View source for Imran Khan

{{short description|Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022}}
{{Pp-move|small=yes}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{About other people|the politician and former cricketer}}
{{Use Pakistani English|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_suffix = [[Hilal-i-Imtiaz|HI(C)]] [[Pride of Performance|PP]] [[FRCPE]]
| image = Prime Minister Imran Khan Adresses the Forum 01.jpg
| image_size = 
| caption = Khan in 2021
| order = 19th
| office = Prime Minister of Pakistan
| president = {{Plainlist|
* [[Mamnoon Hussain]]
* [[Arif Alvi]]}}
| term_start = 18 August 2018
| term_end = 10 April 2022
| predecessor = [[Nasirul Mulk]] ([[Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan|caretaker]])
| successor = [[Shehbaz Sharif]]
| office1 = Chairman of the [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf]]
| deputy1 = 
| term_start1 = 25 April 1996
| term_end1 = 2 December 2023
| predecessor1 = ''Position established''
| successor1 = [[Gohar Ali Khan]]
| office2 = Member of the [[National Assembly of Pakistan|National Assembly]]
| term_start2 = 13 August 2018
| term_end2 = 21 October 2022
| predecessor2 = [[Obaidullah Shadikhel]]
| successor2 = 
| constituency2 = [[NA-95 Mianwali-I]]
| majority2 = 113,523 (44.89%)
| term_start3 = 19 June 2013
| term_end3 = 31 May 2018
| predecessor3 = [[Hanif Abbasi]]
| successor3 = [[Sheikh Rashid Shafique]]
| constituency3 = [[NA-57 Rawalpindi-VI#Election 2013|NA-56 Rawalpindi-VII]]
| majority3 = 13,268 (8.28%)
| term_start4 = 10 October 2002
| term_end4 = 3 November 2007
| predecessor4 = ''Constituency established''
| successor4 = [[Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan]]
| constituency4 = [[NA-89 Mianwali-I#Election 2002|NA-71 Mianwali-I]]
| majority4 = 6,204 (4.49%)
| office5 = Chancellor of the [[University of Bradford]]
| term_start5 = 7 December 2005
| term_end5 = 8 December 2014
| predecessor5 = [[Betty Lockwood]]
| successor5 = [[Kate Swann]]
| birth_name = Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1952|10|5}}
| birth_place = [[Lahore]], [[West Punjab]], Pakistan
| death_date = 
| death_place = 
| death_cause = 
| residence = {{Indented plainlist|
* [[Bani Gala]], Islamabad, Capital Territory
* [[Zaman Park]], Lahore, Punjab
}}
| party = [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf]] (since 1996)
| spouse = {{Plainlist|
* {{marriage|[[Jemima Goldsmith]]|16 May 1995|22 June 2004|reason=div}}
* {{marriage|[[Reham Khan]]|January 2015|October 2015|reason=div}}
* {{marriage|[[Bushra Bibi]]|February 2018}}}}
| children = 2
| relatives = [[Family of Imran Khan]]
| education = [[Keble College, Oxford]] ([[B.A.]])
| awards = ''[[List of awards and honours received by Imran Khan|See list]]''
| signature = Imran Khan signature.svg
| nickname = {{ubli|Kaptaan (Captain)|Qaidi No. 804 (Prisoner No. 804)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2491061/pakistan|title=In Peshawar, 'Qaidi No 804' sandals named after jailed ex-PM a big Eid hit|date=10 April 2024|first=Wasim|last=Sajjad|work=[[Arab News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/qaidi-number-804-imran-khan-pti-challenging-pakistani-army-establishment-protests-islamabad-jalsa-2597290-2024-09-10|title=Qaidi Number 804 is challenging Pakistani establishment. Who is he?|date=10 September 2024|work=[[India Today]]}}</ref>}}
| module = {{Infobox cricketer
|embed              = yes
|country            = Pakistan
|height            = 6 ft<ref>{{cite web
 |title=Wisden (2 July 2001)
 |url=https://downloads.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/CRICKET_NEWS/2001/JUL/446750_WISDEN_02JUL2001.html
 |website=[[ESPNcricinfo]]
 |date=2 July 2001
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004181327/https://downloads.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/CRICKET_NEWS/2001/JUL/446750_WISDEN_02JUL2001.html
 |archive-date=4 October 2025
 |url-status=dead
 |access-date=4 October 2025
}}</ref>
|batting            = Right-handed
|bowling            = Right-arm fast
|role               = [[All-rounder]]
|international      = true
|internationalspan  = 1971–1992
|testdebutdate      = 3 June
|testdebutyear      = 1971
|testdebutagainst   = England
|testcap            = 88
|lasttestdate       = 2 January
|lasttestyear       = 1992
|lasttestagainst    = Sri Lanka
|odidebutdate       = 31 August
|odidebutyear       = 1974
|odidebutagainst    = England
|odicap             = 175
|lastodidate        = 25 March
|lastodiyear        = 1992
|lastodiagainst     = England
|columns            = 4
|column1            = [[Test cricket|Test]]
|matches1           = 88
|runs1              = 3,807
|bat avg1           = 37.69
|100s/50s1          = 6/18
|top score1         = 136
|deliveries1        = 19,458
|wickets1           = 362
|bowl avg1          = 22.81
|fivefor1           = 23
|tenfor1            = 6
|best bowling1      = 8/58
|catches/stumpings1 = 28/–
|column2            = [[One Day International|ODI]]
|matches2           = 175
|runs2              = 3,709
|bat avg2           = 33.41
|100s/50s2          = 1/19
|top score2         = 102[[not out|*]]
|deliveries2        = 7,461
|wickets2           = 182
|bowl avg2          = 26.61
|fivefor2           = 1
|tenfor2            = 0
|best bowling2      = 6/14
|catches/stumpings2 = 36/–
|column3            = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
|matches3           = 382
|runs3              = 17,771
|bat avg3           = 36.79
|100s/50s3          = 30/93
|top score3         = 170
|deliveries3        = 65,224
|wickets3           = 1287
|bowl avg3          = 22.32
|fivefor3           = 70
|tenfor3            = 13
|best bowling3      = 8/34
|catches/stumpings3 = 117/–
|column4            = [[List A cricket|LA]]
|matches4           = 425
|runs4              = 10,100
|bat avg4           = 33.22
|100s/50s4          = 5/66
|top score4         = 114[[not out|*]]
|deliveries4        = 19,122
|wickets4           = 507
|bowl avg4          = 22.31
|fivefor4           = 6
|tenfor4            = 0
|best bowling4      = 6/14
|catches/stumpings4 = 84/–
|date               = 5 November
|year               = 2014
|source             = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/40560.html ESPNcricinfo
|medaltemplates=<!--MENTION HOST NATIONS FOR TEAM SPORTS-->
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Cricket]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{PAK}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Cricket World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[1992 Cricket World Cup|1992 Australia and New Zealand]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ACC Asia Cup]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[1986 Asia Cup|1986 Sri Lanka]]|}}
}}
| native_name = {{nobold|{{nq|عمران خان}}}}
| 1blankname1 = Vice-Chairman
| 1namedata1 = [[Shah Mahmood Qureshi]]
}}
{{Contains special characters|Urdu}}
{{Imran Khan sidebar}}
'''Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi'''{{efn|[[Urdu]]: {{nq|عمران احمد خان نیازی}}, {{IPA|ur|ɪmˈɾaːn ˈɛɦməd ˈxaːn nɪˈjaːziː|pron|small=no}}.}} (born 5 October 1952) is a Pakistani former [[cricketer]], [[philanthropist]], and politician who served as the 19th [[prime minister of Pakistan]] from August 2018 until April 2022. As a cricketer, he captained the Pakistan national cricket team to victory in the [[1992 Cricket World Cup]]. After retiring from cricket, he founded the [[Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre]], Pakistan's first cancer hospital. He is the founder of the political party [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf]] (PTI) and was its chairman from 1996 to 2023.

Born in [[Lahore]], he graduated from [[Keble College, Oxford]]. He began his [[international cricket]] career in a [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 1971|1971 Test series]] against England. He advocated for neutral [[Umpire (cricket)|umpiring]] during his captaincy. He led Pakistan to its first-ever Test series victories in [[Pakistani cricket team in India in 1986–87|India]] and [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 1987|England]] during 1987. Playing until 1992, he captained the Pakistan national cricket team for most of the 1980s and early 1990s. In addition to achieving the all-rounder's triple of scoring 3,000 [[Run (cricket)|runs]] and taking 300 [[Dismissal (cricket)|wickets]] in Tests, he holds the world record for the most wickets as a captain in [[Test cricket]], along with the [[List of Test cricket records#Innings as captain 2|second-best bowling figures in an innings]]. Moreover, he has won the most [[Player of the Series awards (cricket)|Player of the Series awards]] in Test cricket for Pakistan and ranks fourth overall in Test history. In 2009, he was inducted into the [[ICC Cricket Hall of Fame]].

In his bachelorhood, he had several relationships and was associated with London's [[nightlife]]. His first girlfriend, [[Emma Sergeant]], was, according to him, the one woman he truly loved before his first marriage. He had a relationship with Ana-Luisa (Sita) White, daughter of industrialist [[Gordon White, Baron White of Hull|Gordon White]]. A [[California]] court ruled Khan to be the father of her daughter Tyrian Jade, though he denied paternity. He dated German MTV host [[Kristiane Backer]], introducing her to Islam. He married [[Jemima Goldsmith]] in 1995, had two sons, and divorced in 2004 due to her difficulty adjusting to life in Pakistan. He married British-Pakistani journalist [[Reham Khan]] in January 2015, but they divorced in October the same year. He married his spiritual guide [[Bushra Bibi]] on 18 February 2018.

He supported [[General Musharraf]]'s [[1999 Pakistani coup d'état]]. His political career involved perceived closeness to the [[Establishment (Pakistan)|military establishment]], including contacts with several [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] chiefs. He became a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan for the first time in the 2002 election. He contested the [[2018 Pakistani general election]] from five constituencies and became the first in Pakistan's electoral history to win all of them. He was elected prime minister in a PTI-led coalition government. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched Pakistan's largest [[Ehsaas Programme|welfare programme]]. In February 2022, he became the first Pakistani prime minister since 2002 to visit Moscow, arriving on the same day the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] began. During his [[Premiership of Imran Khan|premiership]], he spoke out against [[Islamophobia]] in the [[western world]]. In April 2022, he became the first Pakistani prime minister to be removed from office through a [[No-confidence motion against Imran Khan|no-confidence motion]]. He alleged [[Cypher No. I-0678|US involvement]] in his removal, blaming Washington for opposing his foreign policy that sought closer relations with China and Russia.

In October 2022, the Election Commission of Pakistan barred him for one term from the National Assembly over the [[Toshakhana case]]. In November, he survived an [[Attempted assassination of Imran Khan|assassination attempt]]. In May 2023, he was arrested at the Islamabad High Court during a hearing related to the corruption charges; following the [[May 9 riots]], he was released on protective bail a few days later. He was arrested again in August 2023. He has since been sentenced to 14 years in the [[Al-Qadir Trust case]] and, as of December 2024, faced 186 cases across Pakistan. He has alleged that his imprisonment is politically motivated, blaming the post-2022 military establishment and the [[Shehbaz Sharif]] government, both of which deny the claim.

== Early life and family ==
{{Further|Family of Imran Khan}}
[[File:JavedZamanWithImranKhan.jpg|thumb|right|Khan with his uncle Javed Zaman,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1800472|title=Imran's uncle Javed Zaman dies|date=25 December 2023|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> who would later become his cricket mentor, {{circa|1957}}.]]

