Imran Khan's 'reverse swing'? Tracing the rise, challenges, and potential return

In the lead-up to the elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, faced several obstacles. From being excluded by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to Khan's imprisonment in the Toshakhana case, these challenges added layers to PTI's political landscape.

With a ten-year ban on holding public office, Imran is in isolation until 2034, leaving PTI contending with a weakened party structure as key allies grapple with imprisonment or evasive measures. To navigate this challenge, the party opted to support independent candidates, and surprisingly, these candidates are gaining unexpected ground in the polls.

Amidst all this election buzz, here's a timeline tracing Imran Khan's dynamic journey from a cricket legend to arrest in Toshakhana case.


1971: Imran Khan (18) begins his international cricket career with a Test series against England.

1976-82: Khan secures a permanent place in the Pakistan national cricket team after graduating from Oxford, establishing himself as an exceptional bowler and all-rounder.

1982-92: Named captain of the Pakistan national team.

1992: Leads Pakistan to its first World Cup title, defeating England in the final. Retired later the same year.

1996: Launches Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), meaning 'Movement for Justice.'

2002: PTI wins one seat, and Khan becomes a member of the National Assembly.

2007: Briefly imprisoned for criticising the regime of General Pervez Musharraf. Gains popularity with the youth.

2013: Re-elected to the National Assembly. Pledges to transform Pakistan into 'Naya Pakistan' - a corruption-free country.

2016: Accused of money laundering, but Supreme Court rules in his favour.

August 2018: Becomes Prime Minister after PTI's victory in general elections, defeating PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif.

March 8, 2022: Opposition leaders submit a no-confidence motion against PM Khan, citing uncontrolled inflation.

March 20: National Assembly session summoned for March 25 to take up no-trust motion.

March 23: Khan refuses to resign. Allies defect, setting the stage for political turmoil.

March 25: National Assembly session adjourned without tabling no-trust motion.

March 27: Khan alleges foreign conspiracy at a massive rally in Islamabad.

March 28: PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif tables no-trust motion against Khan.

March 30: Khan loses majority as a key ally joins the Opposition. No-trust vote set for April 3.

April 3: PM Khan loses no-trust vote.

August 5, 2023: Arrested and sentenced to three years in the Toshakhana corruption case.

August 29, 2023: Islamabad High Court suspends Khan's conviction in the Toshakhana case.

January 30, 2024: Convicted and sentenced to 10 years in the Toshakhana case. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also received a 10-year sentence.

January 31, 2024: Khan convicted and sentenced to 14 years in the Toshakhana case, involving the illegal sale of state gifts.