Crisis Ravages Pakistan, Military Trumps Imran Khan|work=The Times of India|date=26 April 2020|access-date=3 March 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.idsa.in/publisher/issuebrief/pakistans-fight-against-covid-19-analysing-delivery-deficiencies/|title=Pakistan's Fight Against COVID-19: Analysing Delivery Deficiencies|date=10 April 2020|work=Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses|access-date=19 March 2025}} The Pakistan Army's spokesperson announced that, following government instructions, the army chief had ordered the deployment of all available troops to help contain the virus's spread.{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/science-health_coronavirus-outbreak_pakistan-deploys-army-deal-coronavirus-outbreak/6186270.html|title=Pakistan Deploys Army to Deal With Coronavirus Outbreak|date=23 March 2020|first=Ayaz|last=Gul|website=Voice of America}} Analyst Ayesha Siddiqa described Khan as appearing confused and dependent on the military, which made key decisions without his involvement.{{Cite web|last=Siddiqa|first=Ayesha|date=27 March 2020|title=Coronavirus crisis makes it clear who is calling the shots in Pakistan—Military, of course|url=https://theprint.in/opinion/coronavirus-crisis-makes-it-clear-who-is-calling-the-shots-in-pakistan-military-of-course/389232/|access-date=5 November 2024|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-date=10 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910172030/https://theprint.in/opinion/coronavirus-crisis-makes-it-clear-who-is-calling-the-shots-in-pakistan-military-of-course/389232/|url-status=live}}

At the Iran–Pakistan border crossing, individuals quarantined under the government's procedures faced inadequate screening, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions, contributing to the virus's spread.{{cite news|last1=Hashim|first1=Asad|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/3/16/pakistans-spike-in-coronavirus-cases-raises-quarantine-concerns|title=Pakistan's spike in coronavirus cases raises quarantine concerns|publisher=Al Jazeera English|date=16 March 2020|access-date=14 March 2025}} The government also faced allegations of corruption, including an investigation into his health adviser Zafar Mirza for allegedly smuggling 20 million face masks.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/irony-pak-s-representative-at-saarc-conference-on-coronavirus-smuggled-face-masks-120031600467_1.html|title=Irony: Pak's representative at SAARC conference on coronavirus smuggled face masks|publisher=The Business Standard|date=16 March 2020|access-date=14 March 2025}}

Khan launched Pakistan's largest welfare programme,{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-04-09-20#h_cb489db5166406849663f419393cc5d8|title=Pakistan rolls out largest social assistance program in nation's history to tackle Covid-19|first1=Ben|last1=Westcott|first2=Julia|last2=Hollingsworth|first3=Adam|last3=Renton|first4=Jack|last4=Guy|first5=Meg|last5=Wagner|first6=Mike|last6=Hayes|date=9 April 2020|website=CNN|access-date=13 July 2024|archive-date=29 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029004717/https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-04-09-20/h_cb489db5166406849663f419393cc5d8|url-status=live}} distributing a lump sum of Rs12,000 to 10 million low-income citizens under the Ehsaas Programme. The initiative aimed to provide relief to daily wage earners affected by the pandemic.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1544105|title=10m people with low income to get Rs12,000 stipend in lump sum|date=27 March 2020|website=Dawn}} The programme was praised internationally, with the World Health Organization commending Pakistan's commitment to establishing temporary isolation wards.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2204525/praises-pakistan-virus-response|title=WHO praises Pakistan for virus response|date=22 April 2020|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=31 January 2025|archive-date=19 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219134447/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2204525/praises-pakistan-virus-response|url-status=live}}

Khan also promoted a smart lockdown strategy, which used military technology for tracking and tracing COVID-19 cases, targeting specific virus hotspots instead of implementing a nationwide lockdown.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/pakistan-uses-military-spy-technology-track-covid-19-cases/|title=Pakistan uses military spy technology to track Covid-19 cases|date=25 April 2020|website=The Telegraph|archive-date=13 August 2024|access-date=31 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813205324/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/pakistan-uses-military-spy-technology-track-covid-19-cases/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/pakistan-seals-virus-hot-spots-new-lockdown-strategy-aims-minimise/|title=Pakistan seals off virus 'hot-spots' in new lockdown strategy that aims to minimise economic damage|author=Ben Farmer|date=16 June 2020|website=The Telegraph|archive-date=16 June 2020|access-date=31 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616144515/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/pakistan-seals-virus-hot-spots-new-lockdown-strategy-aims-minimise/|url-status=live}} He argued that strict lockdowns would devastate Pakistan's economy and lead to starvation.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/14/831753354|title=Pakistan Has A Plan To Keep Millions From Going Hungry During Shutdown. Will It Work?|date=14 April 2020|website=NPR}} Murad Ali Shah, Sindh's chief minister, acknowledged his efforts to build consensus on lockdown measures.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1549404|title=Murad praises PM Imran for building consensus on lockdown measures|date=15 April 2020|newspaper=Dawn}}

Khan led calls for debt relief for developing nations during the pandemic, a proposal that gained support from the United Nations and several African countries.{{cite news|url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/more-countries-follow-imran-khan-s-lead-in-calling-for-debt-relief-34889|title=More countries follow Imran Khan's lead in calling for debt relief|year=2020|website=TRT World|first=Saad|last=Hasan}}{{cite news|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/589888|title=UN supports PM Imran Khan's call for global initiative on debt relief|first=Ali|last=Ahmed|date=16 April 2020|website=Brecorder}} His government's response remained controversial, with inconsistencies in federal policy leading to varied enforcement across the country. Religious clerics pressured the government to keep mosques open during Ramadan, undermining safety measures.{{Cite web|date=1 May 2020|title=Lockdown or No Lockdown? Confusion Dominates Pakistan's COVID Response|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/covid-19-pandemic_lockdown-or-no-lockdown-confusion-dominates-pakistans-covid-response/6188541.html|access-date=5 November 2024|website=Voice of America|language=en}} In May 2020, Khan claimed the lockdown decision had been forced by the elite, without considering the poor.{{cite news|last1=Alvi|first1=Mumtaz|title=Decision to lockdown forced by elite: PM Imran Khan|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/652173|website=The News International|date=1 May 2020|archive-date=25 December 2024|access-date=31 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225223301/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/652173|url-status=live}}

Khan's government received a 73% approval rating for its handling of the pandemic, according to a 2021 Gallup Pakistan survey, ranking the country 8th among 32 surveyed nations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1600632|title=Govt optimistic of getting Covid vaccine soon|first=Ikram|last=Junaidi|date=10 January 2021|website=dawn.com|access-date=13 July 2024|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205070402/https://www.dawn.com/news/1600632|url-status=live}} Pakistan's economy showed mixed results, with a 9% growth in textile exports in February 2021, though overall exports declined by 2.27% in the first eight months of FY21, and imports surged by 27%, widening the trade deficit.{{Cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2290782/current-account-deficit-shrinks-75-in-february|title=Current account deficit shrinks 75% in February|date=22 March 2021|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=13 July 2024|archive-date=26 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626200103/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2290782/current-account-deficit-shrinks-75-in-february|url-status=live}} The government allowed duty-free imports of cotton yarn to counter a raw material shortage in the textile sector, which had seen increased exports to the US, surpassing India and performing better than Bangladesh.{{Cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2295846/pakistan-beats-india-in-apparel-exports-to-us|title=Pakistan beats India in apparel exports to US|date=20 April 2021|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=13 July 2024|archive-date=21 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521061731/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2295846/pakistan-beats-india-in-apparel-exports-to-us|url-status=live}}

Fitch Ratings projected a decline in Pakistan's public debt-to-GDP ratio due to the rupee's appreciation and nominal GDP growth but highlighted fiscal vulnerabilities, with a government fiscal deficit of 7.5% of GDP in FY21 and an interest burden of 38.7% of revenue, far exceeding the B median.{{cite web |url=https://www.fitchratings.com/research/sovereigns/fitch-affirms-pakistan-at-b-outlook-stable-27-05-2021 |title=Fitch Affirms Pakistan at 'B-'; Outlook Stable |date=27 May 2021 |website=Fitch Ratings |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-date=21 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621020709/https://www.fitchratings.com/research/sovereigns/fitch-affirms-pakistan-at-b-outlook-stable-27-05-2021 |url-status=live }} His government introduced tax relief measures, including reduced customs duty on industrial raw materials, leading to an estimated Rs119 billion in foregone revenue, partially offset by a 17% sales tax on imported food and luxury goods.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1628879/massive-taxation-relief-to-boost-industrial-growth|title=Massive taxation relief to boost industrial growth|work=Dawn|date=12 June 2021|access-date=14 November 2022|archive-date=26 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126224847/https://www.dawn.com/news/1628879/massive-taxation-relief-to-boost-industrial-growth|url-status=live}} In July 2021, The Economist ranked Pakistan third on its normalcy index for pandemic response, but the country soon experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases, with the positivity rate surpassing 3%.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1633713|title=PM Imran praises NCOC after Pakistan ranked among top countries for handling Covid-19|date=7 July 2021|work=Dawn}}

In June 2018, before Khan became Prime Minister, Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list due to deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.{{Cite web |title=No more chances of entering into FATF's blacklist for Pakistan |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/533221-No-more-chances-of-entering-into-FATF-blacklist-for-Pakistan |website=Dunya News |date=14 February 2008 |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-date=23 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223110411/http://dunyanews.tv/en/Business/533221-No-more-chances-of-entering-into-FATF-blacklist-for-Pakistan |url-status=live }} His government introduced the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2020 in Parliament.{{Cite web |last1=Guramani |first1=Nadir |last2=Hussain |first2=Javed |date=30 July 2020 |title=Senate passes Anti-Terrorism Act, UNSC amendment bills |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1571968 |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=dawn.com |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131014505/https://www.dawn.com/news/1571968 |url-status=live }} The opposition objected to specific provisions, including those granting authorities the power to arrest without a warrant and conduct covert operations. They described these as "draconian laws" that violated fundamental rights and claimed they exceeded FATF requirements.{{Cite web |last=Guramani |first=Nadir |date=16 September 2020 |title=Opposition blocks another FATF-related bill in Senate |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1579992 |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=dawn.com |archive-date=7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007234350/https://www.dawn.com/news/1579992 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Khan|first=Iftikhar A.|date=26 August 2020|title=Opposition-ruled Senate rejects two FATF bills|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1576499|website=dawn.com|access-date=14 June 2023|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614075059/https://www.dawn.com/news/1576499|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Opposition stage walkout as 3 FATF-related bills get passed during joint parliament session |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/715712|website=The News International |access-date=14 June 2023 |archive-date=14 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614075059/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/715712|url-status=live}} Khan criticized the opposition for blocking the bills, accusing them of seeking an NRO.{{cite news|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/560792|title=PM Imran lambasts opposition for sabotaging efforts to exit FATF grey list|date=25 August 2020|work=Dunya TV}} By June 2021, 26 out of 27 points were addressed and FATF urged swift action to complete the final item.{{Cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/356551|title=With compliance on 26 points, no justification to keep Pakistan in FATF's grey list: Qureshi|website=www.geo.tv|date=23 June 2021|access-date=10 April 2022|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531230239/https://www.geo.tv/latest/356551|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-tells-pakistan-to-swiftly-complete-27-point-action-plan-on-terror-work-with-fatf-2490567|title=US Tells Pakistan to "Swiftly Complete" 27-Point Action Plan on Terror|work=NDTV|date=20 July 2021|access-date=6 November 2022|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925172203/https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-tells-pakistan-to-swiftly-complete-27-point-action-plan-on-terror-work-with-fatf-2490567|url-status=live}}

In June 2022, two months following Khan's ouster, FATF decided to remove Pakistan from the grey list, recognizing the completion of both the 2018 and 2021 action plans.{{cite press release|url=https://mofa.gov.pk/fatf-acknowledges-completion-of-pakistans-action-plans-and-authorizes-an-on-site-visit|title=FATF acknowledges completion of Pakistan's Action Plans and authorizes an on-site visit|date=17 June 2022|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan)}} Khan credited his government for the achievement, particularly his former energy minister, Hammad Azhar, who led the FATF Coordination Committee.{{cite news|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40180772|title=Imran Khan hails Hammad Azhar's efforts for FATF progress|date=17 June 2022|website=Brecorder}} The Shehbaz Sharif government also claimed credit for the success, while The Express Tribune acknowledged that Khan's government had "done most of the work."{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2362316|title=Situationer: Who deserves credit for Pakistan's near-exit from FATF 'grey list'?|date=19 June 2022|author=Naveed Hussain|website=The Express Tribune}} Pakistan was officially removed from the grey list in October 2022 after a successful FATF on-site visit.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/21/must-stay-on-course-pakistan-is-removed-from-fatf-gray-list|title=Pakistan removed from global 'terrorism' financing list|website=Al Jazeera|author=Abid Hussain|date=21 October 2022}}

{{further|2022 Pakistani constitutional crisis|No-confidence motion against Imran Khan}}

File:Imran Khan – Qanar Javed Bajwa.jpg and Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa.]]