Khan was born in [[Lahore]] on 5 October 1952.<ref>{{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}}</ref>{{efn|Some sources state he was born on 25 November 1952,<ref name="Dawn2">{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> Khan has said that this mistake stemmed from that date being written erroneously on his passport.<ref>{{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}}</ref>}} He is the only son of Ikramullah Khan Niazi, a civil engineer, and his wife, Shaukat Khanum, and has four sisters.<ref name="Warrior Race">{{cite book |last=Khan |first=Imran |year=1993 |title=Warrior Race |publisher=Butler & Tanner Ltd. |location=London |isbn=978-0-7011-3890-5}}</ref> Paternally, he is of [[Pathans of Punjab|Pathan]] origin from the [[Niazi]] tribe.<ref>{{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.}}</ref><ref>{{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.}}</ref> His maternal family is from the [[Burki]] community,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/imran-khan-154467|title=CRICKETERS OF THE YEAR: Imran Khan|date=15 April 1983|website=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref> having lived near [[Jalandhar]] for centuries before migrating to Pakistan after Independence in 1947.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

He attended [[Aitchison College]] and Cathedral School in Lahore.<ref name="flamboyant"/><ref>{{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.}}</ref> He arrived at [[Royal Grammar School Worcester]] in England in September 1971 and performed well in [[cricket]] there.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="TCM">{{cite news|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1032793/schoolboy-imran|title=Schoolboy Imran|first1=Francis|last1=Kelly|date=August 2016}}</ref> In 1972, after being turned down by [[Cambridge University]],<ref name="ESPN">Ivo Tennant, "Excellence exhausted", espncricinfo.com, 4 September 2008</ref> he was admitted to [[Keble College, Oxford]], where he studied [[philosophy, politics and economics]], graduating in 1975.<ref name="oxford interview">{{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}}</ref> [[Paul Hayes (historian)|Paul Hayes]], a cricket enthusiast, helped facilitate his entry.<ref name="ESPN"/>

== Personal life ==
Khan had several relationships in his bachelorhood.<ref>{{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.}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He was known as a "[[playboy (lifestyle)|playboy]]" who was active in London's [[nightlife]], often visiting [[Tramp (nightclub)|Tramp]] in [[St James's]].<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> One or two of his girlfriends were called "mysterious blondes" in British tabloids. During the 1980s and 1990s, he was regarded as one of the most [[eligible bachelor]]s.<ref name="mysteryblondes">{{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]]}}</ref>

His first girlfriend, [[Emma Sergeant]], an artist and daughter of British investor Sir [[Patrick Sergeant]], introduced him to [[socialite]]s. ''[[The Times]]'' states Emma was the "one woman he truly loved before his first marriage."<ref name="mysteryblondes" /> They met in 1982 and visited Pakistan. She accompanied him everywhere, including a hunting trip to [[Peshawar]] and a cricket tour to Australia.<ref name="maidens">{{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}}</ref> She painted his portrait during their relationship at his request.<ref>{{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}}</ref> His [[Chelsea, London|Chelsea]] residence, near Sergeant's studio and Tramp, became central to his social life. After long separations, their relationship ended in 1986.<ref name="mysteryblondes" />

[[Jonathan Orders]] introduced him to Susie Murray-Philipson, whom he later invited to Pakistan and had dinner with in 1982. Their relationship did not progress, as Philipson felt out of place and found cultural differences irreconcilable. He also briefly dated [[Susannah Constantine]], whom he met through Lulu Blacker; their relationship lasted about a year. Julia Verdin and Doone Murray were among other women associated with him, with their relationships receiving media attention.<ref name="mysteryblondes" />

Other women associated with him during this period include [[Zeenat Aman]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> Sarah Crawley, [[Marie Helvin]],<ref name="mysteryblondes" /> [[Stephanie Beacham]], [[Caroline Kellett]], [[Liza Campbell]], [[Goldie Hawn]], Sarah Giles,<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> Anastasia Cooke, and [[Hannah Rothschild (film maker)|Hannah Rothschild]]. These relationships did not last, as he required residency in Pakistan for a serious, long-term commitment.<ref name="maidens"/>

Ana-Luisa White, daughter of British industrialist [[Gordon White, Baron White of Hull|Gordon White]] and later known as Sita, began her relationship with him in 1986, shortly after his breakup with Emma. The relationship lasted two years, ending when he reportedly wrote that he could not love her as Emma would always be the love of his life. 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. She later claimed he was the father and kept a framed photograph of him.<ref name="maidens"/> Tyrian became the subject of a legal dispute in 1997 when a [[California]] court ruled him her father after White filed a paternity suit. The ruling followed his failure to respond to the suit or a blood test request.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> He denied paternity, saying he does not live in California or England and welcomes White to Pakistan to present his side in court. He offered to take a [[paternity test]] in Pakistan and said he would accept the decision of the Pakistani courts.<ref>{{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}}</ref> After White's death in 2004, Jemima, his wife and a friend of Sita, was named Tyrian's legal guardian in her will. He said Tyrian could join their family in London, leaving the decision to her due to her relationship with his and Jemima's sons.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In August 1992, he began dating [[Kristiane Backer]], a German MTV host; he introduced her to Islam during their nearly three-year relationship.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

Khan and [[Jemima Goldsmith]] confirmed their engagement on 12 May 1995. The couple said they would marry, with him stating Jemima 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.<ref name="Independent1995">{{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]]}}</ref> On 16 May 1995, the couple married in a brief two-minute Islamic [[Nikah]] ceremony in Paris. On 21 June, they had a [[civil ceremony]] at the [[Richmond, London|Richmond]] register office before moving to Lahore. They had two sons, Sulaiman Isa and Kasim.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 22 June 2004, the couple divorced, ending their nine-year marriage as it was "difficult for Jemima to adapt to life in Pakistan."<ref>{{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=}}</ref>

On 8 January 2015, he married British-Pakistani journalist [[Reham Khan]] in a private Nikah ceremony at his Islamabad residence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1155695|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|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}}</ref> On 22 October 2015, they announced plans to divorce.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2016, media speculated about his possible third marriage, linked to his spiritual ties with the Maneka family of [[Pakpattan]]. Reports claimed he visited Pakpattan several times in July to meet [[Maryam Riaz Wattoo]], sister of his spiritual guide [[Bushra Bibi]]. He dismissed the claims as "absolutely baseless".<ref>{{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}}</ref> Members of the Manika family also denied the rumour.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He called the media "unethical" for spreading it,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and PTI filed a complaint against the channels involved.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2017, PTI member [[Ayesha Gulalai]] alleged that he, then party chairman, sexually harassed her.{{sfn|Waseem|2022}} Gulalai said he had sent her "inappropriate text messages",<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> with the first sent in October 2013.<ref name="ids">{{cite web |last1=Khan |first1=Ayesha |last2=Yousuf |first2=Zonia |last3=Naqvi |first3=Sana |title=Women Politicians Navigating the 'Hostile Environment' in Pakistan |url=https://bulletin.ids.ac.uk/index.php/idsbo/article/view/3100/3101|website=IDS Bulletin |access-date=21 September 2025 |language=en |doi=10.19088/1968-2020.129 |date=22 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pakistan: Woman lawmaker accuses Imran Khan of sending 'obscene' text messages |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/pakistan-pti-lawmaker-ayesha-gulalai-accuses-imran-khan-of-harassing-women-party-leaders/story-CJtab5yD6hPhysSKeMj7XJ.html|website=Hindustan Times |access-date=24 October 2025 |language=en |date=2 August 2017}}</ref> He supported Prime Minister [[Shahid Khaqan Abbasi]]'s proposal for a special committee to investigate the claims. He said he had not sent "indecent messages" to Gulalai and "challenge[d] the [proposed] committee to find [the indecent texts] if there are any".<ref name="probe">{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> Khan opposed the proposed ethics committee after its composition emerged, calling it unfair for a government formed body, and said an independent panel should first assess the allegations.<ref name="dawn080817">{{cite web |last1=Chaudhry |first1=Fahad |title=PTI rejects 'biased' NA committee set to probe Gulalai's harassment allegations |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1350334 |website=Dawn |access-date=19 December 2025 |language=en |date=8 August 2017}}</ref> He refused to cooperate with the bipartisan committee;<ref name="ids"/> PTI filed a defamation suit against Gulalai,<ref>{{cite news|title=PTI serves legal notice to Ayesha Gulalai: Apologise to Imran or pay Rs30 million|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1472470|newspaper=[[The Express Tribune]]|date=2 August 2017|access-date=25 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media|title=Ayesha Gulalai submits response to defamation suit|date=8 February 2017|medium=Online video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDX8XWsqe9M|quote=Newscaster: 'A hearing was held in the defamation suit filed over allegations made by Ayesha Gulalai against Imran Khan. A power of attorney was submitted in court on behalf of Ayesha Gulalai. Details from Arshad Ali. Yes, Arshad Ali, what are the details?'....Arshad Ali: 'Yes, Naveed. Ayesha Gulalai's counsel submitted a power of attorney before the sessions judge. The counsel appeared before the judge and sought more time to file a response. The judge accepted the request and adjourned the hearing until 28 October. The defamation suit was filed by the Tehreek-e-Insaf leader, claiming that Ayesha Gulalai made false statements. The court has been requested to impose a fine of Rs 10 billion on Ayesha Gulalai.'|accessdate=21 December 2025|publisher=[[Lahore News]]}}</ref> which ''[[IDS Bulletin]]'' described as filed by Khan himself. No inquiry was ultimately conducted, and Gulalai did not publicly release the alleged messages.<ref name="ids"/>

On 7 January 2018, the PTI central secretariat said he had proposed to Bushra, but she had not yet accepted.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 18 February 2018, PTI confirmed he had married Bushra.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The ''[[mufti]]'' who conducted the marriage later testified that his nikah was performed twice. He said the first, on 1 January 2018, occurred while Bushra was still in ''[[iddat]]'', and alleged he believed marrying on that date would help him become prime minister.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|archive-date=13 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513192636/https://www.dawn.com/news/1747419|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 2018, he owned [[Pets of Imran Khan|five dogs]], including Motu at his [[Bani Gala]] estate.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Cricket career ==
[[File:Imran Khan at Sydney University Luncheon, 1984.png|thumb|250px|right|Khan as a test cricketer at a luncheon with [[Sydney University]]'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 cricket|first-class]] debut at 16 in [[Lahore]]. By the early 1970s, he played for local teams: Lahore A,{{efn|From 1969 to 1970}} Lahore B,{{efn|From 1969 to 1970}} Lahore Greens,{{efn|From 1970 to 1971}} and [[Lahore cricket teams|Lahore]].{{efn|From 1970 to 1971}}<ref name="cricket archive">{{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]]}}</ref> He was part of the University of Oxford Blues Cricket team from 1973 to 1975.<ref name="oxford interview"/> Between 1971 and 1976, Khan played English county cricket for [[Worcestershire County Cricket Club|Worcestershire]] and also represented Dawood Industries{{efn|From 1975 to 1976}} and [[Pakistan International Airlines cricket team|Pakistan International Airlines]].{{efn|From 1975 to 1976; 1980 and 1981}} From 1983 to 1988, he played for [[Sussex County Cricket Club|Sussex]].<ref name="cricket archive"/>

Khan made his [[Test cricket]] debut against England in June 1971 at [[Edgbaston cricket ground|Edgbaston]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> In August 1974, he played his first [[One Day International]] (ODI) match, again against England, at [[Trent Bridge]] for the Prudential Trophy.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

He received the [[The Cricket Society|Wetherell Award]] for leading all-rounder in English first-class cricket in 1976 and 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketsociety.org.uk/pages/21-wetherell-all-rounder|title=The Wetherell Award – English First Class Cricket|website=[[The Cricket Society]]|access-date=7 August 2025}}</ref> By 1977, he was playing in [[Kerry Packer]]'s [[World Series Cricket]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Imran_Khans_bowling_statistic.png|thumb|243x243px|Khan's [[Bowling (cricket)|bowling]] statistics as a cricketer from 1971 to 1991.]]

