Imran Khan is a household name in Pakistan, having made a name for himself as a cricketing legend before entering politics. He is the founder and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2021. Here’s a look at Imran Khan’s political journey and the events that led him to become the leader of one of the most populous countries in the world.
Early Political Career
Imran Khan’s political journey began in the 1990s when he founded the PTI party. His initial foray into politics was unsuccessful, as the party failed to win a single seat in the National Assembly in the 1997 general elections. However, he continued to work on building the party, and in the 2002 elections, the PTI won one seat in the National Assembly and four seats in the provincial assemblies.
Opposition and Protest
In the years that followed, Imran Khan became a prominent opposition figure, frequently criticizing the government of the day and organizing protests against it. He was particularly vocal on issues such as corruption and economic mismanagement.
Rise to Power
Imran Khan’s political fortunes changed in the 2013 elections, when the PTI emerged as the second-largest party in the National Assembly. While Khan himself did not win a seat, his party’s strong showing helped establish him as a serious political player in the country.
In the 2018 elections, the PTI emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly, and Imran Khan was elected Prime Minister. His victory was seen as a watershed moment in Pakistani politics, as it represented the first time that a party other than the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) or Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had come to power since 1999.
Challenges as Prime Minister
As Prime Minister, Imran Khan faced a number of challenges, including a struggling economy, rising inflation, and tensions with India over the disputed territory of Kashmir. He also faced criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups over issues such as press freedom and human rights.
Resignation and Legacy
In 2021, Imran Khan resigned as Prime Minister after losing a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. However, he remains a prominent political figure in the country and is widely regarded as having transformed Pakistani politics. His populist message and focus on issues such as corruption and social justice have resonated with many Pakistanis, particularly young people.
Conclusion
Imran Khan’s political journey is a remarkable one, taking him from the cricket field to the highest office in the land. While his time as Prime Minister was not without its challenges, he leaves behind a legacy of political activism and commitment to the people of Pakistan.
