imran khan as a leader essay

Glowing Galaxy

Imran khan: a transformational leader and his impact on pakistan.

July 29, 2023 | by glowinggalaxy.com

Introduction: Who is Imran Khan and Why is He Significant?

Imran Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister, PTI leader, political career

Introduction:

Imran Khan, a name that has become synonymous with Pakistani politics and leadership, is a man of many accomplishments. As the current Prime Minister of Pakistan and the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Imran Khan has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of his country.

Born on October 5th, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan, Imran Khan’s journey to political prominence was not a conventional one. Before entering politics, he made a name for himself as an international cricketer. With his exceptional skills and charismatic presence on the field, he led the Pakistani cricket team to its first-ever World Cup victory in 1992.

However, it was Imran Khan’s transition from sports to politics that truly defined his significance. In 1996, he founded the PTI party with a vision to create a just and prosperous Pakistan. Over the years, he tirelessly worked towards building a strong political platform that resonated with millions of Pakistanis who were seeking change.

Imran Khan’s political career saw its fair share of ups and downs. He faced numerous challenges along the way but remained steadfast in his commitment to transforming Pakistan into a welfare state. His perseverance paid off when his party emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly after the general elections held in July 2018.

As Prime Minister of Pakistan since August 2018, Imran Khan continues to strive for social justice and economic prosperity for all citizens. His government has implemented various reforms aimed at curbing corruption, improving governance, and uplifting marginalized communities.

Imran Khan’s significance lies not only in his role as a political leader but also as an inspiration for millions around the world. His journey from being an iconic sports figure to becoming one of Pakistan’s most influential politicians showcases determination and resilience.

In this section, we will delve deeper into Imran Khan’s remarkable political career, his achievements, and the impact he has had on Pakistan’s socio-political landscape. Through a closer examination of his leadership style and policy initiatives, we can gain a better understanding of why Imran Khan is a significant figure in contemporary politics.

The Journey of Imran Khan from Cricketer to Politician

Imran Khan cricket career, World Cup win, founding of PTI, political aspirations

Imran Khan’s journey from being a renowned cricketer to a prominent politician is nothing short of remarkable. With a successful cricket career under his belt, including leading the Pakistan national team to victory in the 1992 World Cup, Imran Khan captured the hearts of millions with his charisma and leadership skills.

After retiring from cricket, Imran Khan took on a new challenge by founding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996. Driven by his political aspirations and a desire to bring about positive change in Pakistan, he embarked on a path that would shape the country’s political landscape.

Imran Khan’s transition from sports to politics was met with both skepticism and support. However, his unwavering determination and commitment to justice and accountability resonated with many disillusioned citizens. He tirelessly worked towards building PTI as a formidable political force, advocating for social justice, anti-corruption measures, and economic reforms.

Through years of perseverance and strategic planning, Imran Khan successfully led PTI to victory in the 2018 general elections, becoming the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan. His journey from cricketer to politician exemplifies his ability to adapt, evolve, and inspire others through his leadership qualities.

Imran Khan’s unique trajectory serves as an inspiration for individuals across various fields who aspire to make a difference. His story showcases that passion combined with determination can lead one towards achieving their goals and making a lasting impact on society.

The Vision and Policies of Imran Khan for a Naya Pakistan

Naya Pakistan vision, economic reforms, social welfare initiatives, corruption eradication efforts

Imran Khan’s vision for a Naya Pakistan encompasses not only economic reforms but also social welfare initiatives and a strong stance against corruption. As the Prime Minister of Pakistan, he has been committed to transforming the nation into a progressive and prosperous country.

One of the key aspects of Imran Khan’s vision is his emphasis on economic reforms. He aims to create an environment that encourages investment, job creation, and sustainable growth. Through policies such as tax reforms, ease of doing business initiatives, and promoting entrepreneurship, he aims to attract both local and foreign investment to boost the economy.

In addition to economic reforms, Imran Khan’s government has prioritized social welfare initiatives. Recognizing the importance of providing basic necessities to all citizens, he has launched programs such as Ehsaas which focuses on poverty alleviation, healthcare services, education opportunities, and social protection measures. These initiatives aim to uplift marginalized communities and provide them with equal opportunities for growth.

Furthermore, Imran Khan is determined to eradicate corruption from all levels of society. His government has taken strict measures against corrupt practices by implementing transparent systems and strengthening accountability institutions. Through these efforts, he aims to create a culture of integrity where public resources are utilized for the betterment of society rather than being misused or embezzled.

Imran Khan’s vision for a Naya Pakistan reflects his determination to bring about positive change in various sectors. By focusing on economic reforms, social welfare initiatives, and eradicating corruption, he envisions a prosperous nation where every citizen can thrive and contribute towards its development.

The Challenges Faced by Imran Khan as the Prime Minister of Pakistan

Economic challenges in Pakistan, political opposition, security issues

As the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan faces a myriad of challenges that require his utmost attention and strategic thinking. One of the most pressing issues is the economic challenges that Pakistan has been grappling with for years. The country’s economy is burdened with high inflation rates, unemployment, and a widening fiscal deficit. Imran Khan must navigate through these challenges by implementing effective economic policies and attracting foreign investments to stimulate growth.

In addition to economic struggles, Imran Khan also faces significant political opposition from rival parties. This opposition creates hurdles in implementing his agenda and reforms, as well as in maintaining a stable government. It requires skillful negotiation and coalition-building to overcome these obstacles and ensure that his policies are effectively implemented for the benefit of the nation.

Furthermore, security issues pose another major challenge for Imran Khan’s government. Pakistan has long been dealing with internal security threats such as terrorism and regional conflicts. Ensuring the safety and stability of the country is crucial for its progress and development. Imran Khan must work closely with security forces to address these concerns while simultaneously promoting peace within the region.

Despite these challenges, it is important to acknowledge that Imran Khan has shown determination in addressing them head-on. Through his leadership, he aims to bring about positive change by implementing comprehensive reforms in various sectors such as education, healthcare, and governance.

In conclusion, being the Prime Minister of Pakistan comes with its fair share of challenges – from economic struggles to political opposition and security issues. However, with strategic planning, effective policies, and strong leadership qualities, Imran Khan can steer Pakistan towards a brighter future by overcoming these obstacles one step at a time.

The Achievements and Progress Made under the Leadership of Imran Khan

Social welfare programs implemented, infrastructure development projects, foreign policy successes

Under the leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan has witnessed significant achievements and progress in various areas. One notable aspect is the implementation of social welfare programs that have aimed to uplift marginalized communities and alleviate poverty. These initiatives have included the Ehsaas program, which provides financial assistance to vulnerable households, and the Sehat Sahulat Program, which aims to ensure access to quality healthcare for all citizens.

Furthermore, Imran Khan’s government has prioritized infrastructure development projects across the country. The construction of roads, bridges, and dams has not only improved connectivity but also created job opportunities for many. Projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have brought foreign investment and contributed to economic growth.

In terms of foreign policy successes, Imran Khan’s government has played a crucial role in fostering regional peace and stability. Efforts towards improving relations with neighboring countries like India have been made through diplomatic channels. Additionally, Pakistan’s successful hosting of international events such as the Afghan peace talks has further enhanced its standing on the global stage.

Overall, under Imran Khan’s leadership, Pakistan has made commendable strides in social welfare programs implementation, infrastructure development projects, and foreign policy successes. These accomplishments reflect a commitment towards creating a better future for all citizens while positioning Pakistan as a responsible global player.

Public Perception and Controversies Surrounding Imran Khan’s Leadership

Public opinion on Imran Khan’s performance as PM, criticism and controversies faced

Imran Khan’s leadership as the Prime Minister of Pakistan has been a subject of public opinion and scrutiny since he assumed office. While there are supporters who believe in his vision for a prosperous and corruption-free Pakistan, there are also critics who have raised concerns about his performance and the controversies surrounding his tenure.

