Imran Khan is a former Pakistani cricket captain, philanthropist, and politician who served as Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. He led Pakistan to its only Cricket World Cup victory in 1992, founded the first cancer hospital in Pakistan, and has been imprisoned since August 2023 on corruption charges he claims are politically motivated.
Quick Facts About Imran Khan
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1952 |
| Age | 73 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Ethnicity | Pashtun (Niazi tribe) |
| Profession | Former Cricketer, Politician, Philanthropist |
| Political Party | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) |
| Prime Minister’s Term | August 2018 – April 2022 |
| Cricket Career | 1971 – 1992 |
| Marital Status | Married (3rd wife: Bushra Bibi) |
| Children | 2 sons (Sulaiman Isa, Kasim) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $4-50 million (disputed) |
| Current Status | Imprisoned since August 2023 |
Early Life and Education
Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi was born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan, into an affluent Pashtun family. His father, Ikramullah Khan Niazi, worked as a civil engineer, while his mother, Shaukat Khanum, came from an educated background. Cricket ran in his blood—two of his cousins, Javed Burki and Majid Khan, both captained Pakistan’s national cricket team.
Khan grew up in an upper-middle-class household with four sisters. He attended Aitchison College and Cathedral School in Lahore, both elite institutions. In 1972, he moved to England to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Keble College, Oxford University. While at Oxford, Khan captained the university cricket team and showed early signs of the leadership that would define his career.
The young Khan was known as quiet and shy, but cricket transformed him. He played for Worcestershire and Sussex in county cricket, where he gained attention for his fast bowling and athletic ability. His time in England shaped not just his cricket skills but also his worldview, exposing him to Western culture while deepening his Islamic faith.
Rise to International Stardom
Imran Khan made his Test debut for Pakistan in 1971 against England at Edgbaston. His early years showed promise but lacked consistency. By the late 1970s, he transformed into one of cricket’s most feared fast bowlers and capable batsmen—a true all-rounder.
Khan played 88 Test matches and 175 One Day Internationals (ODIs) over his 21-year career. He scored 3,807 runs in Tests at an average of 37.69, including six centuries. As a bowler, he took 362 Test wickets at an average of 22.81. In ODIs, he scored 3,709 runs and claimed 182 wickets.
His statistics placed him among cricket’s greatest all-rounders, alongside Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee, and Kapil Dev. Khan achieved the all-rounder’s triple—3,000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket—in just 75 Tests, the third-fastest ever.
In 1982, Khan faced India in a six-Test series where he took 40 wickets, including 8 for 60 in Karachi. He also led Pakistan to its first-ever Test series victories in India (1987) and England (1987), breaking decades of failure. These wins established him as not just a great player but a transformational captain.
The Historic 1992 World Cup Victory
The pinnacle of Khan’s cricket career came on March 25, 1992, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. As captain, he led Pakistan to victory over England in the Cricket World Cup final. Pakistan won by 22 runs, claiming the nation’s first and only World Cup title.
Khan was 39 years old—ancient by cricket standards. Many doubted Pakistan’s chances after a poor start to the tournament. But Khan rallied his young team with the now-famous words: “Fight like cornered tigers.” The slogan became a national cry, and Pakistan roared back to win the championship.
The victory cemented Khan’s status as a national hero. He retired from cricket immediately after, leaving the sport at its peak. In 2009, the ICC inducted him into the Cricket Hall of Fame. In 2010, he received Pakistan’s Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the country’s second-highest civilian honor.
Cricket Records and Achievements
Khan’s cricket achievements include:
- 362 Test wickets (22.81 average)
- 3,807 Test runs (37.69 average)
- Captained Pakistan in 48 Tests (14 wins, 8 losses, 26 draws)
- Led Pakistan to 1992 World Cup victory
- Won Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1983)
- Held world record for most wickets as Test captain
- Inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2009)
- Won most Player of the Series awards for Pakistan in Test cricket
His batting average of 61.86 at number six in the batting order remains one of the highest in Test cricket history for that position.
