Imran Khan, legendary cricketer-turned-politician born on October 5, 1952.
Imran Khan as a politician:
Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi was born in a Pashtun family in Lahore. Imran Khan’s birthday is on October 5, 1952. Imran was an exceptional bowler and all-rounder, and he was named captain of the Pakistani team in 1982.
After he retired from cricket, Khan actively criticized government mismanagement and corruption in Pakistan.
Currently in jail, Khan is one of the most influential politicians in Pakistan and served as the 22nd prime minister. He is also considered a top philanthropist.
He was detained under various corruption charges, which his party and supporters vehemently deny, dubbing them as politically motivated.
Pakistani courts had sentenced him to three years for misusing his authority to buy and sell gifts from Toshakhana. He had received these gifts during diplomatic visits as prime minister.
The court later suspended his sentence, granting him bail on August 29, 2023.
Despite receiving bail, Khan remained behind bars under other charges, including “leaking state secrets.” The case was registered against him under the Official Secrets Act and famously called the Lettergate or cipher scandal.
On January 30, 2024, he was handed a 10-year prison sentence after being found guilty of these charges.
Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi also faced legal trouble over allegations of violating Islamic marriage laws, which led to a separate seven-year prison sentence for both. This conviction was overturned on appeal on July 13, 2024.
Khan’s imprisonment has sparked widespread protests and unrest in Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 of his supporters and the arrest of thousands.
PTI leaders have announced protest rallies at Minar-e-Pakistan Lahore and D-chowk Islamabad. It created overall unrest in the country, particularly among government ranks.
The government has deployed police and law enforcement agencies on major routes leading to Lahore and Islamabad. The government has also deployed an army for security in Islamabad.
In Lahore, police have placed barriers and hurdles at Liberty Chowk, Jail Road, Mall Road, Thokar bypass, Babusabu motorways interchange, and other spots.
Imran Khan as Cricketer:
Imran Khan became one of the most outstanding allrounders his generation ever witnessed. He is bracketed with Ian Botham, Richard Hadlee, and Kapil Dev among others. With a batting average of 37.69 and a bowling average of 22.81, Imran career is very impressive.
In the 51 Tests he played over his last decade in international cricket, he lasted 50 overs and batted at an average of 50.
He bowled with an average of 19. His one-day record is no less noteworthy, with scores of more than 3,700 runs at an average of 33.41 and 182 wickets at an average of 22.61.
Imran Khan as a philanthropist:
Imran Khan is a renowned philanthropist, best known for establishing the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, which provides free cancer treatment to 75% of its patients. Khan has changed the face of cancer care in Pakistan by offering hope to countless individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.