In early 2022, a leaked Pakistani diplomatic cipher revealed that during a meeting on 7 March 2022, US State Department officials, including Donald Lu, expressed concerns over Khan's stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the leaked cipher, the US warned of potential economic and political consequences for Pakistan if Khan remained in office. The US denied attempting to remove him and instead framed the issues as related to his policies, not internal politics.{{cite news |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/purported-text-of-secret-cable-shows-us-ire-at-imran-khan-/7219123.html |title=Purported Text of Secret Cable Shows US Ire at Imran Khan |last1=Zaman |first1=Sarah |last2=Saine |first2=Cindy |publisher=Voice of America |date=9 August 2023 |access-date=12 August 2023 |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811231700/https://www.voanews.com/a/purported-text-of-secret-cable-shows-us-ire-at-imran-khan-/7219123.html |url-status=live}}

On 8 March 2022, opposition parties submitted a no-confidence motion against Khan, citing his government's mismanagement of the economy and rising inflation.{{Cite web |title=Opposition submits no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/403780|access-date=9 March 2022 |website=www.geo.tv |archive-date=10 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410083407/https://www.geo.tv/latest/403780|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Shahzad |first=Asif |date=8 March 2022 |title=Pakistani opposition moves no-confidence motion to seek PM Khan's ouster |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-opposition-rallies-press-pm-khan-resign-2022-03-08/ |access-date=4 April 2022 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327210211/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-opposition-rallies-press-pm-khan-resign-2022-03-08/ |url-status=live}} Despite the opposition's claims of majority support, Khan remained confident of defeating the motion. However, by 18 March, key members of his party defected,{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/18/pakistan-mps-defect-pm-imran-khan-pti-party-no-confidence-vote|title=Several Pakistan MPs defect from PM's party before no-trust vote|work=Al Jazeera|date=18 March 2022|archive-date=13 June 2024|access-date=4 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613172541/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/18/pakistan-mps-defect-pm-imran-khan-pti-party-no-confidence-vote|url-status=live}} and two coalition partners joined the opposition, resulting in the loss of Khan's majority in the National Assembly.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1682104|title=PM Imran says 'foreign-funded conspiracy' out to topple his govt, claims to have evidence in writing|date=27 March 2022|work=Dawn|archive-date=13 April 2022|access-date=4 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413105752/https://www.dawn.com/news/1682104|url-status=live}}

On 27 March, Khan presented a letter alleging foreign interference in Pakistan's politics, suggesting US involvement in his potential removal.{{cite news |title=Copy of cipher 'missing' from PM House records, cabinet told |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1712744 |work=Dawn |date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=22 December 2023 |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222102424/https://www.dawn.com/news/1712744 |url-status=live}} The National Security Council (NSC) also expressed concerns about foreign interference.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1682723|title=NSC decides to issue strong demarche to unnamed country over 'threat letter'|date=31 March 2022|first=Sanaullah|last=Khan|work=Dawn|archive-date=12 May 2022|access-date=4 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512135545/https://www.dawn.com/news/1682723|url-status=live}} On 3 April, following the Deputy Speaker's rejection of the no-confidence motion, President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly, leading to legal challenges by the opposition.{{Cite news |date=4 April 2022 |title=Denotified Imran Khan to continue till caretaker Pakistan prime minister is appointed |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-imran-khan-pti-removed-prime-minister-cabinet-notification-1933075-2022-04-03 |archive-date=4 April 2022 |access-date=3 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404105324/https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-imran-khan-pti-removed-prime-minister-cabinet-notification-1933075-2022-04-03 |url-status=live}} Khan's claims of foreign interference were echoed by Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who criticized the US for its alleged attempts to punish Khan over his independent foreign policy, particularly his relations with Russia.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1683565|title=US sought to punish 'disobedient' Imran Khan, says Russia|date=5 April 2022|work=Dawn|archive-date=8 January 2025|access-date=4 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108102053/https://www.dawn.com/news/1683565|url-status=live}} On 10 April, Khan sent the cipher to the Supreme Court, despite warnings from legal advisors about the potential violation of constitutional oaths and the Official Secrets Act.{{cite news |last1=Malik |first1=Hasnaat |title=Imran Khan sends diplomatic cypher to CJP |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2351864|work=The Express Tribune |date=10 April 2022 |archive-date=28 August 2022 |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828044605/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2351864 |url-status=live}}

Khan was ultimately ousted after a Supreme Court ruling on 10 April that deemed the rejection of the no-confidence motion illegal, with the vote passing in favor of his removal, making him the first Pakistani PM to be ousted by a no-confidence vote.{{Cite web|last=Chaudhry|first=Fahad|date=9 April 2022|title=Imran Khan loses no-trust vote, prime ministerial term set for unceremonious end|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1684168|access-date=26 December 2024|website=Dawn|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413200934/https://www.dawn.com/news/1684168|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61055210|title=Imran Khan ousted as Pakistan's PM after key vote|work=BBC News|date=9 April 2022|archive-date=29 October 2022|access-date=13 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029005748/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61055210|url-status=live}} Following his removal, Khan continued to allege US involvement in his ouster, blaming the US for opposing his independent foreign policy, which fostered closer ties with China and Russia.{{cite news |title=Protests in Pakistan over Khan's removal, Sharif set to be new PM |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/11/imran-khan-removal-as-pm-triggers-protests-across-pakistan |access-date=14 April 2022 |work=www.aljazeera.com |date=11 April 2022 |quote=Khan has claimed the US worked behind the scenes to bring him down, purportedly because of Washington's displeasure over his independent foreign policy choices, which often favour China and Russia. |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413230830/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/11/imran-khan-removal-as-pm-triggers-protests-across-pakistan |url-status=live}} Subsequently, the new government held another National Security Council meeting, rejecting the claim that Khan's government was removed through a foreign conspiracy. However, they quietly agreed with the earlier meeting, chaired by Khan's government, that the U.S. had interfered in Pakistan's internal affairs.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1686368|title=NSC reiterates PTI govt not ousted through foreign plot|date=23 April 2022|work=Dawn|author=Baqir Sajjad Syed}}

{{Further|Toshakhana reference case}}

The Government of Pakistan, formed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), filed the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan in August 2022, alleging that he had failed to disclose details of official gifts received during his premiership and the proceeds from their sale in his declarations to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP),{{Cite web |date=21 October 2022 |title=Toshakhana reference: ECP disqualifies PTI chief Imran Khan |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40204406 |access-date=17 November 2022 |website=Brecorder}} and that he had not declared the proceeds for tax purposes.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/imran-khan-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison-in-toshakhana-case-1419023|title=Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in prison in 'Toshakhana' case|date=31 January 2024|first=Danyal|last=Rasool|website=ESPN Cricinfo}}

Of the gifts received, Khan reportedly retained 58 gifts, with only 14 valued at over Rs 14,000 each. On 8 September, Khan rejected the allegations as misleading and false, and requested the ECP to dismiss the case. In his reply to the ECP, Khan stated that all purchases were lawfully declared in his tax returns and wealth statements. The ECP hearings were delayed as Khan's legal team sought extensions.{{cite web|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40196255|title=Reply submitted to ECP: Imran Khan denies foul play on Toshakhana items|date=8 September 2022|website=Brecorder|author=Sardar Sikander Shaheen}}

On 21 October 2022, the ECP disqualified Khan under Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution, declaring that he had submitted a false statement and incorrect declaration of assets for the tax year 2020–21. A four-member ECP bench unanimously ruled that Khan had deliberately misled officials regarding Toshakhana gifts. The commission also ordered the initiation of criminal proceedings against him under various sections of the Election Act, 2017.{{Cite web |date=21 October 2022 |title=Imran disqualified |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2382771|access-date=17 November 2022 |work=The Express Tribune}}

{{Main|Attempted assassination of Imran Khan}}

File:Imran_Khan_injuries_2022.jpg after treatment]]

On 3 November 2022, Khan was shot in the leg in an assassination attempt in Wazirabad while leading a march towards Islamabad to demand early elections.{{cite news|url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/imran-khan-shot-in-leg-suspected-assassination-attempt/|title=Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan 'shot in the leg' in assassination attempt|website=LBC|date=3 November 2022}} One of his supporters was killed during the attack.{{cite news|url=https://arynews.tv/imran-khan-meets-with-deceased-pti-worker-moazzams-family/|title=Imran Khan meets with deceased PTI worker Moazzam's family|date=5 November 2022|publisher=ARY News}} The alleged perpetrator, identified as Muhammad Naveed, was overpowered by one of Khan's supporters, which threw off his aim.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pakistan-imran-khan-lone-shooter-rcna56331|title=Pakistan police name lone shooter in gun attack on ex-premier Khan|agency=Reuters|publisher=NBC News|date=9 November 2022}} Naveed said that he had acted alone and had targeted Khan because he believed Khan was misleading the people.{{Cite news |last=Shah |first=Saeed |title=Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Shot in Leg at Protest Rally |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/shots-fired-at-pakistan-protest-rally-held-by-ex-prime-minister-imran-khan-11667478021|date=3 November 2022 |access-date=3 November 2022 |website=The Wall Street Journal|quote=Mr. Khan was hit in the leg and taken to a hospital in Lahore, where doctors said he was stable and he was operated on.....Pakistani officials said the attacker was apprehended... He said that he acted alone and that he had planned the attack for days.}}{{Cite news |date=3 November 2022 |title=Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan shot and wounded at protest march |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-63496202 |access-date=3 November 2022}} Khan blamed the incumbent government for the assassination plot, primarily Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and the Director General Counter Intelligence of the Inter-Services Intelligence, Faisal Naseer, although he did not present any evidence to substantiate these claims. In response to these accusations, both government and military officials strongly denied any involvement in the attack. Federal Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb refuted Khan's allegations, questioning how he could demand the resignation of these officials before an investigation had even begun. The Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of Pakistan's military, condemned the allegations, terming them baseless and irresponsible, and said that no one would be allowed to defame the military or its personnel. Sanaullah also rejected Khan's allegations, calling them grievous.{{Cite web |date=4 November 2022 |title=Pakistan's Ex-PM Khan Blames Government for Assassination Plot |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-ex-pm-khan-blames-government-army-for-assassination-plot-/6821082.html |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Saifi |first=Sophia |date=4 November 2022 |title=Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan blames establishment figures for plot to kill him |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/04/asia/imran-khan-attack-pakistan-intl/index.html |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}}

File:Imran Khan, 18 March 2023.webm

Khan alleged that a trap had been set at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) on 18 March 2023, where he had arrived for a Toshakhana case hearing. He said that a colleague had signalled him to escape, having understood the situation to be a trap.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1743235|title='It was a trap': Imran again claims 'unknown men' were stationed outside FJC to kill him|date=20 March 2023|newspaper=Dawn}} In an audio message sent to journalists, Khan said that he had been waiting outside the FJC and was trying to enter, but the police's use of tear gas made it seem as if they did not want him to reach the court. Meanwhile, the Islamabad Police tweeted that upon Khan's arrival at the FJC, his supporters began pelting the police with stones, prompting them to respond with tear gas.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/18/asia/imran-khan-high-court-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Imran Khan marks court presence as former Pakistan leader's supporters clash with police|date=18 March 2023|author=Sofia Saifi|publisher=CNN}} Khan claimed that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had taken control of the area around the FJC the night before.{{cite news|title='Two attempts on my life': Imran Khan says Army chief & DG ISI responsible if anything happens to him|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/two-attempts-on-my-life-imran-khan-says-army-chief-dg-isi-responsible-if-anything-happens-to-him-3165860|date=27 August 2024|publisher=Deccan Herald}} Despite waiting for five hours, he did not disembark from his vehicle. Khan said that the purpose of the 20 unknown individuals in plain shalwar kameez was another attempt on his life, similar to the Wazirabad attack.

Khan also accused police, the Pakistan Rangers, and unidentified individuals of provoking his supporters to create chaos in order to use it as a cover to kill him. He condemned a police raid on his home in his absence, calling it unlawful and a violation of court orders, and added that the plan was orchestrated on the instructions of Maryam Nawaz.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1743167|title=PTI chief claims 'assassins' were positioned at Judicial Complex|date=20 March 2023|newspaper=Dawn|author=Mansoor Malik}}

{{further|2023 Imran Khan arrest protests|Arrest of Imran Khan|Lettergate|Al-Qadir Trust case}}

File:Imran Khan, 14 July 2023.webm in July 2023.]]