Philanthropy: Building Hope for Pakistan
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital
In 1985, Khan’s mother died of cancer. Her death devastated him and exposed him to the suffering of poor cancer patients in Pakistan who couldn’t afford treatment. Most viewed a cancer diagnosis as a death sentence.
Khan decided to build Pakistan’s first specialized cancer hospital where patients would receive free treatment regardless of their ability to pay. Skeptics told him the project would fail and damage his reputation. Medical experts said free cancer treatment was financially impossible.
Khan refused to give up. In 1988, he held his first fundraising dinner in Dubai. Donations poured in from ordinary Pakistanis and wealthy donors alike. He launched “Imran’s Tigers,” a team of school children who raised $5 million in six weeks by touring 29 cities. By 1994, Khan had donated almost half of his personal wealth to the project.
On December 29, 1994, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital opened in Lahore. The hospital cost $22 million to build, with 67% coming from donations. Named after his mother, it provided world-class cancer treatment. Over a million individual donors contributed—from ordinary citizens to celebrities.
Today, Shaukat Khanum operates hospitals in Lahore and Peshawar, with a third under construction in Karachi. The hospitals have treated hundreds of thousands of cancer patients. Approximately 75% of patients receive free or subsidized treatment. The hospitals rely entirely on charitable donations and provide treatment equal to the best facilities in developed countries.
Namal University and Other Charitable Works
In 2008, Khan founded Namal University in Mianwali, his ancestral hometown. The university provides quality higher education to students from low-income families who otherwise couldn’t afford college. It focuses on STEM education and aims to produce leaders who will serve Pakistan.
Khan also established The Imran Khan Foundation in 2006, which provides disaster relief, supports internally displaced persons, and funds various social welfare programs across Pakistan. In 2013, the foundation launched a Rs30 million relief project for displaced families from North Waziristan, providing food, shelter, and essentials.
His philanthropic work earned him global recognition. In 2012, he received honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. TIME magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2019.
Political Journey: From Outsider to Prime Minister
Founding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (1996)
After retiring from cricket, Khan could have enjoyed a comfortable life. Instead, he entered Pakistan’s brutal political arena. In 1996, he founded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which translates to “Pakistan Movement for Justice.”
Khan’s political platform centered on three pillars: ending corruption, establishing justice, and creating an Islamic welfare state. He positioned himself as an outsider who would clean up Pakistan’s corrupt political system. His party attracted young, educated Pakistanis tired of dynastic politics dominated by the Sharif and Bhutto families.
The Long Road to Power (1996-2018)
Khan’s early political career was marked by failure. In the 1997 general election, PTI won zero seats. In 2002, Khan won a single National Assembly seat. For over a decade, he remained a marginal figure mocked by established politicians as a celebrity who didn’t understand politics.
Everything changed in 2011 when Khan organized a massive rally in Lahore that drew over 100,000 people. Young Pakistanis, particularly from urban middle-class backgrounds, flocked to his anti-corruption message. His criticism of U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas also resonated with nationalists.
In the 2013 general election, PTI emerged as the second-largest party by popular vote. Though it didn’t form the national government, PTI won control of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This gave Khan his first taste of governance and proved PTI could win elections.
Prime Minister of Pakistan (2018-2022)
In the 2018 general election, PTI won the most seats in the National Assembly. On August 18, 2018, Imran Khan took oath as Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister at age 65. He promised a “Naya Pakistan” (New Pakistan) free from corruption.
Khan’s government faced immediate challenges. Pakistan’s economy was in crisis, requiring an IMF bailout. Inflation soared. Relations with India deteriorated after the February 2019 Pulwama attack and subsequent military tensions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Khan launched the Ehsaas Programme, Pakistan’s largest welfare initiative, providing cash transfers to millions of poor families. His government also implemented the Sehat Sahulat Program for health insurance and launched massive tree-planting campaigns.
In February 2022, Khan became the first Pakistani Prime Minister in 20 years to visit Moscow—arriving the same day Russia invaded Ukraine. The trip drew sharp criticism from the United States.