As a [[Bowler (cricket)|bowler]], Khan learned [[reverse swing]] from [[Sarfraz Nawaz]] and later taught it to [[Wasim Akram]] and [[Waqar Younis]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> From January 1980 to 1988, he took 236 Test [[Dismissal (cricket)|wickets]] at an [[Bowling average|average]] of 17.77, including 18 [[five-wicket haul]]s and five [[10-wicket haul]]s, with statistics comparing favourably with [[Richard Hadlee]], [[Malcolm Marshall]], [[Dennis Lillee]], [[Joel Garner]] and [[Michael Holding]] in both average and [[strike rate]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He was the leading Test wicket-taker in 1982.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He recorded his best Test figures, taking 8 wickets for 58 [[Run (cricket)|runs]] against [[Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan in 1981–82|Sri Lanka in 1981–82]].<ref name="stats2">{{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}}</ref>

=== Captaincy ===
In 1982, Khan became captain of the Pakistan national cricket team.<ref name="stats1">{{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]]}}</ref> Under him, Pakistan won their first Test in England in 28 years at [[Lord's]] in 1982.<ref name="English Test win">{{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}}</ref> In 1983, he was named a [[Wisden Cricketer of the Year]].{{sfn|Wilde|2013}} During [[Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 1982–83|Pakistan's 1982–83 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 (cricket)|century]] and take 10 wickets in a Test.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Next month, he reached a Test bowling rating of 922,{{efn|The [[International Cricket Council]] player ratings did not exist at the time; they were calculated retrospectively.}} the highest [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC) rating since World War I,{{sfn|Bermange|2020}} and third in all-time ICC Test bowling.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He became the first Pakistani bowler to take 200 Test wickets, with ''[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack]]'' noting he "bowled with such venom and fire that no Indian [[batsman]] other than [[Mohinder Amarnath]] faced him with any confidence."<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> The series caused a stress fracture in his left shin, sidelining him over two years. Initially, he could bat but not bowl; later, he could not play at all. An experimental treatment in London, funded by the Pakistani government, helped him recover by late 1984. He returned under [[Javed Miandad]]'s captaincy in the 1984–85 home series against Sri Lanka. Afterward, Miandad stepped down, citing limited co-operation from him, who was then reappointed captain.{{R|Oborne-2015}}

Khan initiated reforms in cricket [[umpire (cricket)|umpiring]] to reduce criticism of Pakistani officials in home series.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', [[Mike Selvey]] said that "such was his power" that in 1986 he invited Indian umpires [[V. K. Ramaswamy (umpire)|VK Ramaswamy]] and [[Piloo Reporter]] to officiate a [[West Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 1986–87|Test against West Indies]], marking the first step in independent umpiring. He later brought England's [[John Hampshire]] and [[John Holder (umpire)|John Holder]] for the [[Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 1989–90|home series against India in 1989–90]]. This led to the 1994 rule requiring one neutral umpire and the 2002 mandate for both umpires to be independent.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 1987, Khan led Pakistan to its first Test series win in India, followed by its first series victory in [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 1987|England]] the same year.<ref name="English Test win" /> He retired from international cricket after the [[1987 Cricket World Cup]].{{sfn|Oborne|2015|page=322}} He was asked to return as captain by [[General Zia-ul-Haq]], and he accepted the offer.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|date=10 January 2013|access-date=1 April 2025}}</ref> In 1988, he led Pakistan on a successful West Indies tour.<ref name="2006 profile">{{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}}</ref> He was named [[Man of the Series]], taking 23 wickets in three Tests.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> He became the first Asian and eighth non-Australian to win the [[International Cricketer of the Year]] in 1989.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

As captain, he led Pakistan in 48 Tests (14 wins, 8 losses, 26 draws) and 139 ODIs (75 wins, 59 losses, 1 tie).<ref name="stats1"/> In Tests, he holds the record for most wickets as captain, second-best [[innings]] figures (8/60), most five-wicket hauls in an innings (12), and most ten-wicket match hauls (4).<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

==== 1992 Cricket World Cup final ====
[[File:Imran Khan at the 1992 Cricket World Cup Ceremony.jpg|left|thumb|Khan presenting the World Cup to the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, [[Nawaz Sharif]], during a dinner held in the team's honour after their win in the 1992 World Cup.<ref>{{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}}</ref>]]
Khan led Pakistan to victory in the [[1992 Cricket World Cup]].{{sfn|Booth|2019}} In the final, he top-scored with 72 runs.<ref name="sc1">{{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}}</ref> He brought back Wasim Akram in the 35th [[Over (cricket)|over]] after [[Allan Lamb]] and [[Neil Fairbrother]] had added 72 runs. Akram dismissed Lamb and [[Chris Lewis (cricketer)|Chris Lewis]].<ref name="WC">{{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}}</ref> He claimed the final wicket himself.<ref name="sc1" /> This was Pakistan's first world cup victory.<ref name="WC"/> After the victory, he said,

{{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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>}}

===Retirement===
He played his last Test in January 1992 against Sri Lanka and retired after leading Pakistan to victory in the [[1992 Cricket World Cup final]].<ref name="stats2"/>

===Career stats===
He ended his career with 88 Tests, 126 innings, scoring 3,807 runs at an average of 37.69, including six centuries, 18 fifties, and a highest score of 136.<ref name="stats2"/> He had the second-highest all-time Test [[batting (cricket)|batting]] average of 61.86 playing at number six in the [[batting order (cricket)|batting order]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> As a bowler, he took 362 Test wickets.<ref name="stats2"/> He has won the most [[Player of the Series awards (cricket)|Player of the Series awards]] for Pakistan in Test cricket, ranking fourth overall in Test history.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In ODIs, he played 175 matches, scoring 3,709 runs at an average of 33.41, with a highest score of 102 [[not out]].<ref name="stats2"/> His best ODI [[bowling (cricket)|bowling]] was 6 for 14, the highest ODI innings figures recorded by any bowler in a defeat.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He achieved the [[all-rounder]]'s triple—3,000 runs and 300 wickets—in 75 Tests,<ref name="3rd_fastest">{{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}}</ref> becoming among the first four players to reach it. As of 2025, he is one of eleven players to do so,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and his 75-Test achievement is the third-fastest ever.<ref name="3rd_fastest"/>

== Post-retirement from cricket ==
After retiring, Khan said he had engaged in [[ball tampering]] during [[county cricket]], saying he "occasionally scratched the side of the ball and lifted the [[quarter seam|seam]]," and defended it by saying it was a commonplace practice.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He announced his return as a domestic league coach in May 2003.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

He occasionally appeared as a cricket commentator on Star TV.<ref name="WP profile">{{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}}</ref> In 2004, during the Indian cricket team's tour of Pakistan, he appeared as a commentator on [[TEN Sports]]' live show, ''Straight Drive''.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 23 November 2005, Khan was appointed [[chancellor (education)|chancellor]] of the [[University of Bradford]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2009, he was inducted into the [[ICC Cricket Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 26 February 2014, the [[University of Bradford Union]] moved a no-confidence motion to remove him for missing all graduation ceremonies since 2010.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 30 November 2014, he stepped down, citing "increasing political commitments," although it was reported that he effectively resigned under pressure.<ref>{{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]]|date=December 2014 |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}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy ===
Khan served as [[UNICEF]] Special Representative for Sports, promoting health and [[immunisation]] programmes in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> In 1994, he founded Pakistan's first cancer hospital, the [[Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre]], named after his mother,<ref name="times profile">{{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/sport/cricket/article/imran-khan-what-i-do-now-fulfils-me-like-never-before-0slcf0nfzz0|date=6 August 2006|access-date=7 April 2025}}</ref> who had died of cancer.{{sfn|Kamran|2024}} He raised funds by touring the country, with most donations coming from common people.<ref name="times profile"/> He aimed to provide free treatment to underprivileged patients, and as of 2024, 70% of patients receive free care.{{sfn|Kamran|2024}}

[[File:Imran Khan at Pakistan Embassy School, Jeddah.jpg|thumb|Khan fundraising for [[Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre]] in [[Jeddah]], 1992]]

To aid victims of the [[2001 Islamabad cloud burst]], Khan auctioned his signed 1992 Cricket World Cup bat and match sweater; the bat alone fetched US$20,000. He said these were the last items he had, having earlier auctioned the rest for Shaukat Khanum Hospital.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In December 2005, Khan, then Chancellor of the University of Bradford, signed a [[memorandum of understanding]] to establish [[Namal College]] in [[Mianwali]] as its associate college. Built by the Mianwali Development Trust on land donated by locals, it aimed to tackle unemployment through technical and vocational education.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The college opened in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |title=TI chief plans Knowledge City|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/497161/|date=18 October 2009|access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref>

In 2006, while visiting his children in London, he also worked with the [[Lord's Taverners]] cricket charity.<ref name="times profile"/>

Khan established The Imran Khan Foundation (IKF) in February 2006.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In January 2013, IKF launched a Rs30 million relief project for [[internally displaced person]]s of the [[Mehsud]] tribe from [[North Waziristan]], providing food, winter essentials, and tents to 2,600 families in [[Tank (city)|Tank]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]], who had limited government assistance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Imran Khan Foundation provides relief for ignored Waziristan IDPs|newspaper=[[Daily Times (Pakistan)|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}}</ref>

== Political career ==
=== Initial years ===
[[File:Imran in peshawar.jpg|thumb|Khan at a political rally in [[Peshawar]] in 1996]]
In 1987, [[President Zia-ul-Haq]] offered Khan a post in the [[Pakistan Muslim League]] (PML), which he declined. In 1993, he was appointed tourism ambassador in the caretaker government of [[Moeenuddin Ahmad Qureshi]] for three months until it was dissolved. In late 1994, he joined former [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] chief [[Hamid Gul]] and [[Muhammad Ali Durrani]] of Pasban, a breakaway of [[Jamaat-e-Islami (Pakistan)|Jamaat-e-Islami]], to launch a "pressure group" as a civil society watchdog.<ref name="flamboyant">{{cite web |date=17 August 2018 |title=Imran Khan ─ from flamboyant cricketer to prime minister |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1423231|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|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}}</ref>

In 1995, [[Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto]], fearing a military coup that could make him Prime Minister, responded with punitive measures. State television refused to air archival cricket footage and banned fundraising ads for [[Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital]] during [[Ramadan]]. Authorities also planted rumours that he was under investigation for embezzlement and tax irregularities. Donations to the hospital halved that year as a result.<ref name="Tim">{{cite news|author=Tim McGirk|date=14 April 1995|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/imrans-dangerous-new-game-1615722.html|title=Imran's Dangerous New Game|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827142511/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/imrans-dangerous-new-game-1615722.html|archive-date=27 August 2018|quote= She was tiny beside the six-foot-two cricketer (...)|website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref>

On 25 April 1996, he founded the political party [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf]] (PTI).{{sfn|Sadiq|2017}} [[Nawaz Sharif]] invited him to join [[PML (N)|his party]], offering second-in-command position and 30 National Assembly seats; he declined.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He ran for the National Assembly in the 1997 election from the constituencies — NA-53 Mianwali and NA-94 Lahore — as a PTI candidate but lost both to the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]] (PML (N)).<ref>{{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}}</ref>

He supported [[General Musharraf]]'s [[1999 Pakistani coup d'état]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> believing Musharraf would "end corruption and clear out the political mafias."<ref>{{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}}</ref> His PTI was among the parties that supported [[Pervez Musharraf]] in the [[2002 Pakistani referendum]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/27176|title=Opposition parties may boycott referendum|date=22 March 2002|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|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}}</ref> In July 2002, Musharraf's principal secretary Tariq Aziz tried to persuade Khan to join a pro-military alliance, but the meeting ended in acrimony, with Aziz telling him, "You will never win your seat now."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/sep/27/pakistan.cricket|title=Undaunted Imran returns to the stump|date=26 September 2002|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|first=Rory|last=McCarthy}}</ref> Khan participated in the [[2002 Pakistani general election]] and said that if his party did not win a majority, they would consider forming a coalition.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He was the only winner from PTI in that election.{{sfn|Jaffrelot|2015}}

[[File:Imran Khan - portrait (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|200px|Khan in 2007]]

On 6 May 2005, [[Hendrik Hertzberg]] described him as "most directly responsible" for drawing attention in the Muslim world to the alleged [[2005 Quran desecration controversy|desecration of the Qur'an]] at [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In August 2005, [[Declan Walsh (journalist)|Declan Walsh]] called him a "miserable politician", saying "Khan's ideas and affiliations since entering politics in 1996 have swerved and skidded like a [[Auto rickshaw|rickshaw]] in a rainshower... He preaches democracy one day but gives a vote to reactionary mullahs the next."<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In March 2006, he was escorted home by police and placed under [[house arrest]] after threatening to protest against [[President George W. Bush]] during his visit to Pakistan.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

[[File:Iktearsoffpapers.jpg|thumb|Khan tearing his nomination paper for the National Assembly at a press conference; he boycotted the 2008 elections.]]