As a result of an arrest warrant issued by the district and sessions court in Islamabad, the Islamabad Police and the Lahore Police launched an operation to arrest Khan on 14 March 2023.{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Tear gas fired outside ex-PM Imran Khan's residence in Pakistan|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/3/14/tear-gas-water-cannons-fired-outside-ex-pakistan-pms-residence |access-date=16 March 2023 |work=Al Jazeera}} On 9 May, Khan was arrested at the Islamabad High Court by paramilitary forces who stormed into the courthouse,{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/09/asia/imran-khan-arrest-intl/index.html|title=Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrested by paramilitary police|date=9 May 2023|work=CNN|first1=Sophia|last1=Saifi|first2=Jerome|last2=Taylor}} in connection with his alleged role in the 190 million pound case.{{Cite web |last=Burney |first=Umer |date=9 May 2023 |title=Imran Khan arrested from outside IHC in Al-Qadir Trust case |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1751782 |access-date=9 May 2023 |work=Dawn}} The case centers around corruption allegations claiming that Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi secured land worth billions of rupees from property tycoon Malik Riaz in exchange for a deal that allegedly caused the national exchequer to lose Rs50 billion (£190 million).{{cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=What is the story behind the Al-Qadir trust case that Imran Khan has been arrested for? |url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/09/what-is-the-story-behind-the-al-qadir-trust-case-that-imran-khan-has-been-arrested-for/|newspaper=Pakistan Today|access-date=23 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523224504/https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2023/05/09/what-is-the-story-behind-the-al-qadir-trust-case-that-imran-khan-has-been-arrested-for/ |url-status=live}} The funds, originally recovered by the UK's National Crime Agency, were reportedly intended for the national treasury but were instead used to pay fines levied on Riaz for acquiring government land at below-market value. The couple, who are the sole trustees of the Al-Qadir Trust, are accused of benefiting from this settlement, including acquiring 458 kanals of land for Al-Qadir University in Jhelum.{{cite news|title=Explained: The Al-Qadir Trust case in which Imran Khan has received 14 years in prison|url=https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/al-qadir-trust-case-in-which-imran-khan-received-14-years-prison-13853811.html|work=Firstpost|date=17 January 2025|access-date=17 January 2025}} His arrest led to widespread protests and the May 9 riots.{{cite web |title=May 9 riots 'mastermind' Imran Khan to be tried in military court: Rana Sanaullah |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/490237|work=Geo News|date=30 May 2023|access-date=1 February 2024}} The arrest was later declared illegal by the Supreme Court.{{Cite web |last=Saifi |first=Sophia |date=11 May 2023 |title=Arrest of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan was illegal, top court rules |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/asia/imran-khan-arrest-illegal-pakistan-supreme-court-gbr-intl/index.html |access-date=6 June 2023 |website=CNN}} Following the 9 May riots, many PTI members deserted Khan and founded the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party under the leadership of Jahangir Tareen.{{Cite web|date=8 June 2023 |title=Demanding action against May 9 instigators, JKT, Aleem Khan officially launch Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party |url=https://www.samaaenglish.tv/news/40038303 |access-date=10 June 2023 |website=Samaa}} On 12 May, the Islamabad High Court declared the arrest illegal and mandated Khan's immediate release. Khan was granted protected bail and released on the same day, meaning he could not be re-arrested on those charges for two weeks.{{Cite news |date=12 May 2023 |title=Imran Khan leaves court after being granted bail |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65571796 |access-date=13 May 2023}}

On 5 August 2023, Khan was arrested for the second time and sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of misusing his premiership to buy and sell gifts in state possession that were received during visits abroad and worth more than 140 million rupees.{{Cite news |last=Walsh|first=Aoife|date=5 August 2023 |title=Pakistan ex-PM Khan given three-year jail sentence |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66414696 |access-date=5 August 2023}}{{Cite web |title=Pakistan's Imran Khan sentenced to three years in prison, arrested |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/5/pakistan-court-sentences-ex-pm-imran-khan-to-3-years-in-prison-state-tv |access-date=17 December 2023 |work=Al Jazeera}} On 29 August 2023, an appeals court suspended Khan's corruption conviction and three-year prison term, and granted bail.{{Cite news|date=23 August 2023|title=Pakistani court suspends former Prime Minister Imran Khan's conviction, sentencing|work=Fox News|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/pakistani-court-suspends-former-prime-minister-imran-khans-conviction-sentencing|access-date=29 August 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Goldbaum |first=Christina |date=29 August 2023 |title=Imran Khan's 3-Year Sentence Is Suspended by Pakistan Appeals Court |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/world/asia/pakistan-imran-khan-appeal.html |access-date=29 August 2023}}{{Cite news|last=Adil |first=Hafsa |date=29 August 2023 |title=Imran Khan live news: Ex-Pakistan PM to remain in jail for 'cypher' hearing |work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/8/29/imran-khan-live-updates-pakistan-court-orders-ex-pms-release |access-date=29 August 2023}} Despite the suspended conviction in the corruption case, a special court in Islamabad ordered that he remain incarcerated in connection with the "cypher case": Khan has repeatedly alleged that he received a cypher, or diplomatic cable, which contained proof that there was a US led conspiracy with Pakistan's military establishment to oust him from office. The Federal Investigation Agency registered a case against Khan for sharing information on the alleged cypher and leaking state secrets, and thereby violating the Official Secrets Act.{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |title=Despite bail order, Imran Khan remains in jail over 'cypher case' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/29/despite-bail-order-imran-khan-remains-in-jail-over-cypher-case|date=29 August 2023|access-date=17 December 2023 |work=Al Jazeera}}{{Cite web |title=Pakistan court indicts jailed ex-PM Imran Khan in state secrets case |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/13/pakistan-court-indicts-jailed-ex-pm-imran-khan-in-state-secrets-case |access-date=17 December 2023 |work=Al Jazeera}}

In August 2023, the government submitted a report to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, stating that Khan's daily meals included bread, omelette, curd, and tea for breakfast, along with fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, rice, and desi mutton cooked in ghee for lunch and dinner. His cell was cleaned daily by a designated sanitary worker, and additional security personnel were deployed for his safety. The Supreme Court had ordered the government to submit this report following Khan's complaints about the conditions in which he was being held.{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/imran-khan-being-served-desi-mutton-cooked-in-ghee-provided-muslim-shower-and-branded-commode-official-tells-sc-395996-2023-08-28|title=Imran Khan being served desi mutton cooked in ghee, provided Muslim shower and branded commode: Official tells SC|publisher=Business Today|date=28 August 2023|access-date=6 October 2024}}

On 30 January 2024, Khan was convicted and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment over the case. Khan reacted by urging voters to "take revenge for every injustice with your vote" in the 2024 Pakistani general election on 8 February. One of his lawyers called the decision illegal, and his legal team planned to appeal the decision. Many observers alleged that the sentence was part of a campaign to sideline Khan and the PTI before the 2024 elections;{{Cite web |last=Shahid |first=Ariba |date=30 January 2024 |title=Reaction to Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan's 10-year jail term |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/reaction-pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khans-10-year-jail-term-2024-01-30/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Reuters}} Khan himself described all the charges against him as "politically motivated." Khan's former foreign minister and deputy in the PTI, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, was also sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment over the case.{{cite news |title=Imran Khan: Pakistan former PM jailed for 10 years in state secrets case |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68138591 |access-date=30 January 2024 |agency=BBC News |date=30 January 2024}} Khan's sister Aleema said that prosecutors had sought the death penalty for her brother.{{cite news |title=Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gets 10 years in prison ahead of elections |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-sentenced-e2305d25c8b81f031a47507063e3b745 |access-date=31 January 2024 |work=Associated Press News |date=30 January 2024}} The next day, Khan was convicted and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for the Toshakhana case,{{cite web |last1=Shahid |first1=Ariba |last2=Shahzad |first2=Asif |date=31 January 2024 |title=Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan jailed for 14 years a day after 10-year sentence |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khan-sentenced-14-years-state-gifts-case-dawn-2024-01-31/ |access-date=2 February 2024 |website=Reuters}} which involved the illegal sale of state gifts given to him and his wife, Bushra Bibi, when he was prime minister.{{cite news |title=Imran Khan: Former Pakistan PM jailed another 14 years for graft |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68150959 |access-date=31 January 2024 |agency=BBC News |date=31 January 2024}} The sentence was suspended on 1 April pending an appeal.{{cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/1/pakistan-court-suspends-imran-khans-prison-sentence-in-state-gifts-case |title=Pakistan court suspends Imran Khan's prison sentence in state gifts case |work=Al Jazeera |date=1 April 2024}} On 3 February, Khan and his wife were convicted and sentenced to an additional seven years in prison and fined 500,000 rupees ($1,800) each following a criminal complaint by Bushra Bibi's former husband, Khawar Maneka, saying that Bushra did not complete her Iddat before marrying Khan in 2018.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan, wife get seven-year jail term for unlawful marriage |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240203-pakistan-s-ex-pm-imran-khan-wife-get-seven-year-jail-term-for-unlawful-marriage |access-date=3 February 2024 |agency=France 24 |date=3 February 2024}} On 16 February, his legal team filed an appeal against the three consecutive convictions.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-convictions-appeal-1a45815d3c64bcd60253041ea521d8d8 |title=Imprisoned former Pakistani premier Khan appeals 3 recent convictions |work=Associated Press |date=17 February 2024 |first1=Munir |last1=Ahmed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319021751/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-convictions-appeal-1a45815d3c64bcd60253041ea521d8d8 |archive-date=19 March 2024}}

Since his arrest in August, Khan has been held in the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where his trial was also held. On 8 February, a PTI official said Khan had been allowed to vote in prison for the 2024 Pakistani general election using a postal ballot.{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240208-polls-open-in-pakistan-with-khan-in-jail-and-sharif-tipped-to-win |title=Polls close in Pakistan after millions vote in election marred by violence |work=France 24 |date=8 February 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229094116/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240208-polls-open-in-pakistan-with-khan-in-jail-and-sharif-tipped-to-win |archive-date= 29 February 2024}} On 12 March 2024, the Government of Punjab imposed a two-week ban on visits to the prison.{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-prison-visits-banned-b848f594221a44dd59d8d594ffe55462 |title=Pakistani authorities bar visitors for imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan for 2 weeks |work=Associated Press |date=12 March 2024 |first1= Munir |last1=Ahmed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312160017/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-prison-visits-banned-b848f594221a44dd59d8d594ffe55462 |archive-date= 12 March 2024}}

On 30 May 2024, Khan told the Supreme Court that he was living in solitary confinement and the government had put restrictions on his meeting with lawyers and family members. The Pakistani government told the Supreme Court in June that the conditions of Khan's imprisonment included a walking area adjacent to his cell, a cooler, a television, and exercise equipment. It said that Khan has access to a separate kitchen and could meet with his legal team and family. In its submission, the government provided photographs of Khan's cell and other items and a photo of a meeting between him and his legal team in prison.{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/imran-khan-enjoys-luxurious-prison-amenities-tv-kitchen-exercise-equipment-and-more-reveals-pak-govt-3055816|title=Imran Khan enjoys luxurious prison amenities: TV, kitchen, exercise equipment, and more, reveals Pak govt|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=6 June 2024|access-date=6 October 2024}}

On 3 June 2024, the Islamabad High Court overturned Khan's conviction on the cypher case.{{Cite web |date=4 June 2024 |title=Pakistan's Imran Khan is acquitted of leaking state secrets but remains in prison on other charges |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-cipher-acquittal-78b83ec482e2dbc647cec49ca1584828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604041932/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-cipher-acquittal-78b83ec482e2dbc647cec49ca1584828 |archive-date= 4 June 2024}} Khan remained in prison due to his conviction for a breach of the marriage laws.{{cite web |last1=Hussain |first1= Murtaza |first2=Ryan |last2=Grim |url-access=registration |title=Imran Khan Remains Imprisoned Over His Wife's Menstrual Cycles. State Department Says That's "Something For the Pakistani Courts to Decide." |url=https://theintercept.com/2024/06/04/pakistan-imran-khan-wife-prison-marriage/ |website=The Intercept |access-date=6 June 2024 |date=4 June 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606164357/https://theintercept.com/2024/06/04/pakistan-imran-khan-wife-prison-marriage/ |archive-date=6 June 2024}} On 13 July, Khan's conviction in the marriage case with Bushra Bibi was overturned following an appeal.{{Cite web |date=13 July 2024 |title=Pakistan court acquits former PM Imran Khan, wife in unlawful marriage case |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/13/pakistan-court-acquits-former-pm-imran-khan-wife-in-unlawful-marriage-case |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Al Jazeera|language=en}} Khan remained in prison and was then arrested on charges related to the 2023 riots.{{cite web |last1=Ahmed |first1=Munir |title=Pakistan's government accuses ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan of treason, deepening political turmoil |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-ban-imran-khan-party-a6f660be1185d37b1ae0a7f18bcbc1cf |website=AP News |access-date=15 July 2024 |language=en |date=15 July 2024}}

In June 2024, a United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention called for Khan's release, arguing that his detention was arbitrary and politically motivated.{{Cite web |last=Ahmed |first=Munir |date=1 July 2024 |title=UN group demands release of ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan; says his detention violates international law |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-un-group-demands-rekaese-imran-khan-4394c5f87d072dc03c68435f6469a7b3 |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}} Amnesty International raised similar concerns, particularly over the conditions of his imprisonment.{{Cite web |title=Pakistan: Authorities Must Immediately Release Imran Khan From Arbitrary Detention |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa33/8507/2024/en/ |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=Amnesty International |date=11 September 2024 |language=en}} In an interview with The Sunday Times in July from prison, Khan said he is being held in a small, 'death cell' typically reserved for terrorists.{{Cite web |date=21 July 2024 |title='Locked in death cell for terrorists,' claims Imran in rare interview with UK publication |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1847067 |access-date=3 October 2024 |work=Dawn|language=en}} Khan's legal team and his sister, Aleema Khan, said that the authorities are endangering his health and attempting to weaken him by keeping him in poor conditions, she also stated that Khan was suffering from an eye infection.{{Cite web |date=12 September 2024 |title=Aleema Khan alleges plot to assassinate Imran Khan in Adiala Jail |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2495655|access-date=3 October 2024 |work=The Express Tribune|language=en}}{{Cite news |date=20 July 2024 |title=Bushra Bibi alleges life threats and inhumane conditions for Imran Khan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/bushra-bibi-alleges-life-threats-and-inhumane-conditions-for-imran-khan/articleshow/111890559.cms |access-date=3 October 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite web |date=12 March 2024 |title=PTI founder suffering from eye infection, says Aleema Khan |url=https://arynews.tv/imran-khan-suffering-from-eye-infection-aleema-khan/ |access-date=6 October 2024 |website=ARY NEWS |language=en-US}} A regular medical examination is performed every two weeks, and no health issues have been reported during his imprisonment by authorities.{{cite news|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/841702|title=Imran Khan undergoes medical checkup in Adiala jail|publisher=Dunya News|date=4 October 2024|access-date=6 October 2024}}

