Imran Khan: Power, Trials, and Legacy (61 to Present

Part 3: Imran Khan – Power, Trials, and Legacy (61 to Present)

From Prime Minister to Prisoner – The Turbulent Years of a Nation’s Leader

As Imran Khan stepped into his sixties, the vision he had long pursued—of leading Pakistan as its Prime Minister—finally materialized. At 65 years old, he ascended to the highest political office in the country, fulfilling a decades-long journey from cricketing icon to political leader. But this final chapter, while marked by power and influence, would also become the most challenging and turbulent period of his life.


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Becoming the Prime Minister (2018)

On August 18, 2018, Imran Khan was sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan after his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), secured a majority in the general elections. The victory was historic—not just for Imran, but for millions of Pakistanis who saw him as a symbol of hope, change, and accountability. His campaign slogan, "Naya Pakistan" (New Pakistan), resonated across generations, particularly among the youth and middle class.

As Prime Minister, Imran Khan promised to fight corruption, reduce poverty, invest in education and healthcare, and transform Pakistan into a welfare state inspired by the principles of the early Islamic state of Madinah. His simple lifestyle and refusal to live lavishly as PM won him praise, and his speeches often focused on national pride, sovereignty, and justice.


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Achievements and Struggles in Office

During his time in office, Imran Khan’s government launched several welfare initiatives, including:

Ehsaas Program – A broad poverty alleviation scheme.

Sehat Sahulat Cards – Providing health insurance to millions of low-income families.

Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme – An effort to provide affordable housing.

Kamyab Jawan Program – Empowering youth with loans and training.


On the foreign front, Imran adopted an independent and balanced approach. He strengthened ties with countries like China, Turkey, and Malaysia, while attempting to mediate between rivals such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. He also received praise for his strong and articulate stance on Kashmir and Islamophobia at international forums, especially his speech at the UN General Assembly in 2019.

However, his tenure was not without criticism. His government struggled with:

Economic instability, rising inflation, and devaluation of the Pakistani rupee.

Increasing public frustration over job creation and living costs.

Perceived dependency on the military establishment, which had supported PTI’s rise.

Criticism for handling of media freedom and dissent.


Despite ups and downs, Imran Khan retained strong grassroots support, often drawing massive crowds wherever he went.


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The Fall from Power (2022)

In April 2022, just three and a half years into his term, Imran Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. The opposition parties united to oust him, citing mismanagement and growing economic woes. For Imran, this was not just a political loss—it was a betrayal by those he believed were allies.

But rather than fade into political irrelevance, Imran Khan launched a fierce resistance campaign. He alleged that a foreign conspiracy—with the involvement of the U.S. and the Pakistani establishment—was behind his removal. His rallying cry of “Imported Government Na-Manzoor” echoed across the country, revitalizing his support base.


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Political Rebirth and Nationwide Support

After being removed from office, Imran Khan’s popularity arguably grew even stronger. He held massive public rallies in cities across Pakistan, demanding early elections and calling out corruption in the ruling coalition. His charisma, unfiltered speeches, and fearless tone reignited the political landscape.

On November 3, 2022, Imran survived an assassination attempt during a protest march in Wazirabad. The incident shocked the nation and further solidified his narrative of being targeted by powerful forces. Injured but undeterred, he continued to lead from the front, even addressing the nation from his hospital bed.

Throughout 2023, his conflict with the state intensified. He was disqualified by the Election Commission over the Toshakhana case (related to state gifts) and faced multiple legal battles, often claiming they were politically motivated.


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Arrest and Incarceration (2023–2024)

In August 2023, Imran Khan was arrested and later convicted in a series of cases, including Toshakhana, cipher, and unlawful marriage. He was sentenced to prison, and his candidacy for the 2024 general elections was barred. This was the lowest and most controversial point in his political career.

Despite being behind bars, Imran Khan’s influence refused to wane. His name remained on every banner, his party rallied under his vision, and millions still saw him as their true leader. PTI candidates contested the 2024 elections as independents, and despite severe restrictions, they secured surprisingly strong results, showing the depth of public loyalty.


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Imran Khan Today: Legacy in the Making

As of 2025, Imran Khan remains imprisoned, but continues to be the most influential and polarizing figure in Pakistani politics. His struggle has become larger than life—transforming from a sports hero to a political icon, and now to a symbol of resistance and national pride.

Supporters view him as a man of unshakable integrity, a leader who challenged the status quo and gave voice to the common man. Critics argue that his governance was flawed and his populist style contributed to political polarization. Regardless of perspective, few can deny that Imran Khan has reshaped the political discourse of Pakistan in a way no one else has in recent history.


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Conclusion: A Journey Still Unfolding

Imran Khan’s journey from a Lahore-born cricket prodigy to Prime Minister and political prisoner is nothing short of legendary. His life is a saga of ambition, struggle, resilience, and defiance. At 72, his future remains uncertain, but his story is far from over.

Whether remembered as a reformer, a fighter, or a flawed visionary, Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi has already carved his name deep into the pages of Pakistan’s history—and the final chapters are still being written........

The Emd