Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi was born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan. Over seven decades, his life has evolved through distinct phases: a privileged upbringing, an elite international cricketing career, philanthropic milestones, and a turbulent political ascent culminating in his tenure as Pakistan's 22nd prime minister. Tracing his chronology requires looking past simple age calculations to examine how athletic discipline, personal tragedy, and political ambition shaped his trajectory.
Understanding his timeline involves mapping key milestones against his chronological age. From making his first-class cricket debut as a teenager to leading a World Cup victory at age 40 and assuming office at 66, Khan's journey offers a unique lens on public life in South Asia.
Early Life and Education (1952–1970)
Born into an affluent Pashtun family in Lahore, Khan was the only son of civil engineer Ikramullah Khan Niazi and Shaukat Khanum, alongside four sisters. His early education took place at Aitchison College in Lahore, followed by a period at the Royal Grammar School in Worcester, England.
At age 18, Khan moved permanently to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education. He enrolled at Keble College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), graduating in 1975. During these university years, his exposure to English sporting culture sharpened his focus on fast bowling, setting the stage for an international athletic career.
Cricketing Glory and Philanthropy (1971–1994)
Khan's professional cricket career spanned two decades. He made his international debut for Pakistan in 1971 against England at age 18. By 1982, at age 30, he took over the national team captaincy. Under his leadership, Pakistan secured historic Test series victories in India and England in 1987.
His athletic peak arrived in 1992 at age 40, when he captained Pakistan to its first and only Cricket World Cup victory in Melbourne, Australia. Immediately following this triumph, he retired from international cricket with records that placed him among the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport.
Shifting from sports to public health, Khan channeled his public standing into philanthropy. Following the death of his mother, Shaukat Khanum, from cancer in 1985, he spearheaded fundraising efforts to build Pakistan's first specialized cancer facility. The Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre opened in Lahore in 1994, establishing his reputation as an effective social organizer outside of sports.
Political Genesis and Opposition Years (1995–2017)
At age 43, Khan transitioned fully into the public sector. In April 1996, he founded the political party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), translating to the Movement for Justice. The party's early platform focused on anti-corruption, judicial independence, and welfare state reforms.
For over a decade, PTI struggled to gain traction in general elections. In the 2002 general election, Khan won his first and only seat in the National Assembly from Mianwali, remaining a lone opposition voice for years.
- 2011 Turning Point: PTI held a massive rally in Lahore, shifting political momentum and attracting urban youth and middle-class professionals.
- 2013 Elections: PTI emerged as a major national opposition force, winning a significant share of the popular vote and forming a provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- 2014 Dharna: Khan led a 126-day sit-in protest in Islamabad demanding electoral transparency, which amplified his anti-establishment narrative.
Premiership and Removal (2018–2022)
In the July 2018 general election, PTI won the largest share of seats in the National Assembly. At age 65, Khan forged coalitions with independent politicians and smaller parties, taking the oath as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan on August 18, 2018.
His administration faced severe economic headwinds, including a heavy balance-of-payments crisis, soaring inflation, and the global disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestically, he launched populist welfare initiatives like the Ehsaas Programme and the Panahgah shelter system. Internationally, his foreign policy emphasized a sovereign stance and mediation roles in regional conflicts.
Tensions with Pakistan's military establishment mounted over key appointments and strategic disagreements. In April 2022, opposition parties introduced a motion of no-confidence in Parliament. Khan lost his parliamentary majority, making him the first prime minister in Pakistan's history to be removed via a successful no-confidence vote.
Post-Premiership and Legal Challenges (2022–Present)
Following his ouster, Khan launched a nationwide campaign demanding early elections and criticizing state institutions. In November 2022, he survived an assassination attempt after sustaining bullet injuries to his leg during a rally in Wazirabad.
Subsequent months brought a cascade of legal cases, ranging from corruption allegations to state secrets disclosures. In August 2023, he was convicted in the Toshakhana corruption case and handed a prison sentence, leading to his disqualification from holding public office. Despite his incarceration, PTI loyalists continued to mount mass mobilizations, keeping Khan at the center of Pakistan's political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Imran Khan born and how old is he?
Imran Khan was born on October 5, 1952. As of 2026, he is 74 years old.
When did Imran Khan retire from cricket?
Khan retired from international cricket in 1992 immediately after leading Pakistan to victory in the Cricket World Cup held in Australia.
When was Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founded?
Imran Khan founded PTI on April 25, 1996, with an initial mandate centered on eradicating institutional corruption and establishing an independent judiciary.
When did Imran Khan serve as Prime Minister?
He served as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan from August 18, 2018, until his removal through a parliamentary no-confidence vote on April 10, 2022.
What is the Shaukat Khanum Hospital significance?
Named after his mother, who died of cancer, the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital opened in Lahore in 1994 to provide free or subsidized cancer treatment to underprivileged patients in Pakistan.
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