On 8 October 2024, an attempted murder charge was filed against him over the death of a police officer during protests by Khan's supporters in Islamabad.{{Cite web |date=8 October 2024 |title=Pakistan's Imran Khan is charged with attempted murder over policeman's death in weekend protests |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imran-khan-attempted-murder-57b919d716f49ceabaa7ca4f80b85beb |access-date=8 October 2024 |website=Associated Press}}

On 22 November 2024, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted Khan bail in the Toshakhana case, but he was not released from jail due to multiple other cases against him.{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1873672 |title=IHC grants Imran bail in new Toshakhana case as govt rules out release|date=20 November 2024 |work=Dawn}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khan-gets-bail-state-gifts-case-geo-news-says-2024-11-20/|title=Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan gets bail in state gifts case, his party says|publisher=Reuters|date=20 November 2024}} On 24 November, his supporters marched nationwide, demanding his release.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/24/pakistani-capital-in-lockdown-before-march-by-imran-khans-supporters |title=Pakistani capital in lockdown before march by Imran Khan's supporters|work=Al Jazeera|date=24 November 2024}}

Since the 2022 no-confidence vote, Khan has been named in 186 legal cases across Pakistan, as reported by the Ministry of Interior, Islamabad Police, Federal Investigation Agency, and National Accountability Bureau to court in December 2024.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2514206|title=How many cases is Imran Khan facing?|date=6 December 2024|newspaper=The Express Tribune}}

On 17 January 2025, Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison by an accountability court in the Al-Qadir Trust case, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, received a seven-year jail term.

In February 2025, after a meeting with Imran Khan in prison, his sister Aleema Khan said, "[t]here is no truth in the reports [doing the rounds in the media] claiming that the PTI founder is ill," when questioned about Khan's health and added that Bushra Bibi was being kept in solitary confinement.{{Cite web |title='Won't cut any deal' come what may, reiterates Imran Khan|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1284131|access-date=23 February 2025 |website=The News International|language=en|date=18 February 2025}}

During Khan's imprisonment, he has retained a presence in Pakistani politics, with reports suggesting a rise in his popularity, particularly among the youth.{{Cite news |date=2 March 2024 |title=Pakistan's 'King of Chaos' Imran Khan keeps winning even behind bars |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68422821 |access-date=3 October 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{Cite news |date=7 March 2023 |title=Imran Khan's popularity soars ahead of vote, Pakistan survey shows |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/imran-khan-popularity-soars-ahead-of-vote-pakistan-survey-shows |access-date=3 October 2024 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}{{Cite news |last1=Baloch |first1=Shah Meer |last2=Ellis-Petersen |first2=Hannah |date=24 May 2023 |title='He's fighting for our future': Pakistan's young voters rally behind Imran Khan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/24/future-pakistan-young-voters-imran-khan-cricketer-politician |access-date=3 October 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} There have been a lack of public demonstrations in his favour since his arrest due to media outlets under instructions not to cover PTI's activities, police actions against Khan's supporters making them fearful of arrest, and a reduction in the number of PTI members. The BBC reported that "silent support" for Khan was still strong.{{Cite news |last=Khan |first=Azizullah |date=8 August 2023 |title=Pakistan: Imran Khan's supporters are silenced but determined |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66436731 |access-date=3 October 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Khan has said that his imprisonment has political motivations, alleging involvement by the Pakistan Armed Forces (referred to as The Establishment) and the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both the military and the government have denied these allegations, with the military labelling them as 'fabricated and malicious,' and Prime Minister Sharif rejecting them as 'blatant lies.'{{Cite magazine |last=Campbell |first=Charlie |date=10 May 2023 |title=Imran Khan's Arrest Furthers His Sense of Political Persecution |url=https://time.com/6278495/imran-khan-arrest-pakistan-politics/|access-date=3 October 2024|magazine=TIME|language=en}}{{Cite news |last1=Baloch |first1=Shah Meer |last2=Ellis-Petersen |first2=Hannah |date=14 May 2023 |title=Imran Khan accuses Pakistan's military of ordering his arrest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/14/imran-khan-arrest-pakistan-military |access-date=3 October 2024|work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} While he was brought before the Supreme Court by jail authorities in June 2024, Khan remarked that Pakistan is under an "undeclared martial law."{{Cite news |last=Fairclough |first=Gordon |date=27 May 2023 |title=Former Pakistan Leader Imran Khan Says Country Is Under 'Undeclared Martial Law' |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/former-pakistan-leader-imran-khan-says-country-is-under-undeclared-martial-law-ee48debb |work=The Wall Street Journal}}{{Cite web |date=7 June 2024 |title=Country is under 'undeclared martial law', Imran Khan tells SC |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/07-Jun-2024/country-is-under-undeclared-martial-law-imran-khan-tells-sc |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}} He argues that his detention is part of a broader attempt to suppress democratic forces and weaken opposition. He further stated that the ISI is responsible for his conditions in jail and suggested that they were involved in attempts to make his imprisonment harsher. He has also stated that he deeply regretted trusting General Bajwa and implicated him in causing the country's turmoil.{{Cite news|date=30 May 2024 |title='My only regret is trusting General Bajwa,' says Imran |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1836628 |access-date=31 October 2024 |work=Dawn|language=en}}

{{Further information|2024 University of Oxford Chancellor election}}

Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains politically active, having applied to run in the 2024 University of Oxford Chancellor Election. His candidacy has gained attention, with supporters promoting the campaign on social media.{{Cite web |last=Fazl-e-Haider |first=Syed |title=Why is Imran Khan running for chancellor of University of Oxford?|url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-imran-khan-running-chancellor-university-oxford |access-date=3 October 2024|publisher=Lowy Institute|language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Gul |first=Ayaz |date=18 August 2024 |title=Pakistan's jailed ex-PM Khan seeks Oxford University chancellor role |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-s-jailed-ex-pm-khan-seeks-oxford-university-chancellor-role-/7747135.html |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}

Khan's candidacy also attracted some concerns due to timing, coinciding with ongoing political unrest in Pakistan and his imprisonment on multiple charges, including corruption and sedition at the time. His supporters argue these charges are politically motivated, critics suggested that his legal battles and the broader political context might distract from his ability to focus on the responsibilities of the role. Some observers saw his candidacy as a way to draw international attention to his political situation and about whether his motivations are primarily political rather than academic.

On 16 October 2024, university officials excluded him from the race of chancellorship stating that his candidacy was disqualified based on established exclusion criteria, which led to the acceptance of 38 out of over 40 applicants. Key factors cited include Khan's prior conviction and his active political role, which were seen as inconsistent with the requirements for the position. Legal analysis from King's Counsel Hugh Southey of Matrix Chambers, as well as policy advocacy group Beltway Grid, said that Oxford's regulations set standards of integrity and impartiality that Khan did not meet.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cglk74dwg0ro|title=Imran Khan uni chancellor bid rejected, says adviser|author1=Ethan Gudge|author2=Shahzad Malik|date=16 October 2024|work=BBC}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/imran-khan-out-of-race-for-oxfords-chancellor/article68767627.ece|title=Imran Khan out of race for Oxford's Chancellor|work=The Hindu|date=18 October 2024|access-date=7 November 2024}}

Khan's sister, Rubina Khanum, claimed that Zulfi Bukhari "had dragged Imran Khan into the chancellor candidacy race for self-interest," further saying "Imran Khan is in jail; what interest does he have in becoming Oxford University's chancellor?"{{Cite web |date=2 November 2024 |title=Zulfi Bukhari dragged Imran into Oxford chancellorship for self-interest: Rubina Khanum |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/02-Nov-2024/zulfi-bukhari-dragged-imran-into-oxford-chancellorship-for-self-interest-rubina-khanum |access-date=7 November 2024 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}

In 1983, Khan bought a two-bedroom penthouse in South Kensington for £110,000. He sold it in 2003 to purchase nearly 35 acres in Islamabad, where he built a farmhouse.{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/c09575ac-e371-11e0-8f47-00144feabdc0|title=Raising a million: Imran Khan|first=Natalie|last=Graham|date=22 September 2011|newspaper=Financial Times}} In his statement to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that year, Khan declared his home in Zaman Park, Lahore, an apartment in Islamabad, 39 kanals{{efn|5 acres}} of land in Islamabad, 530 kanals{{efn|66 acres}} in Khanewal, and a share in 363 kanals{{efn|44 acres}} of inherited agricultural land.{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/125353|title=Lawmakers declare assets|date=17 November 2003|work=Dawn}}

In 2017, Khan's 300-kanal mansion in Bani Gala, Islamabad, was worth {{PKRConvert|750|m}}, which he declared as a gift in his statement to the ECP. Other assets included furniture worth {{PKRConvert|0.6|m}} and livestock valued at {{PKRConvert|0.2|m}}.{{cite news|title=Imran Khan's net worth over a billion, yet no vehicle in his name|url=https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/06/imran-khans-net-worth-over-a-billion-yet-no-vehicle-in-his-name/|website=Samaa TV|access-date=30 July 2017|date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804054737/https://www.samaa.tv/pakistan/2017/06/imran-khans-net-worth-over-a-billion-yet-no-vehicle-in-his-name/|archive-date=4 August 2017}} In 2020, the ECP released another report on Khan's assets, stating that he declared assets worth Rs80.6 million which included a six-kanal plot in Mohra Noori and five inherited plots in Mianwali, Bhakkar, Sheikhupura, and Khanewal. He sold his property in Ferozewala for Rs70 million. Additionally, he purchased a two-bed apartment on Shahrah-e-Dastoor for Rs10.19 million. Khan had Rs50.66 million in a bank account in Pakistan and Rs10.99 million in cash. He also maintained four foreign currency accounts, holding £518, $328,760, and $1,470, with an empty euro account. His declared assets included four goats valued at Rs200,000.{{Cite web|url=https://gulf-times.com/story/677697|title=ECP releases details of PM's assets|date=11 November 2020|website=Gulf-Times}}

In his nomination papers for the 2024 Pakistani general election, Khan declared that he holds over Rs90 million in multiple bank accounts and over $300,000 in his foreign currency account. He owns over a dozen properties, mostly inherited, including agricultural land and his home in Zaman Park.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1803600|title=Imran's net worth over Rs300m; Maryam close to being billionaire|website=Dawn|first=Iftikhar A.|last=Khan|date=6 January 2024}} Khan made a down payment of Rs11.97 million for the apartment on Shahrah-e-Dastoor and listed Rs11.47 million in expenses for his home in Bani Gala. He declared that he does not own a vehicle.

Tax records released by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) disclosed that between 1983 and 2019, Khan paid Rs. 4 million in taxes. The board noted that Khan had been exempt from paying for some years.{{cite web|title=How much tax Imran paid in last 37 years?|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/571131|last=Durrani|first=Fakhar|date=19 November 2019|website=The News International}} In January 2022, the FBR published its 2019 tax directory for parliamentarians, disclosing that Khan paid {{PKRConvert|9.8|m|0|nolink=yes|year=2019}} in taxes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1667427|title=FBR 2019 data: PM Imran paid Rs9.8m in taxes while PPP's Yousuf Raza Gillani paid none|first=Tahir|last=Sherani|date=3 January 2022|work=Dawn|access-date=20 January 2022}}

For the fiscal year ending on 30 June 2023, Khan's tax contributions increased significantly reaching {{PKRConvert|15.59|m|year=2023|to=USD}} as his net worth rose to Rs315.95 million.{{Cite web|title=Former PM Imran Khan's net worth surges to Rs315.95 million: Document|url=https://theasianmirror.com/latest/50996/former-pm-imran-khans-net-worth-surges-to-rs315-95-million-document/|access-date=1 May 2024 |website=The Asian Mirror|date=May 2024}} In 2022, his income was Rs185.68m, due to the sale of a watch gifted to him by a foreign dignitary. The year before, his income was over Rs7 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1803600|title=Imran's net worth over Rs300m; Maryam close to being billionaire|website=Dawn|first=Iftikhar A.|last=Khan|date=6 January 2024}}

File:Imran Khan (4276439704).jpg in London, 2012.]]