On 2 October 2007, as part of the [[All Parties Democratic Movement]], he joined 85 MPs in resigning from Parliament to protest the [[2007 Pakistani presidential election]], which General Musharraf contested without resigning as army chief.<ref name="resignation">{{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}}</ref> On 3 November 2007, he was placed under house arrest after Musharraf declared a [[2007 Pakistani state of emergency|state of emergency]]; he later escaped from detention.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He emerged from hiding on 14 November to join a student protest at the [[University of the Punjab]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> At the rally, activists from the [[Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba]], the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, restrained him inside a building.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He was arrested during the protest and sent to the [[Central Jail, Dera Ghazi Khan]], where he spent a week before release.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

He opposed the 2010 military operation in [[Kala Dhaka]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 30 October 2011, he addressed over 100,000 supporters in [[Lahore]], challenging government policies, and calling his movement "not a flood that is coming, but a tsunami."<ref>{{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}}</ref> Another gathering of at least 100,000 supporters occurred in [[Karachi]] on 25 December 2011.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In August 2012, the [[Pakistani Taliban]] issued death threats to him over his march to their tribal stronghold to protest [[U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan]], calling him a "liberal" and "secular" — terms they equated with being an infidel.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 1 October, they withdrew death threats and offered him protection for the rally. They "endorse[d] Imran Khan's plea that drone strikes are against our sovereignty."<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 6 October, he led a convoy of 10,000 to protest US drone strikes. The convoy was stopped by hundreds of security personnel just miles from [[South Waziristan]]'s border. After an hour of failed negotiations, he announced the rally would return to [[Tank (city)|Tank]], about 15 kilometres away.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

=== 2013 elections ===
[[File:PTI Symbol Elections.png|thumb|left|Khan chose the [[cricket bat]] 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, addressing thousands at [[The Mall, Lahore|The Mall]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He announced he would pull Pakistan from the US-led [[war on terror]] and said he would work to bring peace to the [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas|Pashtun tribal belt]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He announced that PTI would introduce a uniform education system aimed at providing equal opportunities for all children.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He concluded his campaign in South Punjab's [[Seraiki belt]] by addressing rallies in various cities.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 7 May, four days before the elections, he fell from a lifter while boarding a stage at a rally, sustaining head injuries,<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|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}}</ref> and four fractured vertebrae.<ref name="VM">{{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]]}}</ref> He ended the campaign by addressing a rally in Islamabad via [[video link]] from his hospital bed.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

The [[2013 Pakistani general election]] was held on 11 May. The PML (N), headed by Nawaz Sharif, won, while he alleged vote-rigging.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> The day after the elections, [[Asad Umar]], a leader from his party, announced that Khan had conceded defeat to PML (N).<ref>{{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}}</ref> While his party welcomed the vote, he pledged to release a [[white paper]] on alleged rigging and announced plans for protests.<ref>{{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)]]}}</ref>

His party became the leading party in the [[Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He nominated [[Pervez Khattak]] to lead his party's first provincial government.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|language=en}}</ref>

=== In opposition ===
{{See also|Inqilab March}}
Khan became PTI's parliamentary leader in the National Assembly after the 2013 elections.<ref name="Noria Research">{{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}}</ref> On 31 July 2013, he received a contempt-of-court notice for allegedly describing the superior judiciary as "shameful."<ref>{{cite news|title=Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Imran Khan|url=http://dawn.com/news/1033227|access-date=1 August 2013|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|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}}</ref> The notice was discharged after he told the Supreme Court that his criticism targeted lower-court judicial officers serving as returning officers during the elections.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Secretary Kerry Meets With Pakistani Party President Imran Khan.jpg|thumb|Khan meets U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] in August 2013 while he was in opposition]]

He was criticised for supporting [[Sami-ul-Haq]], described as the "Father of the Taliban," and funding his seminary, [[Darul Uloom Haqqania]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He accused the US of undermining peace with the Pakistani Taliban by killing its leader [[Hakimullah Mehsud]] in a drone strike in 2013. He announced plans for protests and to block [[NATO logistics in the Afghan War|NATO's supply lines to Afghanistan]] if drone attacks, which he said "fanned fanaticism," continued.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 11 May 2014, a year after the elections, he demanded the resignation of all [[Election Commission of Pakistan]] (ECP) members, a new ECP, and strict punishment for those who "stole the mandate of the masses."<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 14 August 2014, he led [[2014 Tsunami March|a rally]] from Lahore to Islamabad, demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's resignation and an investigation into alleged electoral fraud.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He and Canadian-Pakistani cleric [[Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri]] formed a "de facto" alliance to mobilise supporters for a regime-change campaign against Sharif.{{sfn|Naseemullah|Chhibber|2024}}<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Pakistanprotests2014.webm|thumb|[[Voice of America]] reports on Khan-led protest, August 2014]]

In 2014, then-PTI president [[Javed Hashmi]] alleged Khan was instructed by the army to coordinate his protests with [[Pakistan Awami Tehreek]] (PAT).<ref name="Noria Research"/> Hashmi accused him of being "influenced by a 'signal' from outside," which ''The New York Times'' called "an apparent reference to military intervention."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Masood |first1=Salman |last2=Walsh |first2=Declan |date=2014-08-31 |title=Pakistani Army Calls for Calm After Protest Turns Deadly |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/01/world/asia/pakistani-unrest.html |access-date=2025-05-15 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The [[Inter-Services Public Relations]] said it backed neither PTI nor PAT. The army acted as mediator between the protesters and the government.<ref name="ISPR2014">{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> In 2016, Hashmi said Khan had "conspired" with "disgruntled elements in the army".<ref name="Dawn2017">{{Cite web |date=2017-01-01 |title=Hashmi says Imran conspired with 'disgruntled elements in the army' during 2014 sit-in |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1305784/hashmi-says-imran-conspired-with-disgruntled-elements-in-the-army-during-2014-sit-in|access-date=2025-05-15 |website=DAWN |language=en}}</ref> In the ''Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Pakistan'', Aparna Pande, a Research Fellow at the [[Hudson Institute]], writes that parts of the army backed the protests; Khan was advised by then ISI chief [[Zaheer-ul-Islam]], and the ISI drafted Qadri to lead them.{{sfn|Pande|2017}}

On 1 September, protesters led by Qadri and him attempted to storm Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's official residence, triggering violence that left three dead and over 595 injured, including 115 police officers.<ref>{{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}}</ref> PTI and PAT protesters also stormed state-run [[Pakistan Television|PTV]], assaulting staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/01/pakistan-protesters-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-islamabad|title=Pakistani protesters force state TV station off air|date=1 September 2014|quote=Many demonstrators, who appeared mostly to be members of Qadri's Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), brandished sticks while some seized weapons from security staff.}}</ref> Later in September, he urged supporters to burn electricity bills and join [[civil disobedience]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/764714|title=Civil disobedience: Imran, supporters burn electricity bills at sit-in|date=20 September 2014|newspaper=[[The Express Tribune]]}}</ref> Following the [[2014 Peshawar school massacre]], he ended his 126-day sit-in on 17 December for national unity.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

In March 2015, his party agreed with the [[Third Nawaz Sharif government|Sharif administration]] to form a judicial commission to probe electoral fraud, a move facilitated by Army Chief [[General Raheel Sharif]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> In July, the commission found the elections broadly fair with no systemic rigging.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|date=23 July 2015|access-date=13 February 2025}}</ref> He accepted the commission's findings but said he had not received a copy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1195870|title=Imran Khan accepts findings of judicial commission report|last1=Haider|first1=Irfan|newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|date=23 July 2015|access-date=13 February 2025}}</ref>

He campaigned against Sharif after the [[Panama Papers]] leak in 2016, leading protests and calling for his resignation over corruption allegations.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== 2018 elections campaign ==
[[File:Imran Khan in Sindh, 2017.jpg|thumb|Khan campaigns for the elections in [[Sindh]] while wearing a traditional [[Sindhi cap]] and [[Ajrak]] in 2017|239x239px]]
Khan contested the [[2018 Pakistani general election]] from [[NA-35 (Bannu)]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[NA-53 (Islamabad-II)]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[NA-95 (Mianwali-I)]],<ref>{{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|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811064401/https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-95&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[NA-122 Lahore-VI#Election 2018|NA-131 (Lahore-IX)]],<ref>{{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|archive-date=3 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903233313/https://www.ecp.gov.pk/ConstResult.aspx?Const_Id=NA-131&type=NA&Election_ID=10070&Election=GENERAL+ELECTION+25+JUL+2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[NA-243 (Karachi East-II)]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He became the first in Pakistan elections history to contest and win all five constituencies, surpassing [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]], who contested four and won three in 1970.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Opposition parties alleged "massive rigging" and military influence in his favour.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[Nawaz Sharif]] and [[PML (N)]] alleged that the military aligned with the judiciary affected the election outcome in his favour.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The Election Commission rejected the allegations.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Two days after the 2018 elections, [[Michael Gahler]], chief observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Pakistan, said the overall situation of the election was satisfactory.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|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}}</ref>

=== Nominations and appointments ===
On 6 August 2018, his party nominated him for prime minister.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He designated [[Asad Umar]] as finance minister for his prospective government.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He nominated [[Mahmood Khan]] for [[Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> and [[Usman Buzdar]] for [[Chief Minister of Punjab (Pakistan)|Chief Minister of Punjab]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> In [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]], he directed his party to back the [[Balochistan Awami Party]], which nominated [[Jam Kamal Khan]] as chief minister and [[Abdul Quddus Bizenjo]] as speaker.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Prime Minister (2018–2022) ==
{{Main|Premiership of Imran Khan}}

[[File:Imran Khan oath as Prime Minister.jpg|thumb|right|Khan (left) is [[Oath of office ceremony of Imran Khan|sworn in]] 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 election.<ref>{{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}}</ref> His first military appointment was Lt. General [[Asim Munir]] as [[Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He initially held the [[Ministry of Interior (Pakistan)|Ministry of Interior]] portfolio after forming his cabinet.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|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}}</ref>

===Domestic policy===
==== Economy ====
[[File:President Trump at Davos (49421741106).jpg|thumb|Khan, accompanied by his finance minister [[Abdul Hafeez Shaikh]] 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]]

On taking office, he cut spending by reducing PM staff from 524 to 2,<ref>{{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}}</ref> and auctioning eight buffaloes and 61 luxury vehicles previously acquired for the PM's office.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/459007|title=All eight buffaloes of PM House sold at auction|date=27 September 2018|website=Dunya News|archive-date=25 December 2024|access-date=1 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225222804/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/459007|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''[[BBC]]'', he was criticised for using a helicopter to commute while promoting austerity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-09-17 |title=Pakistan bidders flock to PM Imran Khan's car auction |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45554753 |access-date=2024-11-19 |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC]] |archive-date=2025-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101222623/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45554753 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2020, ''[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]'' said that his popularity was falling, citing what it described as a weak economy, inflation, and corruption probes involving his aides.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 June 2020 |title=Army Tightens Grip on Pakistan as Imran Khan's Popularity Wanes |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-09/army-tightens-grip-on-pakistan-as-imran-khan-s-popularity-wanes |access-date=5 November 2024 |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205204607/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-09/army-tightens-grip-on-pakistan-as-imran-khan-s-popularity-wanes |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, official records showed that PM House expenses and PM Office budget fell by 49% and 29%, respectively.<ref>{{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}}</ref> His 12 foreign trips cost $680,000, which was less than a single New York visit by his predecessors.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> After his no-confidence, economist [[Atif Mian]] said Khan inherited a bad economy and left it worse, adding there was "zero increase in average income" with Pakistan still in a [[balance of payments]] crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM inherited bad economy, but leaves it in even worse shape: Atif Mian |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/410598-imran-khan-bad-economy-atif-mian |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=www.geo.tv |language=en |archive-date=2024-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111023416/https://www.geo.tv/latest/410598-imran-khan-bad-economy-atif-mian |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Environment and energy ====
In July 2018, then Chief Justice of Pakistan, [[Saqib Nisar]], launched a fundraiser for the construction of the [[Diamer-Bhasha Dam]] and [[Mohmand Dam]].<ref name="DF">{{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]]}}</ref> Khan urged overseas Pakistanis to support Nisar's fundraiser.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>
As of November 2023, the dams fund was Rs17.86 billion.<ref name="DF"/>

In September 2018, Khan launched the [[Plant for Pakistan]] programme.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2018-09-01|title='Plant for Pakistan' campaign kicks off across the country|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793014/1-plant-pakistan-drive-kicks-off-tomorrow/|access-date=2018-09-15|work=[[The Express Tribune]]|language=en-US|archive-date=2018-09-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902234540/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1793014/1-plant-pakistan-drive-kicks-off-tomorrow/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2020, Khan attended the signing ceremony for the $2.5 billion [[Kohala Hydropower Project]] (1,124 MW).<ref>{{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 }}</ref> In July 2020, he announced the establishment of 15 [[List of national parks of Pakistan|national parks]] under the [[Protected areas of Pakistan|Protected Areas Initiative]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 July 2020 |title=PM Imran announces 15 national parks as part of 'Protective Areas Initiative' |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2252957/pm-imran-announces-15-national-parks-as-part-of-protective-areas-initiative |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=The Express Tribune |archive-date=2 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702212824/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2252957/pm-imran-announces-15-national-parks-as-part-of-protective-areas-initiative |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2020, he announced at the Climate Ambition Summit that Pakistan would scrap two coal projects (2,600 MW) and set a target of 60% renewable energy by 2030.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