By early 2022, Khan’s coalition partners began defecting. Key allies withdrew support. On April 10, 2022, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a no-confidence motion with 174 votes. Khan became the first Pakistani Prime Minister ever removed by a no-confidence vote.
Khan alleged the United States conspired to remove him for visiting Russia. He claimed Pakistan’s military establishment orchestrated his ouster. The military denied these accusations, calling them “fabricated and malicious.”
Personal Life: Three Marriages and Family
Marriage to Jemima Goldsmith (1995-2004)
Khan’s first marriage came during his cricket glory years. On May 16, 1995, he married Jemima Goldsmith, daughter of British billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, in a brief Islamic ceremony in Paris. Jemima, 21 years old and from a wealthy Jewish family, converted to Islam before the wedding.
The couple had a civil ceremony in Richmond, England, in June 1995. They moved to Pakistan, where Jemima struggled to adapt to life in Lahore. British tabloids obsessed over the union between the cricket superstar and the billionaire heiress.
The marriage produced two sons: Sulaiman Isa (born 1996) and Kasim (born 1999). Jemima actively supported Khan’s philanthropic work, helping raise funds for Shaukat Khanum Hospital. She also supported his early political efforts.
By 2004, the marriage collapsed. On June 22, 2004, they divorced after nine years. The official reason cited Jemima’s difficulty adjusting to life in Pakistan. They maintained an amicable relationship for their sons’ sake. The boys live with Jemima in England but visit Khan during school holidays. Jemima publicly congratulated Khan when he became Prime Minister in 2018.
Brief Union with Reham Khan (2015)
On January 8, 2015, Khan married Reham Khan, a British-Pakistani journalist and former BBC weather presenter, in a private ceremony at his Islamabad residence. Reham had three children from a previous marriage.
The marriage lasted only ten months. On October 22, 2015, they announced plans to divorce. Few details emerged publicly at the time.
In 2018, Reham published a controversial tell-all memoir that made explosive allegations about Khan’s personal life. She claimed Khan confessed to fathering five children out of wedlock. Khan’s supporters dismissed the book as revenge fiction. The allegations remain unverified and heavily disputed.
Current Wife Bushra Bibi (2018-Present)
Khan married Bushra Bibi on February 18, 2018, months before becoming Prime Minister. Bushra, in her late 40s, was his spiritual advisor (murshid) in Sufism. She introduced him to deeper Islamic mysticism.
Bushra had five children from her first marriage to Khawar Maneka, whom she divorced in 2017. Khan became a stepfather to her children. Bushra is known for wearing a niqab (face veil) and maintains an intensely private life, rarely appearing in public.
Their marriage sparked controversy. The cleric who performed their nikah (Islamic marriage) testified in court that Bushra was still in her iddat period (a mandatory waiting period after divorce) when she married Khan. Islamic law requires women to complete this three-month period before remarrying. In February 2024, a court sentenced Khan to seven years and Bushra to seven years for violating this law, though the verdict was later overturned on appeal.
Bushra reportedly influenced Khan’s political decisions during his time as Prime Minister. According to former aides, she advised him on ministerial appointments and political matters, sometimes from behind a screen during meetings. She allegedly advised Khan on “propitious” times to travel based on spiritual guidance.
In January 2025, Bushra was sentenced to seven years in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case alongside Khan’s 14-year sentence. She remains imprisoned, with Khan alleging she faces inhumane conditions as a way to pressure him emotionally.
Net Worth and Assets (2025)
Estimates of Imran Khan’s net worth vary widely, from $4 million to $50 million depending on the source and valuation method.
According to financial disclosures Khan submitted to Pakistan’s Election Commission in mid-2024, his declared net worth stood at Rs315.95 million (approximately $4 million USD). This disclosure revealed ownership of more than a dozen real estate properties, most inherited or gifted.