Public perception of Imran Khan’s leadership is diverse and often polarized. Some argue that he has made significant strides in addressing issues such as corruption, economic reforms, and social welfare programs. They believe that his strong stance against corruption has instilled hope for a better future among the masses.

However, there are others who criticize Imran Khan’s leadership, pointing out challenges faced by the country during his tenure. Critics highlight issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the slow pace of economic growth. They argue that despite promising change, the government has struggled to deliver tangible results.

Controversies surrounding Imran Khan’s leadership have also fueled public debate. From political disagreements to allegations of nepotism and favoritism, these controversies have further divided public opinion on his effectiveness as a leader.

It is important to note that public perception can be subjective and influenced by personal biases or political affiliations. As with any leader, it is crucial to critically analyze both positive achievements and shortcomings when evaluating Imran Khan’s performance as Prime Minister.

Conclusion: Evaluating the Impact of Imran Khan’s Leadership on Pakistan’s Future

As we evaluate the impact of Imran Khan’s leadership on Pakistan’s future, it is important to consider the key keywords that have shaped his tenure. These include governance, economy, social development, foreign policy, and corruption.

Imran Khan’s leadership has been marked by a strong focus on governance and anti-corruption measures. His government has taken steps to improve transparency and accountability in public institutions, aiming to create a more efficient and fair system for the benefit of all citizens.

In terms of the economy, there have been both successes and challenges during Imran Khan’s tenure. The government has implemented structural reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth. However, there is still work to be done in addressing issues such as inflation and unemployment.

Social development has also been a priority for Imran Khan’s government. Initiatives such as the Ehsaas Program have aimed at reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare for marginalized communities. These efforts are crucial in building a more inclusive society. Absolutely!

The social development initiatives implemented by Imran Khan’s government, particularly the Ehsaas Program, have indeed played a vital role in reducing poverty and enhancing access to education and healthcare for marginalized communities. By prioritizing these areas, the government is working towards creating a more inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.The Ehsaas Program specifically addresses the needs of disadvantaged individuals and families by providing them with financial assistance, scholarships, health insurance coverage, and vocational training.

This multifaceted approach aims not only to alleviate immediate poverty but also to empower individuals through education and skills development.Improving access to quality education is crucial for breaking the cycle of poverty. By offering scholarships and educational support through programs like Ehsaas Education Stipends, the government is enabling children from low-income backgrounds to pursue their studies without financial barriers. This paves the way for a brighter future as educated individuals have better chances of finding stable employment and improving their living conditions.

Furthermore, ensuring affordable healthcare services is integral in promoting overall well-being within society. Through initiatives like Sehat Sahulat Program under Ehsaas umbrella, vulnerable communities can avail themselves of essential medical services without worrying about exorbitant costs. This initiative not only provides financial protection but also promotes preventive care that ultimately leads to healthier lives.

By addressing these critical aspects of social development, Imran Khan’s government is actively working towards building an inclusive society where every individual has access to basic necessities such as education and healthcare. These efforts contribute significantly towards reducing inequality and fostering social cohesion within Pakistan.Overall, it is evident that Imran Khan’s focus on social development reflects his commitment towards uplifting marginalized communities and creating a more equitable society for all citizens. Such initiatives lay the foundation for long-term progress while ensuring that no one gets left behind on the path toward socio-economic prosperity.

On the foreign policy front, Imran Khan has sought to strengthen ties with neighboring countries while also advocating for peace in the region. His efforts towards promoting dialogue between India and Pakistan have been commendable, although progress remains slow.

In conclusion, evaluating the impact of Imran Khan’s leadership on Pakistan’s future requires careful consideration of various factors. While there have been positive strides in areas such as governance and social development, challenges persist in other areas such as the economy. Ultimately, time will tell how these initiatives shape Pakistan’s trajectory moving forward.

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Our Leader Imran Khan

What was the best thing about working with former Prime Minister Imran Khan

They were with him long before he came into power. Some longer than others. They worked with him when his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, contested elections in 2013 and 2018. From August 2018 to April 2022, they worked under his leadership as part of his government, doing their best to make his ideal of a Naya Pakistan a reality. Prime Minister, now former, Imran Khan and his cabinet members and parliamentarians.

They understand Khan’s ideology better than most people who claim to know him. Their political and professional closeness to Khan endows them with a profound understanding of Imran Khan the administrator, Imran Khan the leader. Having worked with him at close quarters, they have a unique knowledge of Khan’s passion and dedication to make Pakistan a country that is empathetic, peaceful, inclusive, fair, self-reliant, and prosperous.

I posed one question to a few of those who have served in the top positions in the cabinet and government of Prime Minister (now former) Khan: what was the best thing about working with Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan?

Some terse, some more expressive, what they said about their leader, their prime minister, is a microcosm of the viewpoints of all those who worked with Imran Khan during his prime ministerial tenure—August 2018 to April 2022.

Ali Haider Zaidi

Former federal minister for maritime affairs.

There is more than one thing. The first thing was he never interfered after he had assigned me a task. Before I took over the Ministry for Maritime Affairs, he said to me that it was known to be one of the most corrupt ministries and that I had to fix it, organize it, and deliver results. And he let me do whatever I thought was the right thing for a particular issue. I kept him posted, and alhamdulillah, the work done in the Maritime Ministry in the last four years is what had never been done before. It is now one of the most important and talked-about ministries.

Khan makes you feel motivated; there is this energy that you get when you meet him and when you work with him. The man never gets tired. He makes you want to work, we used to go to work with a lot of heart. That was Imran Khan, one of the greatest leaders of this century. InshaAllah, Khan will be back, stronger, more experienced, and with a new zeal and passion.

Ali Mohammad Khan

Former minister of state for parliamentary affairs.

The one great feeling working with Prime Minister Imran Khan was that everything we were doing, we were doing it for Pakistan. Khan never shied away from taking bold decisions; he had out of the box solutions for complicated issues, and he had the moral calibre to break the status quo. Middle class people like me were empowered in the sense that we became partners in the process of decision making of the state.

Aon Abbas Buppi

Senator, former special assistant to prime minister on e-commerce, former managing director pakistan bait-ul-mal.

I can write an essay on Prime Minister Imran Khan, but what I like the most about my leader is that he is a daring person who believes nothing is impossible; he challenges everything. He is like a teacher who trains us like his children—what to say, how to do it, how to build our legacy. Khan is accessible to all of us, listens to all of us, does not judge people, and takes everything as it is. He is clean within, so he thinks everyone is like him.

Former Federal Minister for Finance, Former Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives

The best thing about working with Prime Minister Imran Khan was that there was focus on only one objective the entire time: how to make Pakistan better and improve the lives of the citizens of Pakistan.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain

Former federal minister for information and broadcasting, former federal minister for law and justice.

Imran Khan is fearless. In my opinion, his biggest quality is that he doesn’t shy away from taking courageous decisions. Moreover, he is very upright, honest, a dervish. Working with him was really an honour, I would say.

Dr Faisal Sultan

Former federal minister of state for national health services, regulation and coordination, former special assistant to prime minister on health.

It was a privilege and an honour to work with Prime Minister Imran Khan. The best thing was to have his confidence and support and his focus on pro-public, pro-reform initiatives without any [external] pressure or influence. His passion and honest desire to improve things was infectious.

Hammad Azhar

Former federal minister for finance and revenue, former federal minister for energy.

The best thing about working with Imran Khan is his mentoring. He changes how you think, set goals and approach challenges. He believes and demonstrates that any goal is achievable provided one continuously learns, adapts, and never gives up. And he’s fearless!