==== Press freedom ====
In 2019, the Interior Ministry investigated individuals and groups, including journalists, who posted images of the [[Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi|murdered]] Saudi journalist [[Jamal Khashoggi]] on social media during [[Mohammad Bin Salman]]'s visit to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ali|first=Kalbe|title=Probe into social media criticism on VVIP visit revived|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1472503|newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|date=29 March 2019|access-date=21 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-01|title=Six Pakistani journalists investigated for posting Khashoggi photos online|url=https://rsf.org/en/six-pakistani-journalists-investigated-posting-khashoggi-photos-online|access-date=2024-12-06|language=en|publisher=[[Reporters Without Borders]]|archive-date=2025-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114153108/https://rsf.org/en/six-pakistani-journalists-investigated-posting-khashoggi-photos-online|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, the [[International Press Institute]] sent an open letter to Khan, citing "grave concerns" over the proposed Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) ordinance.<ref>{{Cite web|publisher=[[International Press Institute]]|date=2021-12-07|title=The state of media freedom in Pakistan|url=https://ipi.media/the-state-of-media-freedom-in-pakistan/|access-date=2024-12-05|language=en-US|archive-date=2025-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114153109/https://ipi.media/the-state-of-media-freedom-in-pakistan/|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Pakistan Press Foundation]] report said that he, without providing evidence, referred to journalists as "mafias" and "blackmailers".<ref>{{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.|page=6|access-date=3 February 2025}}</ref>

==== Accountability ====
During the 2020 sugar price surge, Khan ordered an inquiry that implicated government and opposition figures and documented widespread wrongdoing in the sugar industry.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|author=Wasim Riaz}}</ref> In December 2020, Khan said he wanted [[Nawaz Sharif]] extradited from London to Pakistan to face trial in the [[Panama Papers case]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 December 2020 |title=Pakistan starts legal process for ex-PM Sharif's extradition |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pakistan-starts-legal-process-for-expm-sharifs-extradition-nawaz-sharif-extradition-treaty-pakistan-imran-khan-extradition-b1776333.html |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=[[The Independent]]|quote=Pakistan's information minister said Friday that Islamabad has started the legal process to reach an extradition treaty with Britain that would pave the way for the U.K. to hand over former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. ... Khan has said he wants Sharif brought back to Pakistan for trial.}}</ref> In 2021, after the ''[[Pandora Papers]]'' revealed some of his ministers' offshore holdings, he said any wrongdoing was their "individual acts and they will have to be held accountable". The [[ICIJ]] said the documents "contain no suggestion that Khan himself owns offshore companies". Asked about two companies at a similar address, he said he had no link and added that two houses in the same neighbourhood share the address.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gibbs|first1=Margot|last2=Politzer|first2=Malia|title=Prime Minister Imran Khan promised 'new Pakistan' but members of his inner circle secretly moved millions offshore|date=3 October 2021|url=https://www.icij.org/investigations/pandora-papers/pakistan-imran-khan-prime-minister-allies-offshore/|website=[[International Consortium of Investigative Journalists]]|access-date=18 March 2025}}</ref>

The 2022 Cabinet Division yearbook said the Assets Recovery Unit (ARU), established by Khan, helped agencies recover Rs426.4 billion, which was Rs93.9 billion more than total recoveries from 2000 to 2017. The ARU supports law enforcement agencies and does not recover assets directly.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>

In 2023, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Lt. General [[Asim Munir]] proposed an investigation into 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==== Social policy ====
{{further|Sehat Sahulat Program}}
[[File:Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur3.jpg|thumb|[[Gurdwara Darbar Sahib]] renovated by Khan's government]]

Khan inaugurated the [[Kartarpur Corridor]] on 9 November 2019, providing visa-free access for [[Indian Sikh]] pilgrims.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>

In September 2020, Khan expressed support for [[public hanging]] and [[chemical castration]] for [[sex offenders]], but said public hanging would be unacceptable internationally and harm trade, so he suggested chemical castration instead.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The [[Council of Islamic Ideology]] deemed chemical castration un-Islamic, so the punishment was removed from an anti-rape law that was passed in late 2021.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

In December 2020, educationist [[Michael Barber (educationist)|Michael Barber]] called the [[Ehsaas Programme]] his flagship initiative, praising its transparency, multi-sectoral approach, and initiatives like ''Ehsaas Kafaalat'' and ''Nashonuma''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qureshi |first=Raiq |date=2020-12-10 |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/ |access-date=2020-12-27 |website=Associated Press Of Pakistan |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117223008/https://www.app.com.pk/national/ehsaas-becomes-a-global-model-for-reducing-poverty-sir-michael-babar-report-says/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 2021, Khan drew criticism when he suggested that the rise in rape cases in Pakistan was linked to women wearing "very few clothes," claiming that such behavior would "have an impact on the men unless they are robots." This comment was criticised by women's rights groups, accusing him of being a "rape apologist."<ref>{{cite news |date=25 June 2021 |title=Outrage after Pakistan PM Imran Khan blames rape crisis on women |work=The Guardian|first=Soofia|last=Tariq |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/25/outrage-after-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-blames-crisis-on-women}}</ref> Khan later said the rapist is always solely responsible, the victim never is, and his earlier comments were taken out of context.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

====COVID-19 pandemic====
{{further|Corona Relief Tiger Force}}
[[File:Prime Minister Imran Khan calls for global debt relief, April 2020.webm|thumb|Prime Minister Khan calls for global debt relief amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, April 2020]]
On 17 March 2020, Khan addressed the nation for the first time regarding [[COVID-19 in Pakistan]]. He ruled out a complete lockdown, citing extreme poverty.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|date=17 March 2020|access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref> After he ruled out a lockdown again on 22 March 2020, the Pakistan Army took action at the request of the provinces, imposing a nationwide lockdown within 24 hours.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Analyst [[Ayesha Siddiqa]] said he appeared confused and reliant on a military that made key decisions without him.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Khan elevated the status of the construction sector to that of an industry and provided incentives such as tax breaks, sales tax reduction in coordination with provinces, and a subsidy of Rs30 billion to the [[Naya Pakistan Housing & Development Authority]]. He said that investors in the industry would not be asked about their source of income for the year and removed withholding tax for all construction sectors except cement and steel. Additionally, capital gains tax was withdrawn for homeowners selling houses.<ref name="incentives">{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1546154|title=PM Imran announces incentives for construction sector, elevates it to industry|date=3 April 2020|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>

Khan launched Pakistan's largest welfare programme,<ref>{{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}}</ref> distributing a lump sum of Rs12,000 to 10 million low-income citizens under the [[Ehsaas Programme]].<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>

Khan also adopted 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> He said that strict lockdowns would devastate Pakistan's economy and lead to starvation.<ref name="npr">{{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}}</ref>

Khan called for debt relief for developing nations during the pandemic, a proposal that gained support from the United Nations and several African countries.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

=== Foreign policy ===
{{see also|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Imran Khan}}
[[File:President Trump Meets with the Prime Minister of Pakistan (48374480366).jpg|thumb|Khan with US President [[Donald Trump]] at the [[White House]], July 2019]]
President Donald Trump tweeted in November 2018 that he would cut billions in aid to Pakistan, saying it had not done "a damn thing for us." Khan responded that U.S. aid was a "minuscule" $20 billion, while Pakistan had lost 75,000 lives and over $123 billion fighting the "US [[war on terror]]." Khan also said that Pakistan had provided supply routes to U.S. forces, asking, "Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/19/trump-pakistan-twitter-osama-bin-laden-1005556|title=Trump and Pakistani leader face off on Twitter|date=19 November 2018|website=Politico|archive-date=21 September 2024|access-date=14 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921105121/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/19/trump-pakistan-twitter-osama-bin-laden-1005556|url-status=live}}</ref> He later told the US that Pakistan would no longer act as its "hired gun."<ref>{{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|archive-date=2 December 2023|access-date=14 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202124055/http://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|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the [[2019 Pulwama attack]] in [[Indian-held Kashmir]], India blamed Pakistan. Khan said Pakistan was not involved in the attack and authorised the military to respond with force to any Indian aggression.<ref>{{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}}</ref> After India's [[2019 Balakot airstrike]], Pakistan carried out [[Operation Swift Retort]], during which Indian pilot [[Abhinandan Varthaman]] was captured and later released on his order as a gesture aimed at de-escalation.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 February 2019 |title=Imran Khan Says Pakistan Will Release Indian Pilot, Seizing Publicity in Showdown |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/world/asia/pakistan-india-pilot-kashmir.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114020924/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/world/asia/pakistan-india-pilot-kashmir.html |archive-date=14 January 2025 |access-date=14 January 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Khan declined to engage with India after the August 2019 [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]], and twice denied permission for [[Narendra Modi]]'s flight to cross Pakistani airspace.<ref>{{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|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210062207/https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/604682|archive-date=10 December 2024 |access-date=24 September 2024 |website=Dunya News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Asghar |first=Mohammad |date=19 September 2019 |title=Pakistan denies use of airspace to Modi |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1506013|newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>

Khan supported Turkey during the [[2019 Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria]].<ref>{{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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428023755/https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1510278|archive-date=28 April 2021 |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=Dawn}}</ref> He supported the [[Afghan peace process]] and facilitated trade by inaugurating a [[Torkham border crossing|24/7 border crossing]] with Afghanistan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2020 |title=UN report warns TTP, JUA target Pakistan from Afghan bases |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256755|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730224810/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2256755|archive-date=30 July 2020 |access-date=24 October 2020 |website=[[The Express Tribune]]}}</ref> In 2019, he was named in the ''[[Time 100]]'' list of most influential people.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rashid |first=Ahmed |date=2019 |title=Imran Khan |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567764/imran-khan/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920094022/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567764/imran-khan/ |archive-date=20 September 2020 |access-date=27 May 2022 |magazine=Time}}</ref> In June 2020, addressing the National Assembly of Pakistan, he called Osama bin Laden a ''shaheed'' (martyr), drawing opposition criticism.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> His visit to Saudi Arabia aimed to address tensions arising from Pakistan's decision not to support the [[Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 April 2015 |title=Yemen conflict: Pakistan rebuffs Saudi coalition call |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32246547 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603091503/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32246547 |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

[[File:Vladimir Putin and Imran Khan (2022-02-24) 01.jpg|thumb|Khan met with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] in Moscow just hours after [[Russia's invasion of Ukraine]] began.<ref>{{cite news |date=1 March 2022 |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 |url-status=live |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|archive-date=22 March 2022 |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=VOA News}}</ref>]]

In February 2022, Khan became the first Pakistani prime minister in two decades to visit Moscow to discuss economic and energy cooperation. A video showed him saying, "What a time I have come...so much excitement," which coincided with the start of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]. The visit was criticised by the United States.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 February 2022 |title=Pakistan PM reaches Moscow amid invasion: 'What a time I have come, so much excitement' |url=https://www.the-independent.com/asia/south-asia/pakistan-moscow-imran-khan-prime-minister-b2022105.html|website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=25 February 2022 |title=Why Imran Khan's Russia trip will further isolate Pakistan |url=https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-crisis-why-imran-khans-russia-trip-will-further-isolate-pakistan/a-60916130 |website=[[DW News]]}}</ref> Khan discussed "economic and energy cooperation" with Russian president Vladimir Putin, including development of the [[Pakistan Stream gas pipeline]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 February 2022 |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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Khan said the visit was pre-planned and was intended to maintain neutrality in global alliances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2022 |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}}</ref> At a UN General Assembly emergency session, Pakistan abstained from condemning Russia, with him calling for de-escalation and respect for international law.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> He expressed criticism of [[Western world|Western]] envoys who urged Pakistan to support the UN resolution.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 March 2022 |title=Pakistani premier hits out at Western envoys' joint letter on Russia |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 |work=Reuters}}</ref> After his ouster, Khan said the visit had secured offers of discounted oil and wheat. The Russian ambassador said no formal agreements were signed.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 June 2022 |title=No MoU signed on wheat and oil with Imran Khan's govt, says Russian ambassador |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/422109|publisher=[[Geo News]]}}</ref>

==== FATF compliance ====
In June 2022, two months after his ouster, [[FATF]] removed Pakistan from the grey list, citing completion of the 2018 and 2021 action plans.<ref>{{cite press release |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)]]|url=https://mofa.gov.pk/fatf-acknowledges-completion-of-pakistans-action-plans-and-authorizes-an-on-site-visit}}</ref> Khan attributed the outcome to his government, especially former energy minister [[Hammad Azhar]], who led the FATF Coordination Committee.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 June 2022 |title=Imran Khan hails Hammad Azhar's efforts for FATF progress |url=https://www.brecorder.com/news/40180772|website=[[Brecorder]]}}</ref> The [[First Shehbaz Sharif government]] also said that it deserved credit, while ''[[The Express Tribune]]'' said Khan's government had "done most of the work."<ref name="NH">{{cite news |author=Naveed Hussain |date=19 June 2022 |title=Situationer: Who deserves credit for Pakistan's near-exit from FATF 'grey list'? |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2362316|website=[[The Express Tribune]]}}</ref>