His most valuable asset is his Bani Gala mansion in Islamabad, built on 181,500 square yards. Different sources value this property between $2.6 million and $750 million, though the higher figure seems inflated. Khan declared this house as a gift in his official documents and listed Rs11.47 million in expenditures on it.
Other assets include:
- 75-acre estate in Islamabad (valued at $2.6 million in 2017)
- Inherited house in Zaman Park, Lahore
- Two-bedroom apartment in Islamabad (Rs11.97 million advance paid)
- Agricultural land and farmhouse (valued at $0.8 million)
- No vehicles registered in his name
Khan’s income sources during his career included:
- Cricket earnings (match fees, county cricket salary)
- Endorsements (Pepsi, Cinthol, Thums Up)
- Book royalties from his autobiography and other publications
- Property appreciation over decades
- Investment returns
In 2023, Khan’s tax filings showed he deposited over Rs15.59 million in taxes. His wife Bushra Bibi paid Rs3.28 million in taxes on an income of Rs19.82 million.
Compared to other Pakistani politicians, Khan’s wealth is moderate. His rival Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared assets worth over Rs850 million (approaching billionaire status) in the same period.
Critics argue Khan built his Bani Gala mansion after giving favors to real estate developers while in power, charges Khan denies.
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment (2023-2025)
On May 9, 2023, Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau arrested Khan from inside the Islamabad High Court on corruption charges related to the Al-Qadir Trust. His arrest triggered nationwide protests by PTI supporters. Protesters stormed military installations, including the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore. The military responded with force.
The Supreme Court initially ruled Khan’s arrest unlawful and ordered his release. But he was arrested again in August 2023 on charges related to the Toshakhana case—allegations he sold state gifts worth over 140 million Pakistani rupees received during his premiership.
Since August 2023, Khan has remained imprisoned at Adiala Jail near Rawalpindi. As of December 2025, he faces over 186 legal cases across Pakistan.
Major convictions include:
Toshakhana Case (August 2023): Sentenced to 14 years for illegally selling state gifts.
Cipher/State Secrets Case (January 2024): Sentenced to 10 years for leaking classified documents. Khan had waved a diplomatic cable at a rally, claiming it proved U.S. conspiracy against him.
Iddat Marriage Case (February 2024): Sentenced to 7 years (overturned on appeal) for marrying Bushra Bibi during her mandatory waiting period after divorce.
Al-Qadir Trust Case (January 2025): Sentenced to 14 years for accepting Rs7 billion in land from a real estate developer as bribes. His wife Bushra received 7 years. This case involves allegations they received land through the Al-Qadir Trust in exchange for illegal favors while Khan was Prime Minister.
Khan has been acquitted of some charges but remains imprisoned due to convictions in other cases. His legal team insists all charges are politically motivated efforts by the military establishment and current government to keep him from power. The government maintains Khan received due process under law.
International human rights organizations have expressed concern about his trial conditions and transparency. In March 2024, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found his detention “arbitrary and in violation of international law.”
Current Status: Where Is Imran Khan in December 2025?
As of December 2025, Imran Khan remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. His sister, Dr. Uzma Khanum, visited him on December 2, 2025—the first family visit in nearly a month—and reported he is physically healthy but suffering psychologically.
“He is kept inside all the time and only goes out for a short while,” Khanum told reporters. “There is no contact with anybody.” She described Khan as “very angry” about his isolation, saying he called the conditions “mental torture worse than physical abuse.”
Khan’s access to basic privileges has been severely restricted:
- No contact with his children abroad (phone calls denied)
- Limited family visits (often blocked for weeks)
- Books sent by family withheld for months
- No television or newspapers
- No access to his personal physician for 10 months
- Meetings with lawyers are restricted to “choice individuals.”
- Wife Bushra Bibi is held in a separate facility under harsh conditions
Khan has issued statements through his lawyers describing his treatment. In a July 2025 message, he wrote: “Never in the history of Pakistan has any political leader been subjected to the treatment that I am currently enduring.”
