Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi is a Pakistani politician and former cricketer who served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan from August 2018 to April 2022. He is also the founder and chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Prior to his political career, Imran Khan had a successful cricket career, representing the Pakistani national team for over 20 years.
1. Chancellor of University of Bradford but missed graduations
Imran Khan was appointed as the chancellor of the University of Bradford in November 2005. However, in 2014, Imran Khan was removed as University of Bradford Chancellor over missed graduations. Imran Khan announced his resignation from the post on 30th November 2014, citing his commitment to politics as the reason. Despite this, he was praised for being a good role model for the students
2. Imran received a privileged education
Imran Khan’s childhood was marked by his quiet and reserved nature, growing up alongside his four sisters in an affluent, upper-middle class family that provided him with everything he needed. Imran was given a privileged education. Imran got his education from Aitchison College and Cathedral School in Lahore. He later on joined the Royal Grammar School Worcester in England where his cricket was excellent. Imran enrolled in Keble College, Oxford in 1972 where he studied philosophy, politics, and economics. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1975. Imran had been down to Cambridge where he was anticipated to join. Paul Hayes, a cricket enthusiasts at Keble helped Imran secure admission at Keble College where he graduated from.
3. His opinion pieces published in British and Asian newspapers
Imran Khan not only wrote about cricket but also wrote about politics and social issues. He wrote a regular column for Pakistan’s newspaper, The News, which covered various topics such as corruption, education, and terrorism. His articles were also published in international media outlets such as The Washington Post and The New York Times. Imran has been known for his articulate writing and outspoken opinions, which have earned him a reputation as a leading voice on Pakistani politics and society.
4. Founder of Cancer hospital
Imran Khan founded the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in memory of his mother, who died of cancer. The hospital, which is located in Lahore, is one of the largest cancer hospitals in the world. The hospital provides free cancer treatment to underprivileged patients and is funded through donations and fundraising events. Imran Khan is known for his philanthropic work and has been actively involved in charitable causes throughout his life.
5. Imran Khan has written autobiography
Imran Khan has written an autobiography titled “Imran Khan: All Rounder.” The book was published in 1988 and details Imran’s life, both on and off the cricket field. The book covers Imran’s cricket career, his personal life, and his political views. The book is considered to be one of the best cricket autobiographies ever written and has been translated into several languages.
6. Marriage and Family Life
Imran Khan married British socialite Jemima Goldsmith in 1995. The couple had two sons together, Sulaiman Isa Khan and Qasim Khan. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2004. Imran has been married twice since then, first to British journalist Reham Khan and later to his spiritual adviser, Bushra Maneka.
7. Entered politics in the late 1990s
Imran Khan entered politics in the late 1990s and founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party in 1996. He initially struggled to gain support, but the party gained popularity in the early 2000s. Imran was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in 2002, but he boycotted the elections in 2008 due to allegations of rigging. He was re-elected to the National Assembly in 2013 and served as the opposition leader until 2018.
8. Elected PM of Pakistan in 2018
Imran Khan was elected as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan in August 2018 after his party won a majority in the National Assembly. He campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption and promised to create jobs and improve the economy. However, his government faced criticism for its handling of the economy and foreign policy, and he was ousted from office in April 2022 through a vote of no-confidence.
9. Advocate for environmental conservation
Imran Khan is an advocate for environmental conservation and has been vocal about the need to protect Pakistan’s natural resources. He has launched several initiatives to promote tree plantation and has been involved in efforts to clean up polluted waterways. In 2018, he launched the “Clean Green Pakistan” campaign, which aims to make Pakistan a cleaner and more environmentally friendly country.
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10. Most successful cricketer in Pakistani sports history
Imran Khan is best known for his cricket career. He played for the Pakistani national team from 1971 to 1992 and was the captain of the team for most of the 1980s. Imran is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. He was a right-arm fast bowler and a top-order batsman. Imran was also an exceptional fielder and was known for his diving catches and athletic ability. He led the Pakistani team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, which is considered to be one of the greatest achievements in Pakistani sports history.