Reuters described Khan as a "pious, firebrand nationalist" in the context of his political style and campaign speeches.{{cite news|work=Reuters|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan declares victory as rivals cry foul|date=25 July 2018|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-election/pakistans-imran-khan-declares-victory-as-rivals-cry-foul-idUKKBN1KF33N|access-date=27 July 2018|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204155549/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-election/pakistans-imran-khan-declares-victory-as-rivals-cry-foul-idUKKBN1KF33N|url-status=live}} He is described as employing populist rhetoric, combining promises of economic reforms, anti-elite messaging, and appeals to religious values. However, his criticism of Westernized Pakistani elites contrasts with his own privileged background and connections to the Western jet set.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB849476508892946000|title=Imran Khan Bowls Them Over With Populist Pakistani Pitch|last=Waldman|first=Peter|date=2 December 1996|work=The Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|access-date=16 January 2017|quote=Imran's rough-hewn message combines populist economics...Imran is a born-again Muslim who now scolds other Pakistani elites for aping the West....The Oxford-educated jet-setter is a born-again Muslim who now scolds other Pakistani elites for aping the West.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118052123/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB849476508892946000|archive-date=18 January 2017}} Khan's proclaimed political platform and declarations include Islamic values, to which he rededicated himself in the 1990s; leftist economics, with the promise of addressing economic disparity and promoting social welfare; decreased bureaucracy and the implementation of anti-corruption laws to create and ensure a clean government; the establishment of an independent judiciary; overhaul of the country's police system; and an anti-militant vision for a democratic Pakistan. However, Khan's political journey has been marked by inconsistency, including his support for General Musharraf's military regime before later opposing it.{{cite news |last=Lancaster |first=John |title=A Pakistani Cricket Star's Political Move |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/03/AR2005070301078.html |date=4 July 2005 |access-date=5 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604132609/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/03/AR2005070301078.html |archive-date=4 June 2012}}

At a rally in May 2006, Khan criticized General Musharraf for "licking George W. Bush's shoes". He further stated that Hosni Mubarak and Hamid Karzai were puppets sitting on the Muslim world.{{cite web |date=23 May 2006 |title=Pakistan – Imran Khan |url=http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2006/s1647595.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205235556/http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2006/s1647595.htm |archive-date=5 December 2007 |access-date=5 November 2007 |publisher=ABC}}

A US diplomatic cable from January 2010 released by WikiLeaks, revealed that US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson met with Khan at his residence, where Khan criticised the United States for its "dangerous" policies, including drone operations.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/us-embassy-cables-documents/247596|title=US embassy cables: Imran Khan criticises 'dangerous' US policy|date=1 December 2010|website=The Guardian}} Another leaked cable referring to Khan, stated: "the man says in private exactly what he says in public".{{cite news|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1154531/the-imran-khans-i-ve-known|title=The Imran Khans I've known|date=10 August 2018|publisher=ESPNCricinfo|first=Osman|last=Samiuddin}}

In a 2012 interview with Barkha Dutt, Khan referred to liberals in Pakistan as the "scum of the country" and labeled them as fascists. Khan said that these liberals supported the bombardment and drone attacks on villages. He added that it was the liberals who backed the United States' policies including the War on Terror that had contributed to the rise of extremism in the country.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/323913|title=Liberals are scum of this country: Imran Khan|date=18 January 2012|work=The Express Tribune}}

File:Prime Minister Imran Khan's Message On The Srebrenica Genocide.webm, 2020]]

In March 1998, it was reported that Khan was scheduled to host a dinner for then Chechen president Aslan Maskhadov in London.{{cite news|url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/thatcher-link-to-chechens-will-embarrass-uk-1148360.html|title=Thatcher link to Chechens will embarrass UK|newspaper=The Independent|date=4 March 1998|first=Steve|last=Crawshaw}} In November 1999, Khan condemned the United Nations for failing to stop Russian "atrocities" in Chechnya.{{cite news|url=https://www.deseret.com/1999/11/27/19477610/pakistan-s-imran-slams-un-apathy-to-chechnya/|title=Pakistan's Imran slams UN 'apathy' to Chechnya|date=27 November 1999|newspaper=Deseret News}}

After the 2003 invasion of Iraq began, Khan participated in a protest held in Hyde Park, London, opposing the war, alongside Tony Benn. There, Khan stated: "The fear is that this is not going to be the last war; first it was Afghanistan, now it's Iraq, and if the hawks in Washington have their way, then it's going to be some other country very soon."{{cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/late-bulletin-england-london-hyde-park-tony-benn-standing-news-footage/682865090?adppopup=true|title=Gulf War: Day 24: Late bulletin|date=12 April 2003|work=Getty Images}}

In 2010, Khan said in an interview: "I grew up hating India because I grew up in Lahore and there were massacres of 1947, so much bloodshed and anger. But as I started touring India, I got such love and friendship there that all this disappeared."{{Cite web |date=14 November 2011 |title=I grew up hating India: Imran Khan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/673201|access-date=7 March 2022 |work=Dawn|archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106084359/https://www.dawn.com/news/673201|url-status=live}}

On Pakistan Day 2011, before a Pakistan-West Indies match at Mirpur Stadium in Bangladesh, Khan became the first Pakistani leader to demand an official apology for the atrocities committed in 1971 by the Pakistan Army. Speaking on Capital Talk, hosted by Hamid Mir, Khan stated, "Army operations always created hatred in Pakistan, and we must apologise to Bangladeshis." He stated that he initially supported the operation due to the lack of independent media in Pakistan, but later learned the truth from Bengali friends in England. When Mir asked about local support for Pakistan, Khan replied, "Bangladeshis will support the Pakistani cricket team." He also recalled the affection he received from Bangladeshis during a 1989 exhibition match in Mirpur and warned the Pakistan Army against repeating past mistakes in Balochistan and tribal areas.{{cite news |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=37808&Cat=2|title=Imran demands apology from Pakistan to Bangladesh|date=24 March 2011|work=The News International|access-date=1 July 2013|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006205350/http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=37808&Cat=2|archive-date=6 October 2013}}

In January 2012, Khan claimed in an interview that he was on the last flight out of Dhaka before the Pakistan Army launched the assault for Operation Searchlight on 25 March 1971, while he was there for a cricket match. "These ears heard people saying: 'Small and dark. Kill them. Teach them a lesson,'" he recalled. "I heard it with my own ears." Khan then compared the language he heard back then to what he hears in Pakistan today, stating, "It's exactly the same language which I hear this time," adding that Pashtuns are now the ones being mistreated. "In Pindi, in Lahore, in Karachi, they've been picked up and thrown into jail because they are Pashtun. This is a sad legacy."{{cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=218441 |title=Pakistan learnt no lesson from 1971|work=The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|date=15 January 2012|access-date=1 July 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007004843/http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=218441|archive-date=7 October 2013}}

In August 2012, the Pakistani Taliban issued death threats against Khan if he proceeded with his march to their tribal stronghold near the Afghan border to protest U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan, because he calls himself a "liberal" – a term they associate with a lack of religious belief.{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/taliban-threaten-to-kill-imran-khan/985961/0|title=Taliban threaten to kill Imran Khan|date=9 August 2012|access-date=9 August 2012|archive-date=28 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228023712/https://indianexpress.com/news/taliban-threaten-to-kill-imran-khan/985961/0|url-status=live}} On 1 October, Hakimullah Mehsud in consultation with senior commanders of the Pakistani Taliban withdrew the death threats and offered Khan protection for the rally because of Khan's opposition to drone attacks in Pakistan. A spokesmen said: "We are ready to provide them security if they need. We endorse Imran Khan's plea that drone strikes are against our sovereignty," adding, "the anti-drone rallies should have been taken out by the religious leaders long ago but Imran had taken the lead and we wouldn't harm him or his followers.{{cite news|title=Pakistan Taliban offers Imran Khan protection|work=The Telegraph|location=UK|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/9579223/Pakistan-Taliban-offers-Imran-Khan-protection.html|date=1 October 2012|access-date=1 October 2012|first=Rob|last=Crilly|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004001644/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/9579223/Pakistan-Taliban-offers-Imran-Khan-protection.html|archive-date=4 October 2012}}

On 6 October, Khan led a convoy of 10,000 people, including some American members of the U.S.-based Code Pink antiwar group. The convoy was stopped by hundreds of security personnel just miles from the South Waziristan border. After an hour of unsuccessful negotiations, Khan announced that the rally would return to the city of Tank, about 15 kilometers away, where he was expected to address the crowd. Earlier, speaking in Tank, Khan emphasized that the rally would not force its way into South Waziristan. "We want to reach Kotkai but we don't want to fight with the administration because it is a peace march. We have already succeeded in our mission," Khan stated.{{cite news|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-drone-imran-khan/24730742.html|title=Antidrone Rally Stopped By Pakistani Army|date=6 October 2012|publisher=Radio Free Europe}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/754413|title=Americans gather crowds for Imran Khan's Waziristan march|date=5 October 2012|work=Dawn}}

File:7 23 2019 One Year In A Conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (48373238736).jpg, 2019.]]

His perceived sympathy towards the Taliban, as well as his criticism of the US-led war on terror, has led to him being labeled "Taliban Khan" by critics. Commenting on the moniker, Khan stated, "I've been called Taliban Khan for supporting the tribal Pashtuns and I've been called part of a Jewish conspiracy to take over Pakistan. I am of course neither."{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/2011/sep/18/imran-khan-america-destroying-pakistan|title=Imran Khan: 'America is destroying Pakistan. We're using our army to kill our own people with their money'|author=Stuart Jeffries|date=18 September 2011|work=The Guardian}} He believes in negotiations with the Taliban and the withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).{{cite news|date=11 May 2010|title=Imran Khan opposes military action in Kala Dhaka|work=The Express Tribune|location=Pakistan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/12392|url-status=live |access-date=11 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006192434/https://tribune.com.pk/story/12392|archive-date=6 October 2013}}{{cite news |date=24 February 2012 |title=Imran says can negotiate with Taliban if asked |newspaper=Pakistan Today |location=Pakistan |url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2012/02/24/news/national/imran-says-can-negotiate-with-taliban-if-asked/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824235401/http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2012/02/24/news/national/imran-says-can-negotiate-with-taliban-if-asked/ |archive-date=24 August 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-us-war-on-terror-bred-more-terrorists-1.85707355|title=Pakistan PM Imran Khan: US war on terror bred more terrorists|author=Sana Jamal|work=Gulf News|date=14 February 2022}}

Describing himself as a pacifist and antiwar,{{cite web |title=A Conversation With Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan |url=https://www.cfr.org/event/conversation-prime-minister-imran-khan-pakistan-0 |publisher=Council on Foreign Relations|date=23 September 2019|access-date=9 February 2025}} Khan has notably opposed military operations such as the War on terror, the Iraq War, the Siege of Lal Masjid, the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, the Gaza genocide, and the Israeli invasion of Lebanon.{{cite news|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-a-2003-03-09-4-thousands-66846692/375591.html|title=Thousands Gather in Pakistan to Protest Looming War in Iraq|date=27 October 2009|website=Voice of America}}{{cite news|url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40176632|title=I am against military solution in Ukraine, says Imran Khan during Sky News interview|date=30 May 2022|website=Brecorder}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/hezbollah-leaders-assassination-by-israel-constitutes-major-escalation-says-pakistan/3345191|title=Hezbollah leader's assassination by Israel constitutes 'major' escalation, says Pakistan|author=Amir Latif Arain|publisher=Anadolu Agency|date=29 September 2024|access-date=9 February 2025}}

Khan views the Kashmir conflict as a humanitarian issue, as opposed to a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. In 2013, he proposed secret talks to settle the issue as he thought the vested interests on both sides will try to subvert them. He ruled out a military solution to the conflict and denied the possibility of a fourth war between India and Pakistan over the disputed mountainous region.{{cite news|last=Naqvi|first=Jawed|date=8 December 2013|title=Imran suggests secret talks on Kashmir issue|work=Dawn|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1061219|url-status=live |access-date=10 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210045441/http://www.dawn.com/news/1061219|archive-date=10 December 2013}}

In 2014, when the Pakistani Taliban announced armed struggle against Ismailis, denouncing them as non-Muslims,{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/404179/why-terrorists-are-targeting-pakistans-ismaili-community|title=Why terrorists are targeting Pakistan's Ismaili community|website=qz.com|date=14 May 2015|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=10 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410082404/https://qz.com/404179/why-terrorists-are-targeting-pakistans-ismaili-community/amp/|url-status=live}} and the Kalash people, Khan released a statement describing "forced conversions as un-Islamic."{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1086976|title=Forcibly converting people un-Islamic, says Imran|date=14 February 2014|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=20 February 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218080542/http://www.dawn.com/news/1086976/|archive-date=18 February 2014}} He has also condemned the incidents of forced conversion of Hindu girls in Sindh.{{cite news|last1=Ghori|first1=Habib Khan|title=Imran slams incidents of forced conversion in Sindh|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1366045|work=Dawn|date=25 October 2017|access-date=22 August 2018|archive-date=10 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410082404/https://www.dawn.com/news/1366045|url-status=live}}

After parliament passed a unanimous resolution keeping Pakistan out of the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen in April 2015, Khan took credit and stated that his party was responsible for "many critical clauses" of the resolution.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/868550|title=Neutrality in war: Imran takes credit for parliament's verdict on Yemen|date=12 April 2015|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112041145/https://tribune.com.pk/story/868550|url-status=live}}