Maleeka Ali Bokhari

Former member of national assembly, former parliamentary secretary law and justice.

The best thing about working with Prime Minister Imran Khan was his compassion, his empathy for everyone. All the programmes that he led as the prime minister of Pakistan were centred on protecting the rights of the most vulnerable. The Ehsaas programme was a testament to that belief, that ideology, that characteristic of compassion. Panagahs [shelters] that he opened, and the way he would eat [in a panagah] as an equal with the poorest people of the country was a moment of pride for me as his parliamentarian.

Imran Khan spearheaded some of the finest legislations of Pakistan for the females of Pakistan. He always talked about about women without inheritance rights, and every time he spoke to me about that issue, it was with a great deal of pain. I could see it in his eyes. The Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2020, which gives the office of Ombudsman across the country the power to intervene in possession and property rights, is Imran Khan’s landmark achievement, and something I am very proud of.

The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021 is another special law that has no parallel in South Asia. It is against all forms of discrimination that take place against women in courts; now we have a law in place that provides the hope for some form of real justice for victims of sexual violence. The Legal Aid & Justice Authority Act 2020 is also a huge achievement.

Everything that we did in Prime Minister Khan’s government, under his leadership, was centred on compassion. It was centred on protection of fundamental rights. I have worked with him for ten years, before and after he became the prime minister of Pakistan. The way Khan displays empathy and compassion, I have not seen that in any other leader across the globe. For me that was his hallmark, for me it was something to be take pride in. I will always remember it as my greatest achievement—being his MNA, his Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice.

Malik Amin Aslam

Former federal minister for climate change, former special advisor to prime minister.

In my case, the best thing was the passion for nature that I shared with Prime Minister Imran Khan, and his unflinching support to stand up for what was right. He was always accessible and backed me up while exploring new visions and innovative frontiers, such as blue carbon or the living rivers initiative or nature bonds, which he had a rare ability to quickly grasp. Khan as prime minister was also solidly supportive of pushing the boundaries when it came to expanding protected areas, standing up to timber and land mafias, and protecting forest community rights against the powerful cabals in our country.

Most importantly, Prime Minister Khan inspired me to always dream big, like the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, and then single-mindedly pursue the dream with meticulous planning and commitment. He would never shy away from big dreams or be fearful of the challenges.

It has been a rare privilege to have served under a leader who had absolutely no personal angle in governance decisions except backing what needed to be done.

Dr Sania Nishtar

Senator, former federal minister of state, former special assistant to prime minister on poverty alleviation, founder of ehsaas, pakistan.

There were a number of hard decisions that I had to take during our tenure, and Prime Minister Imran Khan always supported me on those decisions. He always sided with what was right.

Zartaj Gul Wazir

Former minister of state for climate change.

As an ex-cabinet minister of Imran Khan’s government and as a young woman in Insaf Student Federation [the official student wing of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf], where I started my politics, I think the best thing about working with Imran Khan is that he is very brave. He is very competent and can foresee the future of Pakistan. Once he makes up his mind that something is for the good of Pakistan—be it the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami or the Ehsaas programme or empowerment of women or an independent foreign policy—he is fully committed. Khan has a future-focused approach; he doesn’t just think about today, he thinks about the next fifty or hundred years of Pakistan.

One very important thing about working with Khan was what we couldn’t imagine when we started working with him: that someday we, young political workers, would be members of a federal cabinet. The most important role of a great leader is that he creates leaders, and Prime Minister Khan created young leaders. I think it is very impressive that you create an environment for people to advance on merit. Only a man who has the conviction of his faith can take bold and honest decisions, it is not something an ordinary person can do. Khan has nerves of steel.

Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari

Former special assistant to prime minister for overseas pakistanis and human resource development.

The best thing about working with Imran Khan was that he was absolutely clear in his vision. If you brought to him an out of the box idea but it was in the benefit of the country, you knew he would go ahead with it. Secondly, having observed some of the world’s best governance practices, he was quite well-versed in those matters, and was familiar with the areas in which other nations had done well. Thirdly, one of the best things about working with Imran Khan was that after having a meeting with him, you always felt inspired. Whether it was a one-on-one session, a multi-person meeting, or a gathering of ten thousand people, he was always inspirational. Khan always inspires.

Imran Khan thought of nothing except Pakistan. I have never seen someone who bleeds green the way he does.

Mehr Tarar is a writer and columnist, and a former op-ed editor and TV presenter.

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The independent voice of cricket

Imran Khan: From a fine cavalier to a great cricketer – Almanack

Imran Khan made his presence felt both as a thoughtful leader and as a quality all-rounder during Pakistan’s 1982 England tour. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year the following spring.

In the early part of last season, before he had turned into the glamorous public figure he was soon to become, Imran Khan was playing as usual for Sussex in the County Championship. During their game at Edgbaston, Imran hooked a ball from one of Warwickshire’s pace bowlers down to the fine-leg fielder, who caught it but then carried it over the boundary: not out. Nothing daunted, Imran tried another hook-shot at the very next ball, and gave a simple catch to square leg. On seeing this indiscretion, a Sussex colleague commented: He would be a great player if only he used his head.

By the end of the season Imran had combined thoughtfulness with a natural ability which had always been outstanding. What brought about this transformation, as Imran readily admits, was his appointment to the captaincy of his native Pakistan. This sense of responsibility turned a fine cavalier into a great cricketer.

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Whether the newly transformed Imran had become the equal of Ian Botham as an all-rounder made one of the liveliest debates of the summer. On the one hand, Imran did not have the batting record in Test cricket which Botham had; on the other, Imran as a pace bowler probably had the edge over Botham as he then was. Indeed some critics, Mike Brearley amongst them, rated Imran as the best of all contemporary bowlers even at the relatively advanced age of 29.

Imran Khan Niazi was born in Lahore on November 25, 1952. His father was a Pathan landowner in the region to the north of Baluchistan. His mother was one of three sisters of the Burki tribal family: one sister gave birth to Javed Burki, who became an Oxford Blue and captain of Pakistan; the other gave birth to Majid Khan, a Cambridge Blue and captain of Pakistan. Like his cousins, Imran was born to affluent circumstances in which he could devote as much time as he wished to the development of his cricket. The school which he attended, Aitchison College in Lahore, is considered the most prestigious in Pakistan, and there he was guided by one of the country’s best coaches, Abdurrabb. During his schooldays he also slipped while climbing a tree, and broke his left arm when trying to cling on to a branch. The arm was set badly in hospital and has given Imran trouble ever since – not in his bowling, but he has to practise constantly at holding his bat, otherwise his grip stiffens up.

In 1971, at the age of eighteen, he was chosen to tour England and made his Test début there. In his one Test match, at Edgbaston, he had no success as an in-swing bowler, being far too immature at that age, as he himself knew; so much so that he returned to school after the tour, joining Worcester Royal Grammar, from where he gained admission to Keble College, Oxford. According to Imran, being university captain in 1974 was little use in giving him experience of later office, but he developed his batting at Oxford to the extent of two centuries in a match against Nottinghamshire. He also launched his reputation for being able to deliver a fearsome bouncer that would swing in at a right-handed batsman’s head. Worcestershire, not surprisingly after the help they had given him, were dismayed when he decided to leave after only one full season with them.

Imran’s sudden move, which brought him a three-month suspension in early 1977, took him to Brighton, where the swinging pace of life and of the Hove pitches was more to his taste. There he became a dashing No. 5 batsman, and experimented with his bowling action until he had mastered the out-swinger. He considers that his time spent with World Series Cricket was decisive in making him a complete bowler, for while Mike Procter advised him on his run-up, John Snow assisted him in turning his left shoulder more towards fine leg, to help achieve the out-swinger. Imran feels that he has been technically competent as a fast bowler only since 1979/80.