Despite imprisonment, Khan remains Pakistan’s most popular political figure according to multiple polls. In the February 2024 general election, PTI-backed independent candidates won the most votes nationwide—4.5 million more than the next party—despite Khan being in jail and PTI facing severe restrictions.
Pakistan’s government denies mistreating Khan. Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry stated prison visits are the responsibility of jail officials, not the government. Adiala Jail administration has denied rumors of Khan’s poor health or transfer to other facilities.
In November 2025, death rumors spread on social media, prompting PTI to demand transparent updates on Khan’s condition. The jail administration confirmed Khan is alive and receiving full medical facilities.
Khan’s supporters continue holding protests demanding his release. His party alleges the military establishment and the Shehbaz Sharif government are persecuting him to prevent his return to power. Both the military and government deny these accusations.
Lesser-Known Facts About Imran Khan
- London Playboy Days: Before becoming a devout Muslim, Khan was famous in London’s nightlife during the 1980s. British tabloids called him one of the most eligible bachelors, frequently spotted at the exclusive Tramp nightclub in St. James’s. His first serious girlfriend, Emma Sergeant, introduced him to London’s socialite circle.
- Bollywood Rejection: In 1990, Indian film director Dev Anand offered Khan a lead role in the sports thriller “Awwal Number.” Khan declined, saying he lacked acting skills. He appeared in commercials but never pursued film acting.
- Ball Tampering Admission: After retirement, Khan admitted to occasionally scratching the ball and lifting the seam during county cricket to help it swing. He defended the practice as commonplace at the time, though it’s now illegal.
- Paternity Dispute: A California court ruled Khan to be the father of Tyrian Jade White (born 1992), daughter of Sita White, though Khan initially denied paternity. The matter was settled privately.
- German Girlfriend: Khan dated German MTV host Kristiane Backer in the early 1990s. He introduced her to Islam, and she later converted, though they didn’t marry.
- Pet Goats: In his 2022 asset declaration, Khan listed four goats worth Rs200,000 (approximately $2,000) among his official possessions.
- Helicopter Usage: Between 2019 and 2021, Khan’s helicopter rides for official work cost the Pakistan government 1 billion Pakistani rupees.
- No Driver’s License Initially: Despite his wealth, Khan didn’t learn to drive until his 30s, relying on drivers throughout his cricket career.
- Mother’s Legacy: Khan’s mother, Shaukat Khanum, spoke to him about Prophet Muhammad’s emphasis on truth-telling before she died. This conversation deeply influenced his spiritual journey and his mother’s favorite saying was: “This is what the Prophet did.”
- Oxford Cricket Captain: While studying at Oxford, Khan captained the university cricket team, leading them to several victories and earning respect for his strategic thinking.
Final Thoughts
Imran Khan’s life reads like a dramatic novel—from cricket stadiums to hospital wards to prison cells. He captained Pakistan to its greatest sporting achievement, built hospitals that saved thousands of lives, and reached the pinnacle of political power.
Yet in 2025, at age 73, he sits in solitary confinement facing over 186 legal cases. Whether you view him as a persecuted hero fighting corruption or a flawed politician who made enemies with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment, his impact on Pakistan remains undeniable.
The son who lost his mother to cancer built hospitals that treat 75% of patients free. The playboy cricketer from London’s nightclubs became a devout Muslim who married his spiritual guide. The sports hero who united a nation now divides it from behind bars.
History will ultimately judge whether Khan’s imprisonment represents the silencing of a reformer or the accountability of a leader who overreached. But his transformation from cricket field to prison cell reflects Pakistan’s own turbulent journey—a nation still searching for the stability and justice Khan promised to deliver.
His legacy as Pakistan’s greatest cricketer is secure. His political legacy remains unfinished, written now in courtrooms and jail cells rather than parliament chambers. For millions of Pakistanis, Khan represents hope for change. For his opponents, he represents reckless populism that destabilized the nation.
One truth remains: Few figures in Pakistani history have lived a life so extraordinary, controversial, and consequential as Imran Khan.
