Who is Imran Khan? | Start Here

Imran Khan is the cricket star, turned prime minister, turned ex-prime minister, who’s at the centre of a political storm in Pakistan.
#AJStartHere with Sandra Gathmann looks at his life and career, to explain how he became so popular – and so divisive.

00:00 - Who is Imran Khan?
02:17 - Khan’s political beginnings
02:58 - Pakistan’s political history
03:46 - Khan and the military
05:00 - Khan’s time in office
08:01 - Khan’s ouster
08:20 - Khan fights back
09:12 - Legal cases against Khan
10:31 - Pakistan’s political future

This episode features:
Farzana Shaikh - Associate Fellow, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House
Uzair Younus - Director, Pakistan Initiative, Atlantic Council
Abid Hussain - Al Jazeera Digital Correspondent, Islamabad

And let us know in the comments if there’s a topic you find confusing and would like Start Here to cover ⤵️

[hammadg]

He is the symbol of Change, prosperity, success and future for the Pakistan, and I and millions of people support him, and 160 cases against him is a joke and fabricated. And he is not dynastic politician like others in Pakistan

[fazalanwer]

I AM PAKISTANI AND SUPPORT IMRAN KHAN FROM BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND WILL KEEP DOING FOR EVER EVEN TILL MY LAST BREATH BCZ HE IS BRAVE, HONEST AND LAST HOPE FOR PAKISTAN.

[salmaajaz]

I am an overseas Pakistani who loves and supports Omran Khan who lives in our hearts he’s honest, brave he’s the one who has united the whole country and has opened our eyes and minds we all support him and will support him till our last breath

[zhangyixing]

Imran Khan didn't caused a divisive politics.. under his regime, we saw educated and civil politicians, people who really knew how to work, came forward to serve Pakistan... He gave a common man a sense of awareness as how to think for themselves, he taught us to ask questions, and not to accept our fate under family a based government... this is the change, a huge one in its own.... he faced a lot for opposition in establishment a bureaucracy.. as an honest man is a big threat to a dishonest system.... a gave us a voice... and it is just a beginning. .. as a working class, as a youth, we are with him.. through thick and thin

[saqliansibtain]

Simple he is a man who lived in our hearts.
Man of honour.
Man of respect.
Man of inspiration and so on.

[anonymoustrap]

Imran Khan, Man who dedicated his whole life for his nation.

[lovehumanity]

Khan did so many things for poor ppl of Pakistan like "Panah gah".."health card" "ehsas program"etc...he is a gem..

[humaliwaly._]

I'm from Pakistan and i'm proud tobe with I.K ...🖤

[ahmedzaidazam]

We are proud of him talking about peace in Afghanistan, billion tree Tsunami, cancer hospitals, universities and sacrifices that he made secluded from his family and believing in common public to make self aware decisions.

[usmanabbas]

I am a Pakistani, and I'm proud to be with Imran Khan.

[A_man]

I am a Pakistani and I am with Imran Khan, a man of justice and integrity. Inshallah Pakistan will get out of the horrendous situation it is currently in.

[mahnoorasif]

Who is imran khan? Simply a genuine true educated honest and real islamic leader whose name will be written in the golden words in islamic history. The one who is loved by his people and also worldwide.. May Allah give him long life

[Cousin-Barnabus]

For the last 27 years what has Imran Khan demanded?

1) Rule of law
2) Accountability across the board
3) A welfare state
4) Quality improvements to health and education sectors
5) An independent foreign policy (To have good friendly economic relationships with all states).
6) No to war and conflicts.
7) To tackle climate change.
8) Independent institutions free from political interference.
9) Free and fair elections, the implementation of electronic voting machines, voting rights for Overseas Pakistani's.

These are common sense policies. Why wouldn't anyone want these policies and reforms implemented?

[saleemhafiz]

We are not divided over him.. we are united over him.. ❤

[TheNorthSky]

What you miss in this documentary is that Khan has made it understand to the people that the parties in power before have normalized corruption in every position in every institution in Pakistan. Which is a mind-blowing truth for every sane Pakistani.

[umerrazaak]

I am from Pakistan and I proud to be a supporter of Pakistan tehreek insaf

[sanaimtiaz]

Pakistanis love Imran khan by their hearts, trust him because of his honest character...May Allah give him success..ameen

[mahakazad]

He is country’s only hope! He is honest and not corrupt! He deserves to be pm again, he far far better than the rest! He has clear vision of what he wants and unlike other leaders who choose to flee the country when things get tough, he is still in Pakistan and facing everything including attempt of assassination.

[AI.Geekster]

You may have overlooked some crucial points. During Khan's government, the GDP was at 6.1%, while it's only 0.29% under PDM today. Inflation was at 12.7% during Khan's reign, but it's at an all-time high of 38% today. He was applauded by the international community for his handling of the COVID situation, and investors from around the world were taking notice of Pakistan. The textile industry was thriving, and he provided health cards worth 1 million for the poor. There were shelters and free food drives throughout the country. Although his reign wasn't perfect, at least something was going right. Inflation has been high worldwide since 2020, the media portrayed him as responsible for the inflation. People have had enough. And people need a strong leader to guide them. People need change and stability to restart the system.

[Shibajit_shorts]

I'm from India 🇮🇳 and I want Imran Khan to be the PM of Pakistan only he can neutralize the dominance of Military Influence and that could make positive tie between India and Pakistan 🇮🇳🤝🇵🇰