==== Stance regarding Islamophobia ====
{{main|International Day to Combat Islamophobia}}

[[File:UN should declare an 'International Day to Combat Islamophobia - Prime Minister Imran Khan at UNGA.webm|thumb|right|While addressing the [[Seventy-fifth session of the United Nations General Assembly]] in 2020, Prime Minister Khan suggested an international day to combat Islamophobia.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 September 2020 |title=Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan warns of rising Islamophobia |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/09/1073782|access-date=18 April 2022 |website=un.news.org |publisher=UN News}}</ref>]]

In September 2019, Khan, along with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, announced an English-language TV channel to address [[Islamophobia]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Latif |first=Aamir |date=26 September 2019 |title=Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia unite to fight Islamophobia |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkey-pakistan-malaysia-unite-to-fight-islamophobia/1594471 |agency=[[Anadolu Agency]]}}</ref> In October 2020, Khan objected to the spread of Islamophobia, urging Facebook to ban related content and accusing French President Emmanuel Macron of attacking Islam for supporting cartoons of [[Prophet Muhammad]].<ref>{{cite news |date=25 October 2020 |title=Pakistani PM asks Facebook CEO to ban Islamophobic content |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-facebook/pakistani-pm-asks-facebook-ceo-to-ban-islamophobic-content-idUSKBN27A0UK?rpc=401& |url-status=live |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& |archive-date=13 November 2020 |access-date=25 October 2020 |website=Reuters}}</ref> In 2021, Khan called on Muslim countries to press [[Western world|the West]] to criminalise insults against Prophet Muhammad, likening it to laws against [[Holocaust denial]].<ref>{{cite book |last1= |first1= |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep42808.7|title=A New Era of Sectarian Violence in Pakistan |date=2022-09-05 |publisher=International Crisis Group |pages=8–14 |chapter=Barelvi Sectarian Violence |access-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720210840/https://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep42808.7|archive-date=20 July 2023 |url-status=live |jstor=resrep42808.7}}</ref> He said, "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."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hashim |first1=Asad |date=19 April 2021 |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 |url-status=live |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 |archive-date=16 August 2023 |access-date=16 August 2023 |work=[[Al Jazeera]]}}</ref> In March 2022, Pakistan led a UN resolution to designate 15 March as the [[International Day to Combat Islamophobia]].<ref>{{cite news |year=2022 |title=UN declares March 15 International Day to Combat Islamophobia |url=https://www.trtworld.com/life/un-declares-march-15-international-day-to-combat-islamophobia-55542 |publisher=[[TRT World]]}}</ref>

===Removal from office===
{{further|2022 Pakistani constitutional crisis|No-confidence motion against Imran Khan}}
[[File:Imran Khan – Qanar Javed Bajwa.jpg|thumb|Imran Khan, accompanied by foreign minister [[Shah Mehmood Qureshi]] and Chief of Army Staff [[Qamar Javed Bajwa]]]]
In August 2023, ''[[The Intercept]]'' published leaked [[Cypher No. I-0678]] showing that, on 7 March 2022, US State Department officials, including [[Donald Lu]], raised concern over his stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the cipher, as reported by Pakistan's ambassador, the U.S. said that "all will be forgiven in Washington" if he was removed in the no-confidence motion and indicated the possibility of economic and political isolation if he stayed. After publication, the U.S. denied trying to remove him, saying its concerns were about policy, not leadership.<ref name=voa-20230809>{{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}}</ref>

On 8 March 2022, opposition parties filed a no-confidence motion against him, alleging economic mismanagement such as — rising inflation, high debt, a weakening currency —and foreign policy.<ref>{{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}}</ref> By 18 March, some party members had defected and two coalition partners joined the opposition, causing him to lose his National Assembly majority.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|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}}</ref><ref name="aj180322">{{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}}</ref>

On 27 March, he showed the cipher at a rally, alleging foreign interference and US involvement in his removal.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The [[National Security Council (Pakistan)|National Security Council]] (NSC) also expressed concerns about foreign interference.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|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}}</ref> On 3 April 2022, President [[Arif Alvi]], acting on his advice, dissolved the National Assembly after the Deputy Speaker rejected the no-confidence motion. The opposition called the rejection "unconstitutional" and petitioned the Supreme Court.<ref>{{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=2022-04-04 |access-date=2025-02-03 |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 }}</ref> On 10 April, he sent the cipher to the Supreme Court, despite legal warnings about potential breaches of constitutional oaths and the [[Official Secrets Act (Pakistan)|Official Secrets Act]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He was ousted after a Supreme Court ruling on 10 April deemed the rejection of the no-confidence motion illegal, with the vote passing to remove him, making him the first Pakistani PM ousted by no-confidence.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413200934/https://www.dawn.com/news/1684168|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Post-premiership ==
After his removal, Khan again alleged US involvement, stating that the US opposed his foreign policy that strengthened ties with China and Russia.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In November 2022, when asked about the alleged conspiracy to remove him, he said it was "behind me" and said he wanted Pakistan to maintain good relations with all countries, particularly the United States. He said, "The Pakistan I want to lead must have good relationships with everyone, especially the United States. Our relationship with the US has been as of a master-servant relationship, or a master-slave relationship, and we've been used like a hired gun. But for that I blame my own governments more than the US."<ref>{{cite news |title=Imran Khan seeks to repair ties with US; says cipher conspiracy is over |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1009606-imran-khan-seeks-to-repair-ties-with-us-after-cypher-conspiracy |work=The News International |date=13 November 2022 |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621103539/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1009606-imran-khan-seeks-to-repair-ties-with-us-after-cypher-conspiracy |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Misogynistic remark===
In a 2022 speech, Khan referenced a clip of [[Maryam Nawaz]] repeatedly mentioning him. He said: "Someone sent me a clip on social media of Maryam's speech...she took my name so many times and with so much passion...Maryam, please be careful, your husband might get upset." According to ''[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]'', his remarks followed her repeated tirades against him and [[Bushra Bibi]].<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|date=21 May 2022|access-date=22 August 2025}}</ref> The [[Human Rights Commission of Pakistan]] condemned Khan's remarks, saying they "plumbed the depths of [[misogyny]]" and demanded an apology to Maryam and all women.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/imran-khan-owes-apology-not-just-to-maryam-but-to-all-women-pak-rights-group/articleshow/91707763.cms|title=Imran Khan Owes Apology Not Just To Maryam But To All Women: Pak Rights Group|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 May 2022|access-date=23 September 2025}}</ref>

=== Legal matters (2022–Present) ===
{{further|2023 Imran Khan arrest protests|Arrest of Imran Khan|Cypher No. I-0678}}
The [[First Shehbaz Sharif government]] filed the [[Toshakhana reference cases against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi|Toshakhana case against Khan]] in August 2022, alleging he failed to disclose official gifts and their sale proceeds to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP),<ref>{{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}}</ref> and did not declare the proceeds for tax purposes.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

Khan reportedly retained 58 gifts, 14 valued over Rs 14,000 each. On 8 September, he rejected the allegations and asked the ECP to dismiss the case, saying all purchases were lawfully declared in his tax returns and wealth statements. Hearings were delayed as his legal team sought extensions.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 21 October 2022, the ECP disqualified Khan under [[Article 62 and 63|Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution]], ruling he submitted a false statement and incorrect asset declaration for 2020–21. A four-member bench unanimously found he had misled officials about Toshakhana gifts and ordered criminal proceedings under the [[Election Act, 2017]].<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

[[File:Imran Khan, 14 July 2023.webm|thumb|right|Khan provides his perspective on the [[May 9 riots]] in July 2023.]]
Following an arrest warrant from the district and sessions court in Islamabad, the Islamabad Police and Lahore Police moved to arrest Khan on 14 March 2023.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> On 9 May, he was arrested at the Islamabad High Court in connection with the [[Al-Qadir Trust case]].<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> The case alleges that Khan and his wife, Bushra, received land worth billions from [[Malik Riaz]] in exchange for a deal that caused the national exchequer to lose Rs50 billion (£190 million).<ref>{{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}}</ref> The funds, recovered by the UK's [[National Crime Agency]], were meant for the national treasury but were used to pay fines on Riaz for acquiring government land below market rates. The couple, sole trustees of the [[Al-Qadir Trust]], are accused of benefiting, including acquiring 458 [[Kanal (unit)|kanals]] for [[Al-Qadir University]] in [[Jhelum]].<ref name="fp">{{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}}</ref>

His arrest triggered the [[May 9 riots]], with PTI supporters allegedly attacking military and government installations.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The Supreme Court of Pakistan declared the arrest illegal, citing the violation of judicial sanctity by paramilitary forces.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fraser|first1=Simon|last2=Davies|first2=Caroline|title=Imran Khan: Pakistan's Supreme Court rules arrest was illegal|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65561807|work=[[BBC News]]|date=11 May 2023|access-date=20 May 2025}}</ref> On 12 May, he received protective bail, which barred re-arrest on the same charges for two weeks.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 5 August 2023, he was arrested again and sentenced to three years after being found guilty of misusing his premiership to buy and sell state gifts received abroad, valued over 140 million [[Pakistani rupees|rupees]].<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> On 29 August 2023, an appeals court suspended his corruption conviction and prison term, granting him bail.<ref>{{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}}</ref> A special court ordered that he remain in jail in the [[Cypher No. I-0678#Lawsuit|cypher case]],<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> in which he was accused of leaking state secrets and violating the [[Official Secrets Act (Pakistan)|Official Secrets Act]].<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> Since then, he has been held in [[Adiala Jail]] in [[Rawalpindi]], where the special court conducts his trial.<ref name="BBC-68138591" />

In August 2023, following the Supreme Court's order on his complaint regarding detention conditions, the government said that his meals included bread, omelette, curd, tea, fruits, vegetables, pulses, rice, and [[Organic food|desi]] mutton cooked in [[ghee]], and that his cell was cleaned daily.<ref>{{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 (India)|Business Today]]|date=28 August 2023|access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref>

On 30 January 2024, he was convicted in the cypher case and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.<ref name="BBC-68138591" /> He said the charges were politically motivated.<ref name="BBC-68138591">{{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}}</ref> The next day, he was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in the Toshakhana case for unlawfully selling state gifts received by him and his wife, Bushra, as prime minister.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The sentence was suspended on 1 April, pending a court decision after [[Muslim holidays|Eid]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 3 February, he and his wife were sentenced to seven years and fined 500,000 rupees each in a [[Iddat case|criminal case]] over allegations that Bushra had not completed her ''[[Iddat]]'' before marrying Khan in 2018.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 30 May 2024, he told the Supreme Court he was in solitary confinement with restricted meetings with lawyers and family. In June, the government said that his cell had a walking area, cooler, television, exercise equipment, and a separate kitchen, and that he could meet his legal team and family. It submitted photos of the cell and a meeting with his lawyers.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 3 June 2024, the Islamabad High Court overturned his cypher case conviction. He remained in prison due to other convictions and pending charges.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 13 July, his marriage case conviction was overturned, but he remained in prison after bail was cancelled in a separate May 9 riots case.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In June 2024, the [[Working Group on Arbitrary Detention]] called for his release, saying his detention was arbitrary and politically motivated.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In a July interview with ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' from prison, he said he is held in a small "[[death cell]]" usually "reserved for terrorists".<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|language=en}}</ref> In September 2024, ''Amnesty International'' said it had "noted a pattern of weaponisation of the legal system to keep him detained and away from political activity" and called for his immediate release.<ref>{{citation|title=Pakistan: Authorities Must Immediately Release Imran Khan From Arbitrary Detention|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ASA3385072024ENGLISH.pdf|access-date=12 July 2025|website=[[Amnesty International]]|date=11 September 2024|language=en}}</ref> In October 2024, authorities said he undergoes a medical examination every two weeks and no health issues have been observed.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

On 8 October 2024, Pakistani police charged him with attempted murder over a police officer's death during his supporters' protests in Islamabad.<ref>{{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}}</ref> On 22 November 2024, the IHC granted him bail in the Toshakhana case, but he remained in jail due to other cases.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref> On 24 November, Khan's supporters attempted [[November 2024 PTI protest|nationwide protests]] demanding his release.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Since the 2022 no-confidence vote, he has been named in 186 legal cases across Pakistan, as reported in December 2024.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> On 17 January 2025, he was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment by an accountability court in the Al-Qadir Trust case.<ref name="fp"/> On 21 August 2025, the SCP granted him bail in eight 9 May riot cases; however, he remained jailed due to his Al-Qadir Trust case sentence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2612531/pakistan|title=Pakistan top court grants bail to Imran Khan in May 2023 riots cases|date=21 August 2025}}</ref>