Unfortunately for Imran, Pakistan had no more than a handful of Test matches over the next two years in which he could display his full prowess. When he did have the chance to prove himself, in Australia in 1981/82, he was judged to be the player of the three-match series. During that series against Australia he overtook Fazal Mahmood’s record of 139 wickets for Pakistan. Having missed their following two Tests against Sri Lanka, after joining the boycott by senior players, he took fourteen wickets against them in Lahore to register his best Test performance.

His feat, therefore, against England last season, of taking 21 wickets in three Tests, was nothing extraordinary by his recent standards, which have been of the highest. He began with six wickets in England’s first innings at Edgbaston , bowled with magnificent stamina in their second innings at Lord’s , and took another eight wickets at Headingley . His run-up made a most exhilarating spectacle as he charged in, leaning forward from the waist, and leapt at the crease; so did the end-product of some extremely fast, in-dipping yorkers and virtually unplayable out-swingers.

Imran took 62 wickets from mere nine Tests at a staggering 13.29 in 1982

This much, however, was expected of Imran Khan. The surprise was his common-sensical approach to batting now that he had the captaincy. It had been given to him as a compromise candidate in the dispute between Javed Miandad and Pakistan’s senior players, but he was more tactically astute than a mere novice. He could justify not taking a new ball on the last afternoon at Lord’s – a tactic which he thinks is too often a cliché – by arguing that Mudassar did not know how to use one. As to the charge of over-using Abdul Qadir in the third Test, Imran felt it was sheer bad luck that Qadir had one of those off days to which every leg-spinner is subject. But Imran primarily places the blame for his 2-1 defeat – with much justification – on the ill-discipline of his batsmen.

Imran’s own batting, meanwhile, was progressing so rapidly that his No. 7 position, and record of only one Test century, had become false labels by the time of Headingley. There he scored more runs in the match that anyone else, and he was dismissed only once, when hitting out with the last man in. The maturity with which he chose his strokes was astonishing to those who had known him only as a Sussex player.

Having won belated fame in his 30th year, Imran’s private life became a regular subject of discussion in certain newspapers. As he was not married at the time, and handsome of face and build, the matter of his future wife was widely speculated upon. Imran himself, however, said that he did not intend marriage so long as he was playing full-time cricket, which could keep the females amongst his admirers in suspense for the next two or three years at least.

Imran Khan went on to become one of the game’s greatest all-rounders and Pakistan’s first-ever World Cup-winning captain in 1992. A popular figure ever, he’s currently serving as Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister.

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With Imran Khan Sent to Jail, Pakistan Faces the Abyss

F ew will have missed the bitter irony of a court ruling against Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who was found guilty of corruption, sentenced to three years in prison, and barred from contesting elections for five years. For however his legacy is judged in years to come, Khan will be remembered above all for his single-minded crusade to root out “corruption” from the political fabric of Pakistan.

The ruling against Khan was not unexpected. Since his removal from office following a no-confidence motion in April 2022 , as well as his increasingly confrontational posture with the military (which he blamed for his downfall), many believed it was only a matter of time before Khan lost his freedom completely.

With Pakistan’s ruling coalition imminently poised to step down and make way for a caretaker government, Khan’s incarceration was seen as the last bit of unfinished business ahead of general elections. These should be held within 90 days but could come as late as Spring 2024, following a decision on August 5, 2023 by the Council of Common Interests (responsible for overseeing relations between Pakistan’s federating units) to approve the demarcation of new constituencies based on the latest census data—a skillful maneuvering tactic by Pakistan’s all-powerful military, which is desperate to use the time to dampen Khan’s soaring popularity.

This may explain the haste in obtaining a ruling against Khan, which has been widely condemned for its lack of due process. It is clear that neither Khan’s political foes at the head of the ruling coalition nor his erstwhile backers in the military establishment were prepared to take any chances that could scupper their plans to disqualify Khan as a member of parliament and crush any prospect of his return to power.

Read More: Exclusive: Imran Khan on His Plan to Return to Power

And this undemocratic move may well work. The response to his arrest has been relatively muted compared with the violent protests when he was arrested for the first time earlier this year, which convulsed large parts of Pakistan before Khan was released on May 11, 2023 after the Supreme Court ruled that he had been unlawfully detained, as security forces failed to obtain permission to carry out arrest on court premises. The Biden Administration has declared Khan’s arrest “an internal matter,” leaving no doubt that the U.S.—once the target of Khan’s strongest vitriol—is unlikely to come forward in his defense.

Khan could in theory secure a fresh judicial reprieve or regain the confidence of the military leadership by toning down his anti-military rhetoric. But neither is likely—not least for a man who has entered his eighth decade.

But while the fate of Khan’s individual career may well be in doubt, his brand of right-wing populism resting on the idea of “a savior” devoted to protecting the public from “corrupt” politicians will remain for years to come.

That’s because it’s a narrative that Pakistan's generals have methodically honed over many decades as the preferred instrument to shape political outcomes in the country. It now enjoys a life of its own that is, arguably, independent of the fortunes of any single political leader. Although some like Khan and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, once also the military’s blue-eyed boy, built their careers on the back of this narrative with the military’s blessing, both took their place among Pakistan’s “corrupt” politicians after falling foul of their military sponsors.

Khan’s arrest is a reminder that the country must rethink this narrative and find a new way forward. There are signs that a large swathe of the public is tiring of this narrative. The most significant of these stem from Pakistan's widening “youth bulge” and its fast expanding urban population (an estimated 60% and 40% of the population, respectively) who represent Khan’s core constituency. Their energies must be channelled, for they will not stand to be disenfranchised in the event of Khan's disqualification or worse, a ban on Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI).

Opinion polls point consistently to Khan as Pakistan’s most popular political leader. And as if to prove the point, the day after Khan’s conviction, the PTI swept local government by-elections in Peshawar trouncing the government-backed candidate.

While it may be true that, historically, the fate of political leaders in Pakistan has been decided by their relations with the military than by their standing in the polls, it would be rash indeed to ignore its implications against the background of extreme political polarization. 

For any elections (whenever they are held) to enjoy even a semblance of credibility requires, at the very least, a voice for millions in Pakistan who have clearly signalled their impatience with old habits of political engineering.

Khan may no longer be able to be that voice, but the military would be unwise to think they’ve just had the last word.  

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What led to leader Imran Khan’s downfall in Pakistan?

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party lost the support of coalition allies, denying a majority he needed to defeat a no-confidence vote.

Imran Khan’s tumultuous term as prime minister of Pakistan has ended, following weeks of high political drama and days of constitutional chaos.

The Supreme Court’s landmark verdict late on Thursday restored a parliament that Khan had sought to disband and mandated a vote of no confidence that he sought to avoid.

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Khan was effectively left with a choice: resign or be voted out of office.

The former prime minister’s political demise was rooted in twin new realities. Inside parliament, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had lost the support of coalition allies , denying him the majority he needed to defeat the vote of no confidence.

Outside parliament, Khan appeared to lose the support of Pakistan’s powerful military, which the opposition alleged helped him win the 2018 general election, and had recently publicly fallen out with the prime minister over senior military appointments and policy decisions.

The PTI and the military have denied the allegations.

In recent weeks, as the principal opposition parties, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), ramped up their efforts to dislodge Khan, coalition allies became vocal in their dissatisfaction with him.

“As far as governance was concerned, the government had totally failed,” said Senator Anwaar ul Haq Kakar of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), a coalition ally that withdrew support for Khan in late March.

“There was disgruntlement for the past two years,” Kakar added. “The party [BAP] was not happy about its share in the federal government and the ministerial portfolio it has been allocated.”

