Imran Khan was born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan. He initially gained fame as a cricketer and was one of the world’s leading fast bowlers during his cricket career. He played for the Pakistan national cricket team from 1971 to 1992 and led the team to its first World Cup victory in 1992.
Imran Khan entered politics after retiring from cricket. He founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 1996, with the aim of creating a political alternative to the existing parties in Pakistan. However, PTI initially struggled to gain significant electoral success. Imran Khan was known for his activism on social and political issues even before entering mainstream politics. He was involved in philanthropic work, including the establishment of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre in Lahore, named after his mother who died of cancer.
- Naya Pakistan Vision: Imran Khan’s political platform is often associated with the concept of “Naya Pakistan,” which translates to “New Pakistan.” The vision includes promises of anti-corruption measures, good governance, and socio-economic development.
- Electoral Success: Over the years, Imran Khan and PTI gained popularity, especially among the youth. In the general elections held in July 2018, PTI emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly, and Imran Khan was elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
- Challenges and Policies: Imran Khan’s government faced various challenges, including economic issues, governance, and criticism from political opponents. His administration implemented policies focusing on economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and initiatives for social welfare.
- Foreign Policy: Imran Khan’s government also focused on foreign policy matters, including relations with neighboring countries such as India and Afghanistan. His efforts to mediate between conflicting parties and promote regional stability were notable.
