Editorial note: Biographical profile. Current offices and ongoing legal matters, where relevant, should be checked immediately before publication.
At a glance
| Life | Born 5 October 1952 |
|---|---|
| Principal roles | Founder of PTI; Prime Minister, 2018–2022; former Pakistan cricket captain and philanthropist. |
Overview
Imran Khan moved from international cricket and philanthropy into politics, founded PTI in 1996 and eventually became prime minister after the 2018 general election.
Political career
PTI remained small for more than a decade before expanding rapidly after 2011. It formed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government in 2013 and became a major national opposition party. In 2018 it led a federal coalition and Khan became prime minister.
Record and criticism
Supporters emphasize anti-corruption politics, welfare programmes, national confidence and mobilization of younger voters. Critics cite economic instability, polarization, centralized leadership, strained media relations and inconsistency in the party’s approach to establishment power.
Political legacy
Khan ceased to be prime minister after a successful National Assembly vote of no confidence in April 2022. PTI’s subsequent mobilization and the performance of associated independent candidates in 2024 confirmed his continuing influence. Ongoing legal matters should be updated case by case rather than compressed into a single label.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: 22 July 2026. If you spot an error, please use our corrections process.