The sour mood among Khan’s erstwhile allies was echoed by Nadeem Afzal Chan, a special assistant to the prime minister who resigned his position and rejoined the opposition PPP in early March.

“I was impressed by Khan’s anti-corruption platform and was tired of the status quo,” Chan said. “But then I saw that while Khan publicly talked about the poor, privately he surrounded himself with wealthy investors.”

Economic distress

A deepening economic crisis contributed to dissatisfaction with Khan with double-digit inflation dogging much of his term.

In February, as opposition momentum against Khan built, the prime minister announced a cut in domestic fuel and electricity prices despite a global rise, pledging to freeze prices until the end of the fiscal year in June.

The move piled further pressure on Pakistan’s chronic fiscal deficit and balance-of-payment troubles. This week, the rupee fell to historic lows against the US dollar and the State Bank of Pakistan sharply increased interest rates in an emergency meeting.

“Part of it was the situation they inherited from the previous government and part of it was of course COVID,” said Shahrukh Wani, an economist at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

“But the government fell quickly into firefighting and reforms were never taken up.”

For former Khan allies such as Chan, discontent among constituency voters had tipped over. “Inflation, fertiliser shortages, local government in Punjab, policing, it had all got too much,” Chan said.

Inside parliament, the loss of the allies’ support reversed the numbers for Khan. BAP, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League – Quaid (PML-Q) account for fewer than five percent of the seats in the 342-member National Assembly.

But by pledging to support the no-confidence vote against Khan, the coalition allies effectively ended Khan’s three and a half year spell as prime minister. The opposition parties also claimed to have the support of a number of dissident PTI parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, the economy remains in a parlous state. Miftah Ismail, a former PML-N finance minister tipped to resume the post he held in 2018, said: “The two biggest economic challenges facing Pakistan at the moment are high inflation and fast depleting foreign exchange reserves.

“The difficulty is that as the currency has been devaluing due to decreasing reserves, it gives rise to even more inflation.”

Military’s role

With Khan’s exit confirmed, former allies are increasingly candid about the third rail of Pakistani politics: civil-military relations.

The prime minister’s parliamentary support began to dissolve when the military signalled it would not side with Khan against the opposition, a policy of so-called neutrality.

“When the establishment became neutral, the allies saw that the government wouldn’t survive,” Senator Kakar of BAP said. “Once the view was entrenched that he can’t stay, it was only a matter of time.”

Khan is the latest in a long line of Pakistani prime ministers who have fallen out with the military over key appointments and foreign policy.

In October, simmering civil-military tensions exploded in public view when Khan tried to retain Lieutenant-General Faiz Hameed as the military spy chief, rejecting the nominee of army chief General Qamar Bajwa.

General Bajwa’s nominee, Lieutenant-General Nadeem Anjum, was eventually appointed as the new director general of Inter-Services Intelligence, but the weeks-long standoff was bruising and ominous.

General Bajwa’s second term as army chief will end in November, with General Hameed one of the senior-most generals eligible to replace him. The Pakistani prime minister appoints the army chief.

Extraordinary, too, was Khan’s attempt to recast ties with the US, Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a fractious ally that the military has sought to maintain as an important partner.

In February, in pursuit of what Khan described as a neutral foreign policy, Khan travelled to Russia seeking trade deals on the eve of the Russian invasion of Ukraine . He left with only a handshake from Russian President Vladimir Putin hours after the attack began on February 24.

While the Pakistani military backed Khan’s Moscow trip, differences intensified after Khan made a high-stakes domestic pivot. Faced with defeat in the no-confidence vote in parliament, Khan alleged a US-led plot to remove him as punishment for his Russia trip and neutral foreign policy.

As evidence of the plot, Khan waved a letter in a public rally in Islamabad on March 27, claiming the US had delivered a diplomatic warning to Pakistan to remove him as prime minister.

The diplomatic missive, the alleged US threat, and Khan’s claim that the no-confidence was part of a US-led conspiracy roiled Pakistani politics and civil-military relations.

Retired Major-General Athar Abbas, a former military spokesperson and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ukraine from 2015 to 2018, said: “The letter warranted a strong response and corrective measures. Response [in the military] is mixed on whether it should have been used to meddle with the vote of no confidence.”

General Abbas also described a number of differences between Khan and the military leadership that had accumulated over Khan’s time in office, including poor political and economic management by Khan that was acting as a drag on the military’s public image.

On Khan’s opposition to military operations inside Pakistan and US-led wars internationally since the September 11 attacks , General Abbas said: “PM’s position on war on terror is that we fought America’s war and suffered loss of men and material. Military’s view was that it was the fallout of the Afghan war and we had no choice.

“Pressure on military leadership is if it was America’s war, then all the sacrifices of young officers and soldiers were a waste,” Abbas said.

Another retired military official, Air Vice-Marshal Shahzad Chaudhry, suggested the tensions with the military also concerned Khan’s style of governing.

“On policy matters, Khan could be mercurial. There was no predictability or stability. Imran Khan is a populist, that’s his vulnerability too.”

Defeated inside parliament and undone outside, Khan though is unlikely to be a spent force politically. The cyclical nature of Pakistani politics has seen former prime ministers rebound before.

Khan also has the advantage of clawing his way back to power from a fertile political base.

Chan, the former special assistant to the prime minister, said, “A month ago, people were abusing [Khan and the PTI government] for inflation.

“Now, they say he’s stood up for a proud and independent Pakistan.”

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Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi was born in Lahore, Pakistan on 5th October, 1952 to Ikramullah Khan Niazi Shermankhel and Shaukat Khanum (Burki clan). He was the only son of the family, and grew up amongst four strong sisters. His educational journey began at Aitchison College and the Cathedral School in Lahore where he finished middle school; and then entered the Royal Grammar School, Worcester, before completing his formal education with an undergraduate degree in Economics, Political Science and History from Keble College, Oxford. While at University, Imran Khan was also the captain of the Oxford University cricket team in 1974. 

Imran Khan went on to become one of the top cricket all rounders in the world, and remained captain of the Pakistan cricket team for 10 years, while his cricketing journey for the national team spanned between his debut in 1971 and the historic World Cup win in 1992. The team he captained, who are most famously known as “Imran’s Cornered Tigers” won almost against every opponent on their own home grounds. Lesser known, but forever marked as his contribution to the game of cricket is his struggle for neutral umpires, which changed the nature of the game to date. 

The end of his cricketing journey was only the beginning of his now world renowned philanthropy work. Deeply affected by his mother’s battle against cancer Imran Khan vowed to build and run a cancer hospital which would treat the poor for free. It was a monumental endeavour and there were many detractors but Imran Khan was undeterred. While watching his mother suffer he had realised that the early diagnosis and proper treatment was both unavailable and ill affordable for the poorest of the poor in his country. Having resolved to do the impossible Imran Khan set his considerable energy and commitment to the task and within a short span of two years he launched the biggest crowd funded campaign to make his mission a reality and Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, a world class facility opened its wards for the  treatment of the poorest citizens of Pakistan on December 29, 1994. Today, the hospital treats 70 percent of its patients for free, and has its current biggest facility in Peshawar, and another facility set to be inaugurated in Karachi at the end of 2018. Over 50 Billion has been spent on the treatment of the poor over these 24 years. 

It was Imran Khan’s foray into philanthropy and his interaction with the common people of Pakistan that led to the idea of him entering the political arena. His movement for respect of law, equality for all, meritocracy, development of human capital and above all anti-corruption took root in as he came in contact with the ordinary citizens of Pakistan. His journey to discover his own roots took him all over the country and he found his purpose in life in the service of the most marginalised and exploited masses of Pakistan.  The shy young cricketer who had always challenged the idea found his calling and on the 25th of April, 1996 he officially formed his political party, the “Tehreek-e-Insaf-e-Insaf”; Pakistan’s Movement for Justice. 

