Imran Khan - Politician
Age: 73
Country: Pakistan Occupations:
Politician
Imran Khan is a Pakistani politician and former international cricket star who served as the 19th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. He is widely considered one of the most influential and polarizing figures in the country's history.
His life and career are typically defined by four distinct phases:
1. Cricket Legend
Khan rose to global fame as a world-class "all-rounder" and captain of the Pakistan national cricket team. His sporting career culminated in 1992, when he led Pakistan to its first and only ICC Cricket World Cup victory. He is still regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
2. Philanthropy
Following his retirement from sports, he transitioned into humanitarian work. He founded the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Lahore (named after his mother), which was the first specialized cancer facility in Pakistan. He also established Namal University, a technical college in a rural area of the country.
3. Political Rise and Premiership
In 1996, he founded his own political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), campaigning on an anti-corruption platform and the promise of a "Naya" (New) Pakistan. After two decades as a political outsider, he was elected Prime Minister in 2018. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve social welfare (the Ehsaas program) and navigate a difficult economy, though he faced significant opposition from traditional political dynasties.
4. Ouster and Current Status
In April 2022, Khan became the first Pakistani Prime Minister to be removed via a parliamentary no-confidence motion. Since his ouster, he has led a massive protest movement against the subsequent government and the military establishment.
As of April 2026, he remains a central but embattled figure:
Imprisonment: He has been incarcerated since August 2023, facing a long list of legal charges ranging from corruption to the leaking of state secrets.
Legal Battles: He and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have received multiple sentences, including a 14-year term in early 2024. His legal team continues to appeal these convictions in the Islamabad High Court.
Health Concerns: Recent reports in early 2026 have highlighted concerns regarding his health and vision while in solitary confinement.
Despite his imprisonment, he retains a massive, loyal following both within Pakistan and among the global diaspora.