On 21 December 2025, he was sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment and fined Rs16.4 million in the Toshakhana-II case. The court found that a [[Bulgari]] jewellery set gifted by Saudi Crown Prince [[Mohammed bin Salman]], valued at about Rs80 million, was acquired by Khan for Rs2.9 million. It credited time served and described the sentence as lenient due to his old age.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ahmed|first1=A|title=Explained: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi 17-year Toshakhana sentence|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/explained-imran-khan-bushra-bibi-17-year-toshakhana-sentence-1.500386569|work=[[Gulf News]]|date=21 December 2025|access-date=22 December 2025}}</ref>

====Khan's views regarding imprisonment====
Khan says his imprisonment is politically motivated, alleging involvement by the Pakistan Armed Forces (the [[Establishment (Pakistan)|Establishment]]) and [[Shehbaz Sharif]]'s government.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Both the military and government denied the allegations; the military called them "fabricated and malicious" while Sharif termed them "blatant lies".<ref>{{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}}</ref> In June 2024, appearing before the Supreme Court via video from jail, he said Pakistan is under "undeclared [[martial law]]".<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> In August 2024, he said the [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] controls all matters of his imprisonment and has made his jail conditions harsher.<ref name="DH">{{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]]}}</ref>

===Assassination attempt===
{{Main|Attempted assassination of Imran Khan}}

[[File:Imran_Khan_injuries_2022.jpg|left|thumb|Khan speaking to media at [[Shaukat Khanum hospital]] after treatment]]
On 3 November 2022, Khan was shot in the leg [[Attempted assassination of Imran Khan|in an assassination attempt]] in [[Wazirabad]] while leading a march to [[Islamabad]] demanding early elections.<ref>{{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}}</ref> One of his supporters died in the attack.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> The alleged perpetrator, Muhammad Naveed, was overpowered by a supporter of Khan, throwing off his aim.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Naveed said he acted alone, targeting him because he believed Khan was misleading the people.<ref name="Saeed">{{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.}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> Khan blamed the incumbent government—Prime Minister [[Shehbaz Sharif]], Interior Minister [[Rana Sanaullah]], and Major General [[Faisal Naseer]]—for the assassination plot but provided no evidence. Government and military officials denied involvement. Federal Information Minister [[Maryam Aurangzeb]] questioned how Khan could demand resignations before any investigation. The [[Inter-Services Public Relations]] called the allegations baseless and irresponsible. Sanaullah also rejected them as grievous.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>

=== 2024 Pakistani general election ===
In December 2023, he nominated [[Gohar Ali Khan]] to replace him as PTI chairman, with Gohar being elected unopposed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jailed ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan's party elects new head before election|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/2/jailed-ex-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-party-elects-new-head-ahead-of-election|work=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=2 December 2023|access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref> Later that month, the ECP rejected his nomination papers for the [[2024 Pakistani general election]] on the grounds that he was "convicted by the court of law and has been disqualified".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-imran-khan-2024-elections-nomination-9088840/|title=Pakistan election body rejects ex-PM Imran Khan's nomination for 2024 elections|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=30 December 2023|access-date=23 November 2025}}</ref> Before the elections, his name was barred from the media, and ''[[TIME (magazine)|TIME]]'' reported that constituency boundaries were redrawn to allegedly benefit his opponents.<ref name="TIME">>{{cite magazine|last1=Campbell|first1=Charlie|title=Pakistan Can Keep Imran Khan Out of Power, but It Can't Keep His Popularity Down|magazine=[[TIME (magazine)|TIME]]|date=17 January 2024|url=https://time.com/6556335/pakistan-election-imran-khan-nawaz-sharif-military-pti/|access-date=29 November 2025}}</ref>

A PTI official said he was allowed to vote by postal ballot from prison.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He issued an [[AI-generated]] message urging supporters to celebrate the electoral win, in which at least 90 candidates backed by him, all of whom were forced to run as independents, won seats.<ref>{{cite news|title= Imran Khan's party wants to form government, demands release of full results in Pakistan's election|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pakistan-election-imran-khans-party-wants-form-government-threatens-pr-rcna138237|agency=[[Reuters]]|work=[[NBC News]]|date=10 February 2024|access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref> PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan said Khan directed PTI-backed independents to form governments in the Centre, [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]], and [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]]. Gohar said Khan told his party to sit in opposition nationally rather than join a coalition with rival parties, including the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)]] and [[Pakistan Peoples Party]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Imran Khan's party to sit in opposition; rules out joining any coalition govt in Pakistan: Top leader|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/imran-khans-party-to-sit-in-opposition-rules-out-joining-any-coalition-govt-in-pakistan-top-leader/articleshow/107630401.cms|work=[[The Economic Times]]|date=12 February 2024|access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref>

=== University of Oxford Chancellor candidacy ===
In August 2024, [[Zulfi Bukhari]] said he submitted an application for Khan to contest the [[2024 University of Oxford Chancellor election|University of Oxford Chancellor election]].<ref name="voa">{{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}}</ref> On 16 October 2024, university officials disqualified Khan from the race based on established exclusion criteria, accepting 38 of over 40 applicants.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref name="Hindu">{{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}}</ref> They cited his prior conviction and active political role, inconsistent with the position's requirements.<ref name="Hindu"/>

== Wealth and assets ==
In his 2003 statement to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Khan declared his home in [[Zaman Park, Lahore]], an Islamabad apartment, 39 [[kanal (unit)|kanals]]{{efn|5 acres}} in Islamabad, 530 kanals{{efn|66 acres}} in [[Khanewal]], and a share in 363 kanals{{efn|44 acres}} of inherited agricultural land.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/125353|title=Lawmakers declare assets|date=17 November 2003|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>

In a 2011 ''[[Financial Times]]'' interview, Khan said he bought a penthouse in [[South Kensington]] in 1983 for £110,000 and sold it in 2003 to buy land in Islamabad.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

In 2017, the ECP reported that Khan's 300-kanal [[Bani Gala]] residence in Islamabad was valued at {{PKRConvert|750|m}}, with other assets including furniture worth {{PKRConvert|0.6|m}} and livestock.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2020, the ECP reported that he declared assets worth Rs80.6 million, including a six-kanal plot in [[Mohra Noori]] (Rs0.5 million) and five inherited plots in [[Mianwali]], [[Bhakkar]], [[Sheikhupura]], and Khanewal. He sold property in [[Ferozewala]] for Rs70 million and bought two [[Shahrah-e-Dastoor]] apartments for Rs10.19 million. Khan held Rs50.66 million in a bank account, Rs10.99 million in cash, and four foreign currency accounts with £518, $328,760, $1,470, and an empty euro account. He also declared four goats worth Rs200,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulf-times.com/story/677697|title=ECP releases details of PM's assets|date=11 November 2020|website=Gulf-Times}}</ref>

In his 2024 election nomination papers, Khan declared over Rs90 million in bank accounts, more than $300,000 in a foreign currency account, and over a dozen properties, mostly inherited, including agricultural land and his Zaman Park residence. He paid Rs11.97 million for a [[Shahrah-e-Dastoor]] apartment and declared Rs11.47 million for his Bani Gala residence. He reported owning no vehicle.<ref name="Assets2024">{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1803600|title=Imran's net worth over Rs300m; Maryam close to being billionaire|website=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|first=Iftikhar A.|last=Khan|date=6 January 2024}}</ref>

===Taxes===
''[[The News International]]'' reported that Khan paid nearly Rs4.7 million in taxes between 1981 and 2017, with exemptions in several years.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> In January 2022, the Federal Board of Revenue's 2019 tax directory said that he paid Rs9.8 million in taxes that year.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]|access-date=20 January 2022}}</ref> In 2022, his income rose to Rs185.68 million due to the sale of a watch gifted by a foreign dignitary; the year before, it was just over Rs7 million.<ref name="Assets2024"/> For the fiscal year ending 30 June 2023, he paid Rs15.59 million in taxes, and his total declared assets were Rs315.95 million.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

== Political positions ==
[[File:Imran Khan (4276439704).jpg|thumb|left|Khan speaking at the [[Chatham House]] in London, 2012.]]
In November 1999, Khan condemned the UN for failing to halt Russian "atrocities" in Chechnya.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

After the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]] began, Khan participated in a [[Protests against the Iraq War|protest in Hyde Park, London]], saying: "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."<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

A January 2010 [[United States diplomatic cables leak|leaked US diplomatic cable]] released by WikiLeaks revealed that US Ambassador to Pakistan [[Anne W. Patterson]] met Khan at his residence, where he criticised the US for its "dangerous" policies, including drone operations.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

In 2011, Khan became the first Pakistani dignitary to demand an official apology from the Government of Pakistan to the people of [[Bangladesh]] for the Pakistan Army's atrocities during the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] in 1971. He said he had initially supported the operation due to Pakistan's lack of independent media but later learned the truth from Bengali friends in England, adding that Pakistan must learn from past mistakes and not repeat them in [[Balochistan, Pakistan|Balochistan]] or the [[FATA|tribal areas]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Prime Minister Imran Khan's Message On The Srebrenica Genocide.webm|thumb|right|Prime Minister Khan's message on the 25th Memorial Day of the [[Srebrenica Genocide]], 2020]]

He has described himself as a [[pacifist]] and anti-war and has opposed military interventions, especially in Afghanistan, criticising Pakistan's role in the U.S.-led [[war on terror]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> He has opposed the [[Iraq War]], the [[Russian Invasion of Ukraine]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> the [[Gaza genocide]], and the [[Israeli invasion of Lebanon (2024–present)|Israeli invasion of Lebanon]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

In 2013, Khan proposed secret talks between India and Pakistan to resolve the [[Kashmir issue]], saying open negotiations risk being subverted by vested interests on both sides.<ref>{{cite news|last=Naqvi|first=Jawed|date=8 December 2013|title=Imran suggests secret talks on Kashmir issue|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|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}}</ref>

In 2014, when the Pakistani Taliban announced armed struggle against [[Ismailis]] and the [[Kalash people]], Khan described "forced conversions as un-Islamic."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1086976|title=Forcibly converting people un-Islamic, says Imran|date=14 February 2014|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|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}}</ref> He also condemned the "forced conversion" of [[Sindhi Hindus|Hindu girls in Sindh]].<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|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}}</ref>

== Public image ==
In the 1970s and 1980s, Khan attracted media attention for his physical appearance.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In the 1980s, he sported a "[[Playboy (lifestyle)|playboy]]" image in the British press for his exploits on the London party circuit, though he said he never consumed [[liquor]].<ref name="WP profile" /> In the early 1990s, the British media called him the Sexiest Man Alive.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> He was known to millions of cricket fans as the ''Lion of Lahore''.<ref name="it170217">{{cite news |title=A lion tamed |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/a-lion-tamed-1.1195919|newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=27 August 2025 |language=en |date=17 February 2007|quote=To the dismay of millions of fans who knew him as the Lion of Lahore, he retired from cricket after captaining Pakistan to its 1992 World Cup victory.}}</ref>

In 1996, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' said he used populist rhetoric, blending anti-elite messages with religious appeals. His criticism of Westernised Pakistani elites contrasted with his privileged upbringing and western "[[jet-setter]]" lifestyle.<ref>{{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}}</ref> He said of his past: "I have never claimed to be an angel. I am a humble sinner."<ref name="2006 profile"/> In a 2006 interview, [[Peter Lloyd (journalist)|Peter Lloyd]] described his transformation as a "playboy to puritan U-turn," leaving many scratching their heads in wonder.<ref name="foreign correspondent feature">{{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=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]}}</ref> In 2007, ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' compared him to [[Franz Beckenbauer]] for his popularity and influence in Pakistan.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2018, ''[[Reuters]]'' described him as a Pakistani cricket icon and former London playboy who had "transformed himself into a pious, firebrand [[nationalist]]".<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Imran Khan giving autographs.JPG|thumb|right|Imran Khan signs autographs for supporters, 2009]]

In June 2011, a [[Pew Research Center]] poll showed him with a 68% approval rating, higher than Prime Minister [[Yousaf Raza Gillani]]'s 37% and President [[Asif Ali Zardari]]'s 11%. That year, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described him as an underdog, saying he "often sounds like a pro-democracy liberal but is well known for his coziness with conservative Islamist parties." [[H. M. Naqvi]] called him a "sort of a [[Ron Paul]] figure," noting "there is no taint of corruption and there is his anti-establishment message."<ref>{{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|date=3 September 2011|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}}</ref>