On 21 November 2015, Imran Khan sent a letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, urging her to forgive Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, leader of the Bangladesh National Party. Khan claimed there was "overwhelming" evidence that Chowdhury was studying at Punjab University during the 1971 War, making it impossible for him to have committed war crimes. In the letter, Khan argued, "If his execution is stopped, it will be in the larger interest not only of our region, but for the establishment of world peace and justice." Despite Khan's plea, Chowdhury, along with Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed of the Jamaat-e-Islami, was executed in Dhaka on 22 November.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/997161|title=Plea for forgiveness: Imran requested Bangladesh PM to stay hangings|date=24 November 2015|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=5 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125160252/https://tribune.com.pk/story/997161|archive-date=25 November 2015}}

On 8 January 2016, Khan visited the embassies of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad and met their head of commissions to understand their stances about the conflict that engulfed both nations after the Execution of Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia. He urged the Government of Pakistan to play a positive role to resolve the matter between both countries.{{cite web|url=http://nation.com.pk/national/09-Jan-2016/imran-wants-govt-to-mediate-in-saudi-iran-conflict|title=Imran wants govt to mediate in Saudi-Iran conflict|date=9 January 2016|work=The Nation|access-date=9 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109125744/http://nation.com.pk/national/09-Jan-2016/imran-wants-govt-to-mediate-in-saudi-iran-conflict|archive-date=9 January 2016}}

While Khan was Prime Minister-elect following the 2018 Pakistani general election, Michael Kugelman, deputy director and senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center, remarked, "One of the more striking elements of Imran Khan's message on foreign policy is his overtly pro-Iran statements, It's been quite some time since a top Pakistani leader has expressed such sympathies to Iran."{{Cite news|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/pakistan-caught-between-two-heavyweights-muslim-world-1262539570|title=Pakistan's dilemma: Can Imran Khan afford to tilt towards Iran?|work=Middle East Eye|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=6 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406210807/https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/pakistans-dilemma-can-imran-khan-afford-tilt-towards-iran|url-status=live|date=5 August 2018|author=Suddaf Chaudry}}

Following the 2021 Fall of Kabul, Khan congratulated the Taliban for their victory in the 2001–2021 war, and urged the international community to support their new government.{{Cite web|title=Pakistan PM Urges World to Support Taliban, Not Isolate It |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-pm-urges-world-to-support-taliban-not-isolate-it/6245191.html|website=Voice of America|date=24 September 2021 |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516174217/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-pm-urges-world-to-support-taliban-not-isolate-it/6245191.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan warns of 'civil war' in Afghanistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/22/pakistan-imran-khan-civil-war-afghanistan-taliban|work=Al Jazeera|access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516025515/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/22/pakistan-imran-khan-civil-war-afghanistan-taliban |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=9 February 2022|title=Pakistan's 'good Taliban-bad Taliban' strategy backfires, posing regional risks|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20220209-pakistan-s-good-taliban-bad-taliban-strategy-backfires-posing-regional-risks|website=France 24|access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516012514/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20220209-pakistan-s-good-taliban-bad-taliban-strategy-backfires-posing-regional-risks|url-status=live}} He also said that his government was negotiating a peace deal with the Pakistani Taliban with the help of the Afghan Taliban.{{Cite web|title=Pakistan's PM Says Peace Talks Underway With Pakistani Taliban |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-imran-khan-says-peace-talks-underway-with-pakistani-taliban/6253786.html|website=Voice of America|date=1 October 2021|access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516030725/https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-imran-khan-says-peace-talks-underway-with-pakistani-taliban/6253786.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Butt|first=Ahsan I.|title=Imran Khan's talks with the Pakistan Taliban will not bring peace|work=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/10/27/imran-khans-talks-with-the-pakistan-taliban-wont-work|access-date=16 May 2022|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516025517/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/10/27/imran-khans-talks-with-the-pakistan-taliban-wont-work|url-status=live|date=27 October 2021}}

During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, Khan was a popular sex symbol{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/profiling-imran-khan-the-medias-favourite-hot-dumb-blonde-555966.html|title=Profiling Imran Khan: The media's favourite hot, dumb blonde|work=Firstpost|date=13 December 2012|access-date=29 March 2017|first=Lakshmi|last=Chaudhry}}{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/mohsin-tanveer/imran-khan_b_14859332.html|title=Imran Khan: Why This Man Isn't Really Sexy|newspaper=The Huffington Post|date=20 February 2017|access-date=29 March 2017|first=Mohsin|last=Tanveer}} and referred to as the Sexiest Man Alive by the British media.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/08/13/sporting-chance|title=Sporting Chance|date=6 August 2012|first=Steve|last=Coll|magazine=The New Yorker}} He became known as a socialite in English high society, and sported a playboy image among the British press and paparazzi due to his "non-stop partying" at London nightclubs such as Annabel's and Tramp, although he said he hated English pubs and that he never drank alcohol.{{cite news|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/658vhcpk.asp?pg=1|title=Khan Artist|last=Forsyth|first=James|date=31 May 2005|work=The Weekly Standard|access-date=5 November 2007|archive-date=19 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019002136/http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/005/658vhcpk.asp?pg=1}} About his lifestyle as a bachelor, he has often said that "I never claim to have led an angelic life." While interviewing Khan in 2006, Peter Lloyd remarked that his "playboy to puritan U-turn" left many people scratching their heads in wonder.

File:Imran Khan giving autographs.JPG

In June 2011, a Pew Research Center poll showed Imran Khan with a 68 percent approval rating, significantly higher than Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani's 37 percent and President Asif Ali Zardari's 11 percent. Writing for The Washington Post that same year, Richard Leiby described Khan as an underdog, stating that he "often sounds like a pro-democracy liberal but is well known for his coziness with conservative Islamist parties." H. M. Naqvi similarly referred to Khan as a "sort of a Ron Paul figure," noting that "there is no taint of corruption and there is his anti-establishment message."{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-cricket-hero-imran-khan-becomes-a-political-player/2011/08/31/gIQAVYYBxJ_story.html|title=Pakistani cricket hero Imran Khan becomes a political player|newspaper=Washington Post|first=Richard|last=Leiby|access-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118041803/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-cricket-hero-imran-khan-becomes-a-political-player/2011/08/31/gIQAVYYBxJ_story.html|archive-date=18 January 2017|date=3 September 2011}}

In 2012, author Fatima Bhutto criticised Khan for "incredible coziness not with the military but with dictatorship" as well as some of his political decisions.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-IRTB-14200|title=Fatima Bhutto Blasts Imran Khan|date=22 January 2012|work=The Wall Street Journal|first=Margherita|last=Stancati}}

Pankaj Mishra writing for The New York Times in 2012, characterised Khan as a "cogent picture out of his—and Pakistan's—clashing identities" adding that "his identification with the suffering masses and his attacks on his affluent, English-speaking peers have long been mocked in the living rooms of Lahore and Karachi as the hypocritical ravings of "Im the Dim" and "Taliban Khan"—the two favored monikers for him." Mishra concluded with "like all populist politicians, Khan appears to offer something to everyone. Yet the great differences between his constituencies—socially liberal, upper-middle-class Pakistanis and the deeply conservative residents of Pakistan's tribal areas—seem irreconcilable."{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/19/magazine/pakistans-imran-khan-must-be-doing-something-right.html|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan Must Be Doing Something Right|last=Mishra|first=Pankaj|date=16 August 2012|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118032308/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/19/magazine/pakistans-imran-khan-must-be-doing-something-right.html|archive-date=18 January 2017}}

On 18 March 2012, Salman Rushdie criticised Khan for refusing to attend the India Today Conference because of Rushdie's attendance. Khan cited the "immeasurable hurt" that Rushdie's writings have caused Muslims around the world. Rushdie, in turn, suggested that Khan was a "dictator in waiting."{{Cite news|url=https://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/in-delhi-rushdie-issues-a-battle-cry/|title=In Delhi, Rushdie Issues a Battle Cry|last=Timmons|first=Heather|work=India Ink|date=18 March 2012|access-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814180037/https://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/in-delhi-rushdie-issues-a-battle-cry/|archive-date=14 August 2017}}

After the 2013 Pakistani general election, Mohammed Hanif writing for The Guardian, termed Khan's support as appealing "to the educated middle classes but Pakistan's main problem is that there aren't enough educated urban middle-class citizens in the country."{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan|title=Pakistan elections: how Nawaz Sharif beat Imran Khan and what happens next|last=Hanif|first=Mohammed|date=13 May 2013|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118085353/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/13/pakistan-elections-nawaz-sharif-imran-khan|archive-date=18 January 2017}}

File:Interfaith Christmas Dinner 2014 (2).jpg

Ayesha Siddiqa, in September 2014, writing for The Express Tribune, said that "while we can all sympathise with Khan's right to change the political tone, it would be worthwhile for him to envision how he would, if he did become the prime minister of this country, put the genie back into the bottle."{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/763612|title=No room for democracy |first=Ayesha |last=Siddiqa|date=18 September 2014|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=16 January 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118033459/https://tribune.com.pk/story/763612|archive-date=18 January 2017}}

Khan's approval rating as Prime Minister was surveyed by Gallup Pakistan in August 2018; 51% of respondents approved of his performance, while 46% of respondents disapproved and 3% were undecided.{{cite web |title=Note from Spokesperson of Gallup Pakistan regarding survey findings released in The News International |url=https://gallup.com.pk/post/25928 |website=Gallup Pakistan |access-date=12 May 2025}} In a 2019 poll by the International Republican Institute (IRI), 38% of respondents said Khan's preformance was 'good', and 13% at 'very good'.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1470150|title=IRI poll shows strong approval rating for PTI govt|work=Dawn|date=17 March 2019|last1=Khan|first1=Iftikhar A.}} A 2021 survey by Ipsos Pakistan said 55% of total voters felt Khan's government was 'worse than you expected', while 13% responded with 'better than you expected'.{{cite web |title=2021 Review: Perfomance of Federal Government & Others, Stakeholders |url=https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2022-02/Ipsos%20Public%20Opinion%20Survey%20on%20FG%20%26%20Stakeholders%20Performance%202021-Dec21%20%28V2%29_1.pdf |website=Ipsos |date=31 December 2021}} In a 2022 poll by Gallup Pakistan, 48% held a negative perception of Khan's performance, while 36% had a favourable opinion.{{cite web |title=Performance Ratings of Government: Public Pulse |url=https://www.gallup.com.pk/post/32893 |website=Gallup Pakistan |access-date=12 May 2025 |date=2022}} Another survey by Gallup Pakistan after Khan's vote-of-no confidence said 57% of respondents were 'happy' about his removal from office, while 43% were 'angry'.{{cite news |last1=Dilawar |first1=Ismail |title=Majority of Pakistanis Supported Imran Khan’s Ouster, Poll Shows |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-13/majority-of-pakistanis-supported-imran-khan-s-ouster-poll-shows |agency=Bloomberg News |date=13 April 2022}} A March 2023 survey by Gallup Pakistan after the end of his Premiership said 61% of Pakistani's held a 'good opinion' on Khan.{{Cite web|title=Public Pulse Reports|url=https://gallup.com.pk/post/34223|date=6 March 2023|access-date=15 May 2024|website=Gallup Pakistan – Pakistan's Foremost Research Lab|language=en}}

Following Khan's address to the UN General Assembly on 27 September 2019, his popularity surged in Indian-administered Kashmir.{{cite news|url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/the-rise-of-pakistan-s-imran-khan-in-india-administered-kashmir-31935|title=The rise of Pakistan's Imran Khan in India-administered Kashmir|date=2019|author1=Muheet ul Islam|author2=Junaid Manzoor Dar|website=TRT World}} The disputed region erupted with firecrackers and chants in support of Khan and Pakistan. Following his arrest in August 2023, his sentence angered many in the region.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/9/how-people-in-kashmir-reacted-to-imran-khans-jail-sentence-politics-ban|title=How people in Kashmir reacted to Imran Khan's jail sentence, politics ban|date=9 August 2023|website=Al Jazeera|first=Junaid|last=Kathju}}

{{See also|Project Imran Khan}}

Several news reports and a scholarly work by Christopher Clary have characterised Khan's political career as being marked by a perception of closeness to Pakistan's military establishment. According to Clary, who is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at State University of New York-Albany, Khan entered politics in the mid-1990s in open alliance with Lt. Gen. (retd.) Hamid Gul, a former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was also close to Ahmed Shuja Pasha, another former ISI chief. Clary said that, during the 2014 Tsunami March and sit-in led by Khan, there were widespread allegations of the involvement of then-serving ISI chief Zaheer-ul-Islam.{{sfn|Clary|2022}}

The New York Times wrote in 2024 that Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, another former ISI chief, was an ally of Khan.{{cite news|last1=Masood|first1=Salman|last2=Goldbaum|first2=Christina|title=Pakistan's Ex-Spy Chief, an Imran Khan Ally, Is Arrested|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/12/world/asia/faiz-hameed-spy-chief-arrested-pakistan-imran-khan.html|work=The New York Times|date=12 August 2024|access-date=24 April 2025}} In a 2024 retrospective report, Arab News wrote that Khan was widely believed to have been propelled to power in 2018 with the backing of the military.{{cite news|last1=Imran|first1=Kashif|title=Former ISI chief Hameed was part of 'political nexus' led by ex-PM Khan to destabilize Pakistan — minister|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2567757/pakistan|work=Arab News|date=17 August 2024|access-date=24 April 2025|quote=Hameed is believed to be advising Khan when he was publicly criticizing the army and its leadership following his ouster.....The former ISI chief is widely seen as having been close to Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 on a slew of charges....Khan, widely believed to have been propelled to power with the backing of the military in 2018, waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the military establishment following his ouster in a parliamentary no-trust vote in 2022. The former prime minister blames the army for not preventing the no-confidence motion against him....It is widely believed that Hameed was advising Khan when the PTI was publicly criticizing the army and its top leadership.}} Arab News said that, in the period following his ouster in 2022, Hameed was widely believed to have provided counsel to Khan as his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), openly criticised the army and its senior leadership. Since 2022, Khan has waged a campaign of defiance against the military establishment, blaming the army for not preventing the no-confidence motion that led to his removal.