Imran Khan first entered the National Assembly of Pakistan in 2002, his party winning a single seat, his own, from his home region of Mianwali. He reciprocated his gratitude to the people of the region by beginning work on a top class university and knowledge city, known as Namal University. Set in a remote region, against mountainous backdrops, 90 percent of the students at the university come from humble backgrounds and study on scholarships. The degrees awarded at the university are in affiliation with Bradford University, where Imran Khan has also been honoured as a chancellor. 

Along with his ongoing philanthropy work, Imran Khan’s political career has been constructed on love for the people of Pakistan and he has not shied away from controversy, often taking up positions against the status quo and challenging corruption, exploitation and oppression whether by internal forces wanting to hold Pakistan hostage to an extractive political environment or taking up the campaign against drone attacks by the US, highlighting the illegality of extrajudicial killings, with a high civilian death toll in Pakistan’s tribal belt. He was also one of the leaders of the lawyers movement, where the nation was mobilised in its campaign for a free and fair judiciary in 2007-2008. The movement peaked when Imran Khan was arrested at the behest of a dictator amongst a jam packed student body at Punjab University. Emerging from jail a few days on after heavy pressure when world wide protests broke out calling for his release, where his two young sons Qasim and Suleiman too were seen in London protesting for the release of their “abba”, Imran Khan spoke not of abysmal jail conditions for himself, but rather pointed out the eye opening lack of justice within our prison system where even those wrongly accused, or who had served their terms were simply languishing in jail because no one took up theirs cases to defend them. 

It was on the heels of this movement, that Imran Khan and the Tehreek-e-Insaf boycotted the 2008 general election. This was at the peak of Imran Khan’s anti-drone campaign, and the campaign against extraordinary renditions of Pakistani citizens in the name of the War on Terror. He constantly raised his voice on what was now a free media to the plight of the internally displaced, and it was in October of 2008 when he galvanised a fundraising campaign to raise funds to rehabilitate regions that had been left devastated by an earthquake that killed over 80,000 Pakistanis. Under his IKF fund, he raised over a billion in earthquake relief funds and also mobilised volunteers across Pakistan to help with the rehabilitation process. IKF to date works on rehabilitation at times of natural disasters, including when the deadly floods hit in Pakistan in 2010, and also works with low income farmers to provide them with quality seeds and fertiliser to held facilitate their local economics. 

2008 on Imran Khan continued his human rights campaign against drone attacks, and led many sit ins against the extra judicial killings across the country. As the popular narrative took a turn towards a war that was becoming unpopular globally, a massive public rally at Lahore’s historic Minar-e-Pakiatan on the 30th of October 2011 propelled Imran Khan’s party into the mainstream. The youth that he had predicted would be his voters some 12 years back had come of age, and PTI became an idea whose “time had come”. In Imran Khan’s own words change was not just coming, it had arrived in the form of a new Pakistan whose vanguard was the youth. The premise of his stance remained the same; anti-corruption, and equality and justice for all. Suddenly Imran Khan became the voice of the urban and the rural, the educated and the non educated, from students, professionals and to rickshaw drivers everyone related to what Imran Khan’s message was. His rallies became a sea of charges citizens wanting change and an end to political exploitation. Women became his most vocal supporters and for the first time in Pakistan’s politics a mix of gender and socio-Economic groups became the enduring image at PTI public rallies.

PTI’s popularity surged to a peak with historic jalsas in Karachi, and other cities across the country in the run up to the elections in 2013. The campaign took a turn for the worst when Imran Khan had a near fatal fall off a crane while climbing a stage to address an election rally on the 7th of May 2013 in Lahore. For two days, the country had no idea what his health would be like. On the 9th of May 2013, he addressed a historic rally via video call from his hospital bed; the crowds were in the hundreds of thousands at D-Chowk in Islamabad. PTI was unable to make government at centre, but came into power in the then war torn and terror riddled province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The elections were mired in post poll controversy with rigging allegations; Imran Khan accepted the results in a message from his hospital bed, but called for a probe into just 4 constituencies which would set the tone for future electoral reforms in the country. This also set the basis for the longest running anti rigging protest in Pakistan’s history led by a fully recovered Imran Khan in 2014. 

Achievements and progress in what analysts and experts described as a “quagmire” in KP are the highlights of Imran Khan’s public service in politics in the time period between 2013-2018. Coming in with a team of mostly young ministers in the province, combined with a veteran politician as CM in the province, some of the biggest highlights of PTI’s governance in KP under Imran Khan’s leadership have been polio eradication (WHO declared Peshawar polio free for the first time), the world renowned and celebrated billion tree tsunami project, clean energy projects across the province in the form of micro hydel plants, depoliticisation of the police, an upsurge in tourism, the return of over 200,000 children to the public school system because of improved quality, reforms across the medical system, topped off with the flagship project of the Sehat Insaf Card which has been provided to over 70 percent households across the province that ensures insurance cover up to Rs. 540,000 at private hospitals too. In addition to this, the province has also brought in a robust local body governance system which has seen funds devolve to district, tensile and village level; development funds are no longer used to win loyalty amongst members of the assembly in the name of development. Funds are dispersed according to local decisions. Human development has been at the forefront of PTI governance in KP. 

Side by side with the performance in KP, Imran Khan’s anti corruption stance was further galvanised when the names of some of Pakistan’s most popular politicians emerged in the famous ICIJ papers globally known as the “Panama Papers”. Imran Khan led the movement that took the country’s most powerful to the courts of accountability. This combined with the achievements in KP set the tone for his election campaign with a marathon of 60 plus rallies in 20 days  in the run up to the elections on 25th July 2018. PTI emerged victorious at the polls with 116 seats in the National Assembly. This rall now stands at 150 with independents and other political parties joining Imran Khan and set to nominate him as the 19th Prime Minister of Pakistan.

There is a huge air of expectation and positivity about Pakistan. In what is recognised as a victory speech Imran Khan the leader of a political party that has a 22 year long struggle for justice and equality Imran Khan has set the tone with his vow of simplicity and desire to change the lives of the ordinary citizens of Pakistan. Imran Khan has always defied the odds. Taken up challenges that many considered impossible to defeat and bested adversity through the sheer will to do the right thing and succeed. Just when Pakistan needs, Imran Khan has been given the mantle of national leadership and it promises to be a new era of change for the entire country.

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Today's Paper | May 31, 2024

‘nothing to do with army’: pti disassociates imran from controversial 1971 x post.

The PTI on Tuesday distanced party founder Imran Khan from a controversial social media post on the 1971 civil war and the Hamoodur Rahman Com­mission Report, saying that the post was not aimed towards the military and should be seen in a “political context”.

“The context and comparison that we drew with 1971 was in a political context and not otherwise — nothing about the army,” PTI leader and MNA Barrister Gohar Ali Khan categorically said today in an interview with digital news outlet Azaad Urdu .

In a post on social media platform X dated May 26, Imran’s account, which is managed by his social media team due to him being incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail serving sentences in multiple cases, shared a video along with a quote attributed to him: “Every Pakistani should study the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report and get to know who was the true traitor, General Yahya Khan or Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”

The video argued that the former military dictator was the one actually responsible for the country’s breakup, referring to alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the civil war.

The video also interspersed images of the current civilian and military leadership, alleging that they stole the party’s mandate in the general elections.

The PTI had doubled down on the post, saying that the report analysed the “role of the Pakistan military in the political-military involvement in East-Pakistan from 1947 to 1971”.

“Mysteriously all 12 copies created were either stolen or were destroyed. The uncanny resemblance with the current turn of events in last two years, involving military and civilian relationships makes one question,” the PTI had said, seemingly referring to the state crackdown under way against the party.