His perceived sympathy for the [[Taliban]] and criticism of the US-led [[war on terror]] led critics to label him "Taliban Khan." He said, "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."<ref>{{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]]}}</ref>

In 2012, [[Pankaj Mishra]], writing for ''[[The New York Times]]'', characterised him 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 favoured [[moniker]]s for him." Mishra concluded, "like all populist politicians, he 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."<ref>{{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}}</ref>

After the 2013 election, [[Mohammed Hanif]], writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', said that he had support among the educated middle class, but Pakistan's main problem was that it did not have enough educated urban middle-class citizens.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

[[File:Interfaith Christmas Dinner 2014 (2).jpg|left|thumb|Khan addressing an Interfaith Christmas Dinner in 2014]]

An August 2018 [[Gallup Pakistan]] survey found 52% of Pakistanis believed his tenure as Prime Minister would be better than the previous government.<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=52 pc Pakistanis satisfied with Imran's tenure|newspaper=[[The News International]]|date=27 January 2019|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/423993-52pc-pakistanis-satisfied-with-imran-s-tenure|access-date=26 August 2025}}</ref> In a 2019 [[International Republican Institute]] poll, 40% of respondents rated his performance "good" and 17% "very good."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1470150|title=IRI poll shows strong approval rating for PTI govt|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|date=17 March 2019|last1=Khan|first1=Iftikhar A.}}</ref> A 2021 [[Ipsos|Ipsos Pakistan]] survey found 55% of respondents said [[Imran Khan government]] was worse than they expected.<ref>{{cite web |title=2021 Review: Performance 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}}</ref> In a 2022 Gallup Pakistan poll, 48% of respondents had a negative view of his performance, while 36% held a favourable opinion.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Another Gallup Pakistan survey, conducted after his [[No-confidence motion against Imran Khan|vote-of-no confidence]], found 57% of respondents were happy about his removal from office, while 43% were angry.<ref>{{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}}</ref> A February 2023 Gallup Pakistan survey, conducted after the end of his premiership, found that 61% of Pakistanis held a good opinion of him.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

His arrest and imprisonment in August 2023 angered many in [[Indian-administered Kashmir]].<ref>{{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}}</ref>

According to a January 2024 ''[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]]'' survey of 12 Pakistani financial professionals, Khan was the "top pick" to run the country's economy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-31/jailed-imran-khan-favored-in-survey-to-run-pakistan-s-economy|title=Jailed Imran Khan Favored in Survey to Run Pakistan's Economy|newspaper=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=31 January 2024}}</ref>

Khan has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize. He was nominated in 2019 for his endeavours to foster peace across South Asia. In 2025, he was nominated by the Norwegian political party [[Partiet Sentrum]] and the advocacy organisation Pakistan World Alliance for his contributions to human rights and democratic values.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jailed Pakistan former PM Imran Khan nominated for Nobel peace prize |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/jailed-pakistan-former-pm-imran-khan-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize/articleshow/119814760.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=21 December 2025 |date=31 March 2025}}</ref>

===Relationship with the military===
Several news reports and scholarly works have described his political career as marked by a perceived closeness to [[The Establishment (Pakistan)|Pakistan's military establishment]]. According to Christopher Clary, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the State University of New York-Albany, he entered politics in the mid-1990s in open alliance with former [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI) chief [[Hamid Gul]].{{sfn|Clary|2022}} In 2012, author [[Fatima Bhutto]] criticised him for "incredible coziness not with the military but with dictatorship," accusing him of defending [[General Zia-ul-Haq]]'s legacy and mentioning his support for [[Pervez Musharraf]]'s 2002 referendum.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

He was also close to former ISI chief [[Ahmed Shuja Pasha]]. Clary said that during the [[2014 Tsunami March]] and sit-in, there were widespread allegations of involvement by then ISI chief [[Zaheer-ul-Islam]].{{sfn|Clary|2022}} Historian Ian Talbot wrote that his role in the 2014 protests was contentious. Talbot stated that he "denied that he was a military cat's paw", which he said conflicted with former PTI president [[Javed Hashmi]]'s claim that the protests were inspired by Pasha. Talbot said that his actions, "if not sinister, were reckless", threatening hopes of rebalancing civil–military relations in Pakistan.{{sfn|Talbot|2016}}{{sfn|Talbot|2022}} He stated that these actions strengthened military authority over civilian power,{{sfn|Talbot|2016}} and that "the army rather than the democratic forces had clearly emerged as a winner in the political crisis that some believed it had secretly orchestrated".{{sfn|Talbot|2022}}

According to Mohammad Waseem, Professor of Political Science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, his populist rise was enabled by the military establishment, which sought to counter the [[Pakistan People's Party|PPP]] and [[PML (N)]]. Waseem said he was cultivated by the establishment as an alternative force, with the [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf|PTI]] functioning as a "shadow" Muslim League to attract electables before the [[2018 Pakistani general election|2018 election]]. Waseem said that he appealed to middle-class demands to end dynastic politics and came to power not through mass mobilisation, but military support. He added that he was portrayed at home and abroad as the military's preferred candidate, fuelling opposition claims that he was "selected" rather than elected.{{sfn|Waseem|2022|p=17, 155, 176, 180, 181, 208, 275, 293}}

US diplomat Theodore Craig, in ''Pakistan and American Diplomacy'', wrote that after the 2018 elections the United States avoided pushing for an "unblemished election" or rejecting "antidemocratic manipulations", saying that challenging "the military's [[Project Imran Khan|Imran Khan project]]" would not have changed the government but could have jeopardised prospects for progress in Afghanistan.{{sfn|Craig|2024|p=13–14; 17}}

In 2024, ''The New York Times'' wrote that Lt. Gen. [[Faiz Hameed]], a former ISI chief, was an ally of his.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2024, ''Arab News'' wrote that Khan was widely believed to have risen to power in 2018 with military backing.<ref name="ArabNewsFaiz2024">{{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.}}</ref>  ''Arab News'' said that after his 2022 ouster, Hameed was widely believed to have advised him as PTI openly criticised the army and its senior leadership. Since then, Khan has campaigned against the military, blaming it for failing to stop the no-confidence motion that removed him.<ref name="ArabNewsFaiz2024"/>

[[Ashok Swain]], Professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University, Sweden, wrote that his challenges and accusations against the military are unique in Pakistan's history. Swain said he became the military's strongest critic, with potential to reform its historically unchecked power. His approach has divided allies and the military but, according to Swain, "mobilised a new generation of politically aware Pakistanis, including women and youth who previously shunned politics".<ref name="scroll041224">{{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}}</ref>

In a 2025 book, author Dinkar Prakash Srivastava wrote that Khan enjoyed military patronage and "colluded" with it against Prime Minister [[Nawaz Sharif]]. He wrote that the army "paved the way" for his 2018 election victory by easing out Sharif's government before the end of its term. Khan's relations with the military began to deteriorate in 2021 over the appointment of the ISI chief. After his ouster in 2022, Khan blamed army chief General [[Qamar Javed Bajwa]] and criticised the military leadership, including General [[Asim Munir]] and the [[Inter-Services Public Relations|ISPR]]. Srivastava wrote that if Khan sought to divide the top military leadership, it "backfired spectacularly" as the army "does not tolerate interference" in its internal affairs, and that Khan "found himself accidentally thrust into the role of an anti-establishment hero", despite owing his political career to military patronage.{{sfn|Srivastava|2025}}

In December 2025, [[Mohammed Hanif]] wrote that early in his political career, Khan realised that "the road to power in Pakistan always passed through the army headquarters," and they helped him rise by sidelining his opponents. After falling out with them, his name and image were suppressed on television, and his access to family and lawyers was restricted.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hanif |first1=Mohammed |title=How Pakistan's Generals Are Silencing Imran Khan |url=https://time.com/7337495/imran-khan-pakistan-military-death-rumor/ |website=Time |access-date=4 December 2025 |date=2 December 2025}}</ref>

=== In popular culture ===
{{See also|:Category:Cultural depictions of Imran Khan}}
During his cricketing days, he appeared in commercials for Pepsi Pakistan, [[Brooke Bond]] tea, [[Thums Up]], and the Indian soap Cinthol.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/advertising-news/blast-from-the-past-a-look-at-imran-khan's-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}}</ref> [[Dev Anand]] offered him a role in his 1990 [[Bollywood]] sports action-thriller ''[[Awwal Number]]'' as a declining cricket star, but he refused, citing his lack of acting skills.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2014, Canadian rock band [[Nickelback]] released the politically themed single "Edge of a Revolution", featuring a brief clip of a PTI rally with party flags and a poster of him.<ref>{{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 (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>

Chacha Nooruddin, known as ''Captain Chappal'',<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> gifted a pair of specially crafted [[Peshawari chappal]]s to him for his 2015 wedding. The double-soled design had existed for years,<ref name="dawn2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1191086|title=Kaptaan special chapal goes online as it gains popularity|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|author=Sher Alam Shinwari|date=29 June 2015}}</ref> but the traditional Peshawari chappal became iconic as his preferred footwear.<ref name="ArabNews">{{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]]}}</ref>

In the 2021 Indian film [[83 (film)|''83'']], about the [[1983 Cricket World Cup]], he is portrayed by actor [[Chunky Panday]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-24 |title=Pakistanis in fits after watching Imran Khan in '83 |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2349424/not-as-handsome-as-our-pm-pakistanis-after-watching-imran-khans-character-in-ranveer-singhs-83 |access-date=2025-12-12 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |title=[[83 (film)|83]] |last=Khan |first=Kabir |author-link=Kabir Khan (director) |type=Motion picture |language=hi |publisher=[[Deepika Padukone]], Kabir Khan, [[Vishnu Vardhan Induri]] and [[Sajid Nadiadwala]] |year=2021 |chapter=Closing credits}}</ref>

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

== Authorship ==
In the late 1980s, Khan served as editor of ''[[The Cricketer]]'', a London-based cricket magazine.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> Khan has written opinion pieces for ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'',<ref>{{cite news |title=Sports: opinion |work=Outlook magazine|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/author.asp?id=section&name=Imran+Khan&section=Sports|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104083330/http://www.outlookindia.com/author.asp?id=section&name=Imran+Khan&section=Sports|archive-date=4 January 2013 |access-date=21 July 2008}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'',<ref>{{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}}</ref> and the ''[[BBC]]''.<ref>{{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}}</ref> Khan's 2011 autobiography, ''[[Pakistan: A Personal History]]'', covers his move from cricket into politics and discusses his philanthropic work.<ref>{{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}}</ref> In 2021, Khan penned a ''[[CNN]]'' op-ed advocating conservation and restoration of damaged natural ecosystems.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

Khan's publications include:
* ''West and East'' (Macmillan, 1975)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780333900598/West-East-Khan-Imran-0333900596/plp|title=West and East – Hardcover|website=[[AbeBooks]]|access-date=20 November 2025}}</ref>
* ''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)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://obnb.uk/a00373718-imran-khan|title=Imran Khan|website=Open British National Bibliography|access-date=20 November 2025}}</ref>
* ''Main Aur Mera Pakistan'' (Orient, 2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nTNuDwAAQBAJ|title=मैं और मेरा पाकिस्तान: Main Aur Mera Pakistan|website=[[Google Books]]|access-date=20 November 2025}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Cricket|Pakistan|Politics}}
* [[Electoral history of Imran Khan]]
* [[Goldschmidt family|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]]

== References ==
===Footnotes===
{{Notelist}}
{{reflist|group=note}}

===Citations===
<references>
<ref name="Hutchins-Midgley-2015">{{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."</ref>

<ref name="Morgan-2012">{{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."</ref>

<ref name="Oborne-2015">{{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.""</ref>
</references><!-- end LDR refs-->

{{reflist|group=note}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|33em}}
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* {{cite book|editor-last1=Booth|editor-first1=Lawrence|editor-link1=Lawrence Booth (cricket writer)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fGKJDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT116|title=The Shorter Wisden 2019: The Best Writing from Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2019|date=11 April 2019|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-4729-6387-1|access-date=28 October 2025}}
* {{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}}
* {{cite book |last1=Craig |first1=Theodore |title=Pakistan and American Diplomacy: Insights from 9/11 to the Afghanistan Endgame |date=2024 |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |isbn=9781640126008}}
* {{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}}
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* {{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}}
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* {{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}}

===Further reading===
{{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}}

==External links==
{{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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