Ashok Swain, Professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University, Sweden, wrote that Khan's challenging of, and accusations against the military is unique in Pakistan's history. Swain said that Khan had become the military's strongest critic with the potential to reform the military’s historically unchecked power. Khan’s approach has divided his allies and the military, but, according to Swain, has "mobilised a new generation of politically aware Pakistanis, including women and youth who previously shunned politics".{{cite web |last1=Swain |first1=Ashok |title=How Imran Khan’s polarising battle with Pakistan’s military could actually strengthen democracy |url=https://scroll.in/article/1076202/how-imran-khans-polarising-battle-with-pakistans-military-could-actually-strengthen-democracy |website=Scroll.in |access-date=29 April 2025 |language=en |date=4 December 2024}}

{{See also|Go Nawaz Go}}

During his cricketing days, Khan featured in many advertisements and television commercials as a celebrity brand endorser. These included Pepsi Pakistan, Brooke Bond,{{cite news|url=http://aryzauq.tv/5-commercials-featuring-the-legendary-imran-khan/|title=5 Commercials Featuring Imran Khan!|work=ARY Zauq|access-date=2 September 2018|archive-date=2 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902151730/http://aryzauq.tv/5-commercials-featuring-the-legendary-imran-khan/}} Thums Up (along with Sunil Gavaskar),{{cite web|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/advertising/blast-from-the-past-a-look-at-imran-khans-four-iconic-ads_91331.html|title=Blast From The Past- A Look at Imran Khan's Four Iconic Ads|date=30 July 2018|access-date=2 September 2018|work=Exchange4Media Magazine}} and the Indian soap brand Cinthol, at a time when Bollywood legend Vinod Khanna was also endorsing the same product.{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/report-imran-khan-the-kaptaan-who-was-changed-pakistan-cricket-2642079|title=Imran Khan: The 'Kaptaan' who changed Pakistan cricket forever|date=26 July 2018|access-date=2 September 2018|work=DNA India}} His popularity in India was such that it was "unmatched in an era when there were no smartphones to take selfies. He was mobbed everywhere he went." The late veteran Bollywood actor Dev Anand even offered him a role in his sports action-thriller movie Awwal Number (1990), that of a cricket star in decline opposite an upcoming cricketer essayed by Aamir Khan, and as he refused, citing his lack of acting skills, the role eventually went to Aditya Pancholi.{{cite news|date=5 December 2011|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/dev-anand-wanted-imran-to-star-in-awwal-number/144861|title=Dev Anand wanted Imran to star in Awwal Number|work=Mid-Day|access-date=19 April 2019}}

In 2010, a Pakistani production house produced a biographical film based on Khan's life, titled Kaptaan: The Making of a Legend. The title, which is Urdu for "Captain", depicts Khan's captaincy and career with the Pakistan cricket team, which led them to victory in the 1992 cricket world cup, as well as events which shaped his life; from being ridiculed in cricket to being labelled a playboy;{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2018/07/28/meet-pakistans-playboy-turned-prime-minister/|title=Meet Pakistan's playboy-turned-prime minister|first=Mary Kay|last=Linge|date=28 July 2018|work=The New York Post}} from the death of his mother to his efforts and endeavours in building the first cancer hospital in Pakistan; from being the first Chancellor of the University of Bradford to the building of Namal University.{{cite news|last=Akhila|first=Ranganna|date=1 July 2011|title=Kaptaan Imran on the silver screen|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/i-kaptaan-i-imran-on-the-silver-screen-619834|url-status=live|access-date=9 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401134136/http://blogs.espncricinfo.com/thebuzz/archives/2011/07/kaptaan_imran_on_the_silver_sc.php |archive-date=1 April 2012}}{{cite web|title=Movie on Imran Khan: Will 'Kaptaan' hit a sixer|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/198852|work=The Express Tribune|date=29 June 2011|access-date=9 October 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929200514/https://tribune.com.pk/story/198852|archive-date=29 September 2011|first=Sher|last=Khan}}

In 2014, Canadian rock band Nickelback released a music video for its politically themed single "Edge of a Revolution", featuring a short clip of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally among other protests. The brief clip from the rally shows red-and-green party flags along with a poster of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who was the most popular opposition leader.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1130269|title=Edge of Revolution: New Nickelback song features glimpse of PTI rally|date=6 September 2014|work=Dawn}}

In 2015, shoemaker Haji Nooruddin Shinwari better known as Chacha Nooruddin,{{cite news|url=https://english.aaj.tv/news/30355714/chacha-nooruddin-who-rose-to-fame-as-captain-chappal-will-be-honored-with-the-presidential-award|title=Chacha Nooruddin, who rose to fame as Captain Chappal, will be honored with the Presidential Award|date=23 March 2024|work=Aaj News}} whose business was facing declining sales,{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/1453086/pakistan|title=Famous Pakistani cobbler crafts shoes for crown prince|date=16 February 2019|author=Abdur Rauf Yousafzai|work=Arab News}} gifted a pair of specially crafted Peshawari chappals to Imran Khan for his wedding.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1191086|title=Kaptaan special chapal goes online as it gains popularity|work=Dawn|author=Sher Alam Shinwari|date=29 June 2015}} Although the double-soled design had been around for years, this gesture brought a surge in popularity. Nooruddin recalled, "The special double-soled Peshawari chapal had been in fashion since long but when I gifted a pair of this specially designed new brand to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Imran Khan on his wedding, the shoe became an instant favourite with all and sundry."

Nooruddin, who imports pure leather from Italy, soles from Japan, and sheet soles from Germany, saw a turnaround as ministers from the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Khan's large Pashtun following in Gulf states and beyond began placing orders. The chappal, now famously known as the "Kaptaan Chappal" after Khan's nickname, quickly became a sought after item. The Kaptaan Chappal's popularity has since extended to figures like Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.{{cite news|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176131|title=Pakistani shoemaker jailed for designing special Peshawari chappals for Shah Rukh Khan|work=Dawn|date=27 August 2016|author=Ali Akbar}}

In 2019, French designer Christian Louboutin rebranded the traditional Peshawari chappal, dubbing it the "Imran Sandals." The move quickly went viral, sparking criticism for cultural appropriation. Within less than 24 hours of the backlash, Louboutin removed the product from his website and social media platforms. It remained unclear whether the sandals were named after Prime Minister Imran Khan, known for popularizing the footwear, or after painter Imran Qureshi.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1936909|title=Louboutin's 'Imran sandals' has the internet divided|date=25 March 2019|work=The Express Tribune}}

In 2017, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Ayesha Gulalai alleged that she was sexually harassed by Khan, who was party chairman.{{sfn|Waseem|2022}} Gulalai said Khan had sent her "inappropriate text messages." Gulalai made the allegations and quit the PTI just prior to the election of a new prime minister, citing "ill-treatment" of female party members as the reason for leaving. The timing of Gulalai's allegations was met with suspicion, as there were rumours that she had recently met with Amir Muqam, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N). Gulalai denied these rumours, stating that she was not joining the PML-N.{{cite news |date=1 August 2017 |title=MNA Ayesha Gulalai quits PTI amid scathing allegations against Imran Khan |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1348958|work=Dawn}}

Imran Khan denied the allegations and expressed support for Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's proposal to form a special committee to investigate the harassment claims made by Gulalai. Khan stated that he refrained from further commenting on the issue to avoid impacting Gulalai's life but welcomed an investigation into the matter. He said, "I have never sent indecent messages to her [Gulalai]. I challenge the [proposed] committee to find [the indecent texts] if there are any." Khan also called for the commission to examine alleged messages sent by PML-N leader Amir Muqam to Gulalai's father.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1349590|title=Imran welcomes PM's decision to form committee to probe Gulalai's allegations|date=4 August 2017|work=Dawn}}

Khan called for scrutiny of a private media group's Editor-in-Chief's phone records, alleging that the issue was raised after four years for political reasons. He accused the PML-N of orchestrating the episode, claiming that "Gulalai was used by the PML (N) and the party was also using [the media group] for its own interests." Khan demanded a comprehensive investigation, further alleging that "money has changed hands" in connection with the matter. He also criticised the PML-N, referencing past incidents involving figures like Nusrat Bhutto, Jemima Goldsmith, and Sita White, and accused the party of using such controversies for political gains. Khan described the PML-N's actions as "shameless" and vowed to "chase them till my last breath."

While addressing the National Assembly of Pakistan in June 2020, Khan referred to the Killing of Osama Bin Laden, saying: "The Americans came to Abbottabad and killed, martyred Osama bin Laden. What happened after that? The entire world cursed at us and spoke ill of us." Khan's use of the term "martyred" (shaheed) sparked widespread criticism, with opposition leaders accusing him of sympathising with violent extremism and defending a terrorist responsible for global atrocities. Public criticism followed, with activists expressing concern about the impact on Pakistan's international image.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53190199|title=Imran Khan criticised after calling Osama Bin Laden a 'martyr'|date=26 June 2020|work=BBC}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1631790|title=PM Imran calling Osama bin Laden a martyr was a 'slip of the tongue': Fawad|date=27 June 2021|work=Dawn}} The speech came after the US State Department published a report stating that Pakistan was a safe heaven for terrorist groups. In response to the report, Pakistan's Foreign Office said the report did not mention Pakistan's role in "diminishing the threat" that Al Qaeda once posed to the world.{{cite web|url= https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/outrage-pakistan-s-prime-minister-says-u-s-martyred-9-n1232207|title=Pakistan's prime minister says U.S. 'martyred' 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden|date=26 June 2020|work=NBC News}}

A year later, Khan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, stated that Khan's comments were "taken out of context" and that a specific part of the media had "played it up". When asked whether bin Laden was a martyr, Qureshi said "I will let that pass", which Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said may have been an attempt to put the issue behind him and move forward.{{cite news|title=PM Imran Khan's OBL statement was a slip of tongue, clarifies Fawad Chaudhry|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/357177|date=27 June 2021|work=GEO TV}}

In 2021, Khan faced criticism after suggesting that women's clothing could lead to an increase in sexual assault. During an interview with Axios journalist Jonathan Swan, Khan responded to a question about Pakistan's rape crisis by stating, "If a woman is wearing very few clothes it will have an impact on the man unless they are robots. It's common sense." His comments were widely condemned. Women's rights groups, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, demanded an apology, arguing that his remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes by portraying men as "helpless aggressors" and women as "knowing" victims. Critics, such as politician Maryam Nawaz, labelled Khan a "rape apologist," while activist Kanwal Ahmed expressed concerns about the message his words sent to perpetrators.{{cite news|author=Soofia Tariq|date=24 June 2021|title=Outrage after Pakistan PM Imran Khan blames rape crisis on women|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/25/outrage-after-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-blames-crisis-on-women|access-date=4 October 2024|work=The Guardian}}

Then Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Raoof Hasan, argued that Khan's comments on rape were taken out of context. Raoof stated that Khan's government had taken "groundbreaking" measures to increase women's rights and that Khan was attempting to stir a discussion through his statements.{{Cite news|last=Hasan|first=Raoof|date=30 June 2021|title=Imran Khan's comments about rape and purdah were taken out of context |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/30/imran-khan-comments-about-and-purdah-were-taken-out-of-context|access-date=7 November 2024|work=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} Zartaj Gul, a minister in Khan's cabinet at the time, referred to Khan as a "symbol of women empowerment" and argued that his statements had been taken out of context.{{Cite news|date=22 June 2021|title=PTI MNAs defend PM Imran's heavily criticised comments on rape|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1630852|access-date=7 November 2024|work=Dawn|language=en}}

Khan later clarified his comments in an interview with Judy Woodruff on PBS News Hour, stating, "Anyone who commits rape, solely and solely, that person is responsible, no matter whatever – how much ever a woman is provocative or whatever she wears, the person who commits rape, he is fully responsible. Never is the victim responsible." Regarding his previous remarks on the issue, Khan said his comments were "completely taken out of context." He emphasized that he would never say such "a stupid thing, it's always the rapist that is responsible."{{cite youtube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4c7MMTU7Qg|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan clarifies comments on the nation's rape crisis|date=27 July 2021|publisher=PBS NewsHour}}{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/28/us-really-messed-up-in-afghanistan-pakistan-pm-khan|title=Pakistan PM Imran Khan says never blamed rape victims|date=28 July 2021|work=Al Jazeera}}