The posts generated intense blowback and controversy, particularly from the government ranks.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman had said the post was “alarming” and the PTI was “continuously fueling the narrative of hatred and incitement” by comparing Imran to Sheikh Mujib.

The posts were harshly criticised in a meeting of the PML-N general council today where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lashed out at the PTI founder, saying: “Imran Khan’s ugly face has been exposed. He defames the Pakistan Army.”

Political maverick Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar had also said the post was akin to “misleading the youth of today”.

Responding to the criticism, the PTI earlier today said Imran had only asked people to read the report and did not compare himself with anyone.

In a longer post today, the party denounced the heated criticism against it as “poisonous false propaganda campaign of the mandate-thief government”, adding that the party had referred to the events of 1971 only to learn from history.

It said the party and Imran did not believe in handing out labels of treason.

In a video interview later today, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan elaborated on the intended meaning and purpose of the incendiary social media post.

“It was just our [meaning about the] political context,” he said, adding that a party’s mandate and majority were changed in 1971, similar to the PTI’s allegations about the current election result and government.

“Sometimes things are exaggerated. Imran Khan has nothing to do with this [post] because he did not see its content or other things.”

He said Imran was in prison and “does not approve each and every video or context”.

Barrister Gohar reiterated that just because the post mentioned the commission report or its contents, “it should not be interpreted in this context as if we are against them (the army) or that we are looking at [the matter in] a military context. Our version of the scenario was political context [then and now].”

Talking about access to social media in the country and its user statistics, Gohar said just because a post was seen on social media on a particular day, “it does not mean that a party has orchestrated a campaign. The PTI does not a run a campaign against anyone at any time.”

In a subsequent X post, Gohar reiterated: “Our comparison of 1971 was in political context … see what happened to the country in 1971 which is being done now. This is our narrative,” adding that the PTI was not the Awami League and nor was Imran Sheikh Mujib.

The incarcerated former prime minister has drawn comparison to the events of 1971 before as well.

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In April, drawing a parallel between current developments in Pakistan with the circumstances leading to the 1971 Dhaka tragedy, Imran had warned that the present situation could result in economic collapse, reminding the powers that be that countries and institutions could not survive without a stable economy.

“In 1970, army chief Yahya Khan wanted a hung parliament, but when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s party got a clear majority army held a fraud by-election in which 80 seats of Awami League were snatched as Yahya Khan wanted to become president,” Barrister Salman Akram Raja had said, while narrating the PTI founder’s message during a presser at the National Press Club after the party’s legal team met Imran in Adiala Jail.

In March, Imran had said that it was the ‘stolen mandate’ of East Pakistan that was behind the 1971 tragedy, adding that the country could not survive without political stability.

In November 2022, Imran had compared his struggle for ‘real freedom’ with that of Sheikh Mujib and reminded that the country had split into two after a political party with a legitimate political mandate was denied its right to rule.

Events may lead to another ‘Dhaka tragedy’, PTI warns

Stop equating recent events with 1971. Period.

Imran Khan invokes Mujibur Rehman parallel as PTI unsure of march destination

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Pakistan Election Was 'Biggest Robbery', Says Ex-PM Imran Khan

Pakistan Election Was 'Biggest Robbery', Says Ex-PM Imran Khan

FILE PHOTO: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan pauses as he speaks with Reuters during an interview, in Lahore, Pakistan March 17, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Imran Khan said on Thursday February's national election was stolen from his party, describing it as the "biggest robbery of a public mandate".

Khan, speaking in the Supreme Court via video link from Adyala jail in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, said he was being held in solitary confinement.

His remarks were the first to be heard in open court since he was jailed in August.

"My party is being victimised. There have been gross human rights violations," Khan said. "The February 8 election was the biggest robbery of a public mandate."

The Election Commission has denied the election was rigged.

Khan, a 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician, was jailed on corruption charges. He is also fighting dozens of other cases.

He and his Pakistan Tehree-e-Insaf Party (PTI) say the charges were politically motivated to thwart his return to power.

Candidates backed by Khan won the most seats in February's election but fell short of a majority required to form a government. His opponent Shehbaz Sharif became prime minister in a coalition government with several other parties.

Khan was allowed by the top court to appear and plead petitions he had filed against amendments in the country's anti-graft laws, which he claims was made to favour corrupt politicians.

The court, however, turned down his request to live-stream the proceedings. It said it was not a public interest case, according to a Reuters reporter inside the court room.

Khan has previously been speaking to a select group of reporters who are allowed to cover his closed-door trials conducted inside the jail.

His aides have been conveying his messages after visiting him and his social media accounts remain active, but it is unclear who is operating them.

He has faced numerous cases since his ouster in 2022 in a parliamentary vote of confidence, which he alleged was backed by the powerful military after he had fallen out with the army generals.

The army denies the accusations.

(Reporting by Islamabad bureau; Writing by Asif Shahzad; Editing by YP Rajesh, Bernadette Baum and Nick Macfie)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Imran Khan impersonator's video passed off as jailed ex-leader 'inspecting crops'

A video of an actor impersonating imran khan has been misrepresented online as a genuine clip of pakistan's former leader -- in jail since may 2023 -- visiting farmers in a wheat field during his tenure. critics of the ruling coalition government shared the video with the false claim after changes to wheat procurement policies sparked protests in the central province of punjab..

" There was time when the country's Prime Minister would go himself to inspect the farmers' crops and the farmers would get the fruits of their labour ," read an Urdu-language post on Facebook on May 4, 2024.

The 24-second clip -- viewed more than 5,000 times -- shows a man resembling Khan walking through wheat fields.

The video was also shared alongside a similar false claim on  Facebook and social media site X .

The posts surfaced following protests by farmers in Punjab --  the South Asian country's most populous province -- after the government reduced the quantities of wheat it purchased locally.

They were shared by supporters of Khan's political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf who appeared to portray him as an advocate of farmer's interests .

"There was also a time when the Prime Minister himself used to go to the farmers and visit the wheat," wrote one social media in response to one post.

"Mashallah my God keep him under his protection," said another.

Khan's party has been targeted with a sweeping crackdown since nationwide protests erupted over his arrest on May 9, 2023 which saw unprecedented anger directed at the military.

Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were both convicted of corruption and breaking Islamic marriage laws in the lead-up to February's general election, which saw military-backed parties come to power.

Khan -- who was also jailed for leaking state secrets -- has said the cases were designed to keep him from contesting.

Khan impersonator

A reverse image search on Google using a keyframe from the video, followed by keyword searches, found the same clip posted on TikTok on May 2 ( archived link ).

It was shared by "@naeemullah74ik" -- an account owned by professional Imran Khan impersonator Naeemullah ( archived link ).

Naeemullah has been impersonating Khan since 2012 and frequently posts similar videos imitating Khan on his TikTok profile ( archived link ).

On April 28 he posted a similar video of himself dressed as Khan -- this time walking in a rock-covered grassy area as shown in the screenshot below:

Naeemullah told AFP that the circulating video was filmed in Adina village in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

"I appreciate that people believed that the video was actually of Imran Khan," he told AFP.

He also shared a screenshot with AFP of analytics of the video from his TikTok profile as shown in the screenshot below:

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Who Is Imran Khan?

The former prime minister, who was ousted last year, was arrested on corruptions charges.

By Christina Goldbaum and Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Imran Khan, who was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, was elected as Pakistan’s prime minister in 2018 when he ran as a nationalist promising to fight corruption, revive the country’s struggling economy and maintain an independent foreign policy that distanced Pakistan from the United States.

His arrest significantly escalated a political crisis in the country, raising the prospect of mass unrest by his supporters.