In his virtual address at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 24 September 2021, Khan remarked "Then all along the tribal belt (FATA) bordering Afghanistan, – Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal belt – where no Pakistan army had been there since our independence, they [the Pashtuns] had strong sympathies with the Afghan Taliban, not because of their religious ideology but because of Pashtun nationalism, which is very strong." His comments prompted outrage among many Pashtuns, who called on him to apologise. Khan made similar comments also on 11 October, which triggered a protest in Peshawar the next day by the leftist Mazdoor Kisan Party (MKP). The Awami National Party (ANP) and the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) also condemned Khan for "linking the Pashtuns with terrorists."{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/920082|title=Talibanising Pashtuns|website=The News International|first=Qasim|last=Khan|date=27 December 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://gandhara.rferl.org/amp/imran-khan-comments-pashtuns-taliban/31511322.html|title=Pakistan's Imran Khan Under Fire For Claiming Pashtuns Are Taliban Sympathizers|website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=15 October 2021|access-date=24 May 2022|archive-date=31 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531064405/https://gandhara.rferl.org/amp/imran-khan-comments-pashtuns-taliban/31511322.html}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1651737|title=Pakhtuns not terrorists, says ANP|work=Dawn|date=13 October 2021}}{{Cite web|first=Angana|last=Chakrabarti|url=https://theprint.in/go-to-pakistan/pakistani-pashtuns-have-a-message-for-imran-khan-we-are-not-taliban/749528/|title=Pakistani Pashtuns have a message for Imran Khan—'we are not Taliban'|website=The Print|date=12 October 2021}}

During his keynote address at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Extraordinary Session of Foreign Ministers on 19 December 2021, which was held in Islamabad to discuss the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Khan said "the idea of human rights is different in every society," giving the example of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which borders Afghanistan. He further added, "the city culture is completely different from the culture in rural areas [...] we give stipends to the parents of the girls so that they send them to school. But in districts bordering Afghanistan, if we are not sensitive to the cultural norms, then they won't send them to school despite receiving double the amount. We have to be sensitive about human rights and women rights."{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1664670|title=Afghanistan will become biggest man-made crisis if world doesn't act, says PM Imran at OIC summit|date=19 December 2021|website=Dawn}} His remarks were criticised by many people from Afghanistan and Pakistan,{{Cite web|first=Tenzin|last=Zompa|url=https://theprint.in/go-to-pakistan/imran-khan-defends-taliban-on-female-education-pakistanis-say-educate-yourself/784599/|title=Imran Khan defends Taliban on female education. Pakistanis say 'educate yourself'|website=The Print|date=20 December 2021}} including former Afghan president Hamid Karzai. Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai also slammed Khan's remarks, saying: "I nearly lost my life fighting against the Taliban's ban on girls' education."{{Cite web|first=Amit|last=Chaturvedi|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/i-nearly-lost-my-life-malala-slams-imran-khan-s-pashtun-culture-remarks-101640063358470.html|title='I nearly lost my life...': Malala Yousafzai slams Imran Khan's 'Pashtun culture' remarks|website=Hindustan Times|date=21 December 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1665123|title=PM on education|work=Dawn|date=22 December 2021}}

In 2022, during his speech, Imran Khan referenced a clip of Maryam Nawaz's speech, in which she mentioned his name multiple times. Khan remarked: "Someone sent me a clip on social media of Maryam's speech, somewhere. She took my name so many times and with so much passion, I want to tell her that Maryam, please be careful, your husband might get upset the way you call my name again and again." Khan's comments followed Maryam's repeated tirades against him and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Perceived as inappropriate and misogynistic, the comments sparked significant criticism from both his opponents and some supporters.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1690700|title='No defence' for Imran's misogynistic remark about Maryam Nawaz|first=Sumaira|last=Jajja|work=Dawn|date=21 May 2022|access-date=6 November 2024}}

{{Main|List of awards and honours received by Imran Khan}}

Khan has published six works of non-fiction, including an autobiography co-written with Patrick Murphy. In the late 1980s, he served as editor of The Cricketer, a London-based cricket magazine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/books/story/19901015-book-review-imran-khan-an-indus-journey-813105-1990-10-14|title=Book Review: Imran Khan's 'An Indus Journey' |first=Dilip |last=Bobb |date=15 October 1990 |website=India Today}} He periodically wrote editorials on cricket and Pakistani politics in several leading Pakistani and British newspapers. It was revealed in 2008 that Khan's second book, Indus Journey: A Personal View of Pakistan, had required heavy editing from the publisher. The publisher, Jeremy Lewis, revealed in a memoir that when he asked Khan to show his writing for publication, "He handed me a leather-bound notebook or diary containing a few jottings and autobiographical snippets. It took me, at most, five minutes to read them; and that, it soon became apparent, was all we had to go on."{{cite news |title=It's a miracle... Imran's notes turn into book|work=London Evening Standard |date=4 July 2008}} Khan's autobiography was published in 2011, detailing his transition from cricketer to politician, as well as the challenges he faced in his philanthropic work.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/pakistan-personal-history-imran-khan-2359195.html|title=Pakistan: A Personal History by Imran Khan|date=3 November 2011|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=3 January 2021}}

Khan has also penned op-eds in various media outlets, including CNN where he advocated for conversation and restoration of damaged natural ecosystems.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/05/opinions/imran-khan-world-environment-day-2021-spc-intl/index.html|title=World Environment Day: We must conserve and restore our ecosystems, for the sake of future generations|first=Imran|last=Khan|website=CNN|date=5 June 2021}}

Khan's publications include:

• West and East (Macmillan, 1975)
• Imran: The Autobiography of Imran Khan (Pelham, 1983)
• Imran Khan's Cricket Skills (Hamlyn, 1989)
• Indus Journey: A Personal View of Pakistan (Chatto & Windus, 1991)
• All Round View (Mandarin, 1992)
• Warrior Race: A Journey Through the Land of the Tribal Pathans (Chatto & Windus, 1993)
• Pakistan: A Personal History (Bantam Press, 2011)
• Main Aur Mera Pakistan (Orient, 2014)

{{Portal|Cricket|Pakistan|Politics}}

• Electoral history of Imran Khan
• Goldsmith family
• Pets of Imran Khan
• List of international cricket five-wicket hauls by Imran Khan
• List of sportsperson-politicians
• List of international prime ministerial trips made by Imran Khan
• 2011 Minar-e-Pakistan PTI Jalsa

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist |refs=

{{harvtxt|Hutchins|Midgley|2015}} "White had begun her affair with Imran in 1986, shortly after he had finished with Emma Sergeant. Their relationship ended after two years when he wrote her a note saying, 'I cannot love you as Emma will always be the love of mv life. But White became pregnant when they slept together for one last time in 1991 and she gave birth to a daughter, Tyrian."

{{harvtxt|Morgan|2012}} "We'd heard from our usual inside source that the Sunday Mirror were breaking a story about Imran Khan fathering a lovechild by Sita White, daughter of the business tycoon Lord White. The picture desk sent a photographer straight to her home in Los Angeles, and when she opened the door he was able to take one quick shot inside. On closer examination of his picture he spotted a framed photo on the table in her hallway – with Sita and the lovechild who bears a striking resemblance to his father."

{{harvtxt|Oborne|2015|pages=298–310}} "At this stage, the Burki family connection came to the rescue....."One of the participants suggested a form of treatment which was still at an experimental stage, whereby the healing process was hastened by means of electrical cycles passed through the leg." The treatment was very expensive, and needed doing in London, but General Zia guaranteed that the government would supply the money. So in the spring of 1984, Imran travelled to the Cromwell Hospital in London for a six-month course of treatment, during which his leg was put in a cast. Neither he, nor anyone else, knew whether he would play cricket again...."I had the choice of continuing as captain following that series, but decided against it. I did so because Imran didn't give me his full co-operation in that [Sri Lanka] series, and it was a great disappointment to me.""

}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{refbegin|33em}}

• {{cite book|last1=Clary|first1=Christopher|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QrptEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA271|title=The Difficult Politics of Peace: Rivalry in Modern South Asia|date=17 May 2022|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=271|isbn=978-0-19-763843-9|access-date=24 April 2025}}
• {{citation|last1=Hutchins|first1=Chris|author-link=Chris Hutchins|first2=Dominic|last2=Midgley|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gmlJAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA173|title=Goldsmith: Money, Women and Power|date=2015|publisher=BookBaby|page=173|isbn=978-0-9933566-3-6}}
• {{cite book|last1=Jaffrelot|first1=Christophe|author-link1=Christophe Jaffrelot|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i5GMCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA279|title=The Pakistan Paradox: Instability and Resilience|pages=279|year=2015|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-023518-5|access-date=14 April 2025}}
• {{cite book|last1=Morgan|first1=Piers|author-link=Piers Morgan|url={{Google books|oKXJxdjenHIC|page=PT64|plainurl=yes}}|title=The Insider: The Private Diaries of a Scandalous Decade|date=2012|publisher=Random House|isbn=978-1-4464-9168-3|page=81}}
• {{cite book|last1=Naseemullah|first1=Adnan|last2=Chhibber|first2=Pradeep|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HknzEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA118|title=Righteous Demagogues: Populist Politics in South Asia and Beyond|year=2024|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=118|isbn=978-0-19-775692-8|access-date=23 April 2025}}
• {{cite book|last1=Oborne|first1=Peter|author-link1=Peter Oborne|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EXXGBwAAQBAJ|title=Wounded Tiger: A History of Cricket in Pakistan|date=9 April 2015|publisher=Simon & Schuster UK|isbn=978-1-84983-248-9|access-date=28 March 2025}}
• {{cite book|editor-last1=Pande|editor-first1=Aparna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZlsyDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT758|title=Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Pakistan|date=23 August 2017|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-317-44759-7|access-date=23 April 2025}}
• {{cite book|last1=Qadir|first1=Muneeb|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9R4REQAAQBAJ&pg=PA50|title=A MAD, MAD WORLD: The global rise in rightwing populism|date=3 September 2024|publisher=Daastan Publishing|page=50|isbn=978-969-696-962-4|access-date=24 April 2025}}
• {{cite book|last1=Sadiq|first1=B. J.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7740DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1990|title=Let There Be Justice: The Political Journey of Imran Khan|date=9 September 2017|publisher=Fonthill Media|isbn=978-1-78155-637-5|access-date=11 April 2025}}
• {{cite book|last1=Waseem|first1=Mohammad|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IGxvEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT88|title=Political Conflict in Pakistan|date=April 2022|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-765426-2|access-date=7 October 2024}}
• {{cite book|last1=Wilde|first1=Simon|author-link1=Simon Wilde|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zbRLAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA270|title=Wisden Cricketers of the Year: A Celebration of Cricket's Greatest Players|pages=270|date=17 September 2013|publisher=Bloomsbury USA|isbn=978-1-4081-4084-0|access-date=14 April 2025}}

{{refend}}

{{refbegin|33em}}

• {{cite book|last=Huzur|first=Frank|title=Imran Versus Imran: The Untold Story|url=http://www.frankhuzur.com/imran-vs-imran.html|year=2011|publisher=Falcon & Falcon|isbn=978-81-920551-0-7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007041922/http://www.frankhuzur.com/imran-vs-imran.html|archive-date=7 October 2013}}
• {{cite book|last1=Sandford|first1=Christopher|author-link=Christopher Sandford (biographer) | year = 2009 | title = Imran Khan: The Cricketer, the Celebrity, the Politician | publisher=HarperCollins | isbn= 978-0-00-731888-9}}
• {{cite book|last1=Tennant|first1=Ivo| year = 1996 | title = Imran Khan | publisher=Trafalgar Square Publishing | isbn=978-0-575-05936-8}}

{{refend}}

{{Sister project links | wikt=no | commons=Category:Imran Khan (politician) | b=no | n=Category:Imran Khan (politician) | q=Imran Khan | s=no | v=no | voy=no | species=no | d=Q155164}}

• {{Twitter|ImranKhanPTI}}
• {{ESPNcricinfo|id=40560}}
• [https://www.theguardian.com/profile/imrankhan Column archive] at The Guardian
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui_oECjOoCE Imran Khan's journey from cricketing Playboy to Politician – Journeyman Pictures]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_p6AWtDgKU 1990s Interview, Cricketer Imran Khan at Home – thekinolibrary]
• [https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/emma-sergeant-b-1960-imran-khan-4410401-details.aspx Portrait of Imran Khan] by Emma Sergeant
• {{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna45789373|title=Stop fighting and start talking|date=14 December 2011|work=NBC News|format=video}}

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Category:Recipients of Hilal-i-Imtiaz

Category:Recipients of the Pride of Performance

Category:Recipients of King Hamad Order of the Renaissance

Category:Sussex cricketers

Category:Pakistani expatriate cricketers in England

Category:Wisden Cricketers of the Year

Category:Wisden Leading Cricketers in the World

Category:Worcestershire cricketers

Category:World Series Cricket players

Category:M Parkinson's World XI cricketers

Category:Pakistani cricket coaches

Category:Niazi family

Category:Cricketers from Mianwali

Category:Pashtun cricketers

Category:Politicians from Islamabad

Category:Pakistani Muslim pacifists