What is his background?

Born to an affluent family in Lahore and educated at Oxford University, Mr. Khan, 70, first rose to international prominence in the late 1970s on the cricket pitch . In 1995, he married a British heiress, Jemima Goldsmith.

A year later, Mr. Khan tried to parlay his popularity from cricket — he had led Pakistan in 1992 to its only World Cup triumph — into a political career, establishing his own party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or the Movement for Justice. As a politician, he portrayed himself as a reformer offering an alternative to Pakistan’s entrenched political dynasties.

How did he rise to power?

For over a decade, Mr. Khan struggled to make political inroads and was mocked for his ambitions. By 2011, he began to gather political momentum, drawing hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis to his rallies. Many were energized by his populist, anticorruption and anti-American message.

By then, Mr. Khan had embraced a pious form of Islam and sought to transform his personal image. In 2018, Mr. Khan got married for a third time, to his spiritual adviser, Bushra Bibi. (His marriage to Ms. Goldsmith had ended in divorce, and he was briefly married in 2015 to a broadcast journalist, Reham Khan.)

After winning the backing of military leaders, Mr. Khan became prime minister in 2018 . Many of his rivals accused the military of manipulating the election in his favor — an accusation Mr. Khan and the military have both denied. He ushered in a new foreign policy, moving away from the United States and closer to Russia and China.

Why was he arrested?

Mr. Khan’s relatively stable tenure began to unwind in 2021, as dissatisfaction with his handling of the economy came to a head and a dispute with the military over its leadership appeared to cost him its support. He was removed from office in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April of last year.

Tensions further mounted in November, when he was wounded during a political rally after a man opened fire on his convoy. Aides called it an assassination attempt.

Since being removed from office, Mr. Khan has faced a series of charges, including for terrorism and corruption, and he has repeatedly faced threats of arrest after failing to appear in court. He has also openly challenged the government and military, accusing them of conspiring against him.

Mr. Khan was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday connected to a case involving the transfer of land for Al-Qadir University, near Islamabad. Mr. Khan has been accused of granting favors to Malik Riaz Hussain, a real estate tycoon, with the university getting land and donations in return.

Christina Goldbaum is a correspondent in the Kabul, Afghanistan, bureau. More about Christina Goldbaum

Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a correspondent covering international news. He previously worked as a reporter, editor and bureau chief for Reuters and did postings in Nairobi, Abidjan, Atlanta, Jakarta and Accra. More about Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Nawaz reclaims PML-N presidency after 6 years

PML-N supreme leader and founder Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday officially reclaimed the party presidency, sailing through 'unopposed', six years after a court ruling had removed him from office.

Emboldened after restoring a formal grip over the party's reins, the former prime minister, instead of laying out a roadmap for the future, kicked things off by dusting off old grievances and lamenting past injustices inflicted upon him.

Taking aim at his imprisoned rival while addressing the party's general council meeting after being elected to the top post, Nawaz kept PTI chief Imran Khan in the crosshairs - reflecting a palpable concern simmering within party ranks.

With meticulous attention to election protocols to ward off potential legal battles, the party conducted the presidential elections at a Lahore hotel

Rana Sanaullah, acting as the chief election commissioner for the presidential elections, formally announced Nawaz Sharif as the unopposed candidate for the party presidency.

Presenting Nawaz's endorsement as party president before the general council, the decision received unanimous approval from all participants, effectively restoring the former premier's leadership of the party.

Despite not holding the official title of party president until now, he had been effectively calling all the shots.Before the announcement of the election results, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the gathering, attributing the decision to hold these elections to Shehbaz Sharif's resignation on May 11.

He declared that, according to party rules, a central working committee meeting had to be convened within seven days, which was held on May 18 and announced party elections for the post of president on May 28.

Rana Sanaullah announced that ten nomination papers were submitted in Nawaz Sharif's name, all of which were approved after scrutiny. He then asked the attendees to stand up if they wished to endorse Nawaz Sharif's appointment as party president, although it seemed unnecessary since no other candidate was contesting.

All party leaders, including Sanaullah, Ishaq Dar, and General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized the importance of adhering to election requirements, codes, and formalities.

Dredging up old grievances

Though Nawaz Sharif's return to the throne at this juncture might hand PML-N a tactical advantage, considering the outgoing president held the position of incumbent PM, reinstating him as party leader allows for decisions to be run by him formally and even left to his approval, thereby taking some weight off the PM's shoulders.

In his typical fashion of bashing Imran Khan, Sharif pondered over his removal and the potential outcomes if he had been allowed to function uninterrupted. He also extolled the services and sacrifices of former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbassi and Miftah Ismail, both of whom have bid adieu to the party.Moreover, he acknowledged the attempts made by some to drive a wedge between him and his brother Shehbaz Sharif.

Despite the odds, he applauded his younger brother for standing by him through thick and thin.

The prime minister also recalled how Shehbaz Sharif was asked to abandon him and become PM, commending Shehbaz for rebuffing all such offers. He praised Shehbaz's unfaltering commitment, noting that it even landed his sibling in hot water and ultimately behind bars.

He then took time to mention almost all those who had braved jail for their loyalty.

He asserted that PML-N has always managed to turn the tide for Pakistan during its time in power. He lamented that if there had been no disruptions in 1990, Pakistan would have been a force to be reckoned with on this continent. He said we've been having our legs pulled since 1947.

Alluding to his ousters from the premiership, he remarked that we have been shooting ourselves in the foot.

He reminded the attendees of the low commodity prices during his tenure, stressing that there was no 'begging bowl' in sight, and the government was not going hat in hand seeking foreign monetary assistance.

He highlighted several key achievements from his time in office, noting that they had built a network of motorways, restored peace, hit record highs in the stock exchange, and amassed foreign reserves that were through the roof."All this was taken away by four to five people," he remarked, adding that disqualifying him for not taking pay from his son was an absurd excuse.

Taking a shot at the imprisoned Imran Khan, he said, "If we had been ousted for looting 460 billion in the Al-Qadir Trust case, we wouldn't have had any objections. But disqualifying me for not taking a salary from my son? It's not like I was asking for a salary from your son," he joked.

He recounted his efforts to reconcile with Imran after the 2013 elections and revealed details about a 'London Plan' orchestrated by a serving military general, aimed at toppling his government.

He referenced a statement from an anchor, who claimed to have witnessed a meeting where the 'London Plan' was discussed, as well as another meeting where it was revealed that Nawaz Sharif was pressured to resign but refused, asserting, "I do not resign."

It's worth noting that the anchor in question has developed a reputation lately for being bitterly biased against Imran Khan.

Nawaz Sharif challenged Imran Khan, stating that if the latter could convincingly refute the notion that he was the "third force" being manipulated by the establishment to overthrow his government, he would retire from politics indefinitely.

He accused Imran Khan of launching his political career with the backing of the establishment. Sharif laid blame on Khan for the purported rigging of the 2018 elections.

Drawing a stark contrast, he highlighted their differing allegiances: "While we stand for May 28, when Pakistan's defence was made invincible, he represents May 9," alluding to the day military installations were attacked.

Meanwhile, in his scathing critique of Imran Khan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused him of tarnishing the reputations of families of armed forces members, those who make ultimate sacrifices for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan.

Shehbaz also aimed his criticism at the judiciary, alleging that there were a few 'black sheep' within it who favour Imran Khan.

In a pointed address to those labelled as "black sheep," he asserted that Imran Khan had allegedly embezzled 190 million pounds, acquired luxury items, and amassed property, actions attributed not to PML-N.

Despite these allegations, there seemed to be an endless discussion about granting bail to him in all cases.

He emphasised that although the majority of judges were patriotic and aimed for Pakistan's prosperity, there were a few exceptions among them.