Major Controversies Surrounding Imran Khan: A Detailed Timeline
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Imran Khan.
Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi is a prominent Pakistani figure known for his careers in both sports and politics. He captained the Pakistani cricket team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup before transitioning to politics. In 1996, he founded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party and served as the 19th Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. He is also recognized for his philanthropic work.
June 1992: Birth of Tyrian Jade White
In June 1992, Tyrian Jade White, daughter of Ana-Luisa White, was born, with White claiming Imran Khan as the father.
1994: Imran Khan joins and leaves Jamiat-e-Pasban
In 1994, Imran Khan joined the Jamiat-e-Pasban, a breakaway faction of Jamaat-e-Islami, but left the party after feeling uncomfortable being seen as a puppet of Hamid Gul.
1996: Imran Khan wins libel lawsuit
In 1996, Imran Khan successfully defended himself in a lawsuit brought forth by Ian Botham and Allan Lamb over libellous comments. The jury reached a 10–2 majority decision in favor of Khan.
1997: Paternity Declared by California Court
In 1997, a California court declared Imran Khan as the father of Tyrian Jade White without a DNA test.
2005: Declan Walsh Describes Khan as "Miserable Politician"
In 2005, Declan Walsh of The Guardian characterized Imran Khan as a "miserable politician," pointing out his inconsistent political stances since 1996.
2006: Najam Sethi Comments on Khan's Backtracking
In 2006, political commentator Najam Sethi noted that Imran Khan's story involves backtracking on previous statements, which affected his public image.
2009: Book Claims of Romantic Relationship
In 2009, Christopher Sandford's book claimed Imran Khan and Benazir Bhutto had a "romantic relationship" which Khan refuted.
March 2012: Salman Rushdie Criticizes Khan for Refusing to Attend Conference
On 18 March 2012, Salman Rushdie criticized Imran Khan for declining to attend the India Today Conference due to Rushdie's presence. Khan cited the "immeasurable hurt" Rushdie's writings caused Muslims, leading Rushdie to suggest Khan was a "dictator in waiting."
August 2012: Taliban Death Threats and Subsequent Protection
In August 2012, the Pakistani Taliban issued death threats against Imran Khan for planning a march to protest U.S. drone strikes, but later withdrew the threats and offered him protection due to his opposition to the drone attacks.
2012: Fatima Bhutto criticizes Khan for Cozy Relationship with Dictatorship
In 2012, Fatima Bhutto criticized Imran Khan for his "incredible coziness not with the military but with dictatorship" and some of his political decisions.
2012: Pankaj Mishra Characterizes Khan's Conflicting Identities
In 2012, Pankaj Mishra of The New York Times described Imran Khan as embodying Pakistan's clashing identities. He noted that Khan's identification with the suffering masses, and attacks on affluent peers, were mocked as hypocritical by some.
November 2013: Positions on Taliban Dialogue and US Drone Strikes
In November 2013, Khan believed terrorist activities by the Pakistani Taliban could be stopped through dialogue and even offered them to open an office in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He accused the United States of sabotaging peace efforts with the Pakistani Taliban by killing its leader Hakimullah Mehsud in a drone strike. On 13 November 2013, Khan ordered Pervez Khattak to dismiss Bakht Baidar and Ibrar Hussan Kamoli of the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) over corruption allegations and to end the PTI's alliance with the party.
2015: Reference to sugar export subsidies
Between 2015 and 2018, Jahangir Tareen's company received a substantial share of export subsidies, linked to the rise in sugar prices.
2016: Campaign Against Nawaz Sharif Following Panama Papers Leaks
In 2016, Khan campaigned against Nawaz Sharif following the Panama Papers leaks, leading protests and calling for Sharif's resignation due to allegations of corruption. His party petitioned the Supreme Court to investigate the allegations.
April 2017: Criticism of Pakistan's Involvement in Afghan Jihad
On April 2017, Khan criticised Pakistan's decision to support the Afghan jihad in the 1980s, stating that it led to increased militancy and sectarian violence. He also commented on US president Donald Trump.
2017: Ayesha Gulalai Alleges Sexual Harassment
In 2017, Ayesha Gulalai, a member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accused party chairman Imran Khan of sending inappropriate text messages, leading her to resign from the party.
2018: Reference to sugar export subsidies
Between 2015 and 2018, Jahangir Tareen's company received a substantial share of export subsidies, linked to the rise in sugar prices.
2018: Marriage Controversy
In 2018, Imran Khan's marriage to Bushra Bibi faced controversy when her former husband filed a criminal complaint alleging she did not complete her Iddat before the marriage. This later led to legal challenges and convictions.
2018: Allegations of rigging in the 2018 general election
In 2018, opposition parties alleged "massive rigging" in Imran Khan's favor during the general elections, with claims of military interference. Despite reservations, Nawaz Sharif and his party conceded victory to Khan.
June 2019: Alleged corruption investigation and removal of Lt. General Asim Munir
In June 2019, Lt. General Asim Munir allegedly intended to investigate corruption allegations involving Khan's wife. Shortly afterward, Munir was removed as Director-General of ISI.
2019: Christian Louboutin Rebrands Peshawari Chappal as "Imran Sandals"
In 2019, Christian Louboutin rebranded the Peshawari chappal as "Imran Sandals," leading to criticism for cultural appropriation and its subsequent removal from the website.
March 2020: Criticism of Khan's handling of the pandemic
In March 2020, Ayesha Siddiqa criticized Imran Khan's confused and indecisive handling of the pandemic, noting the increasing role of the military in governance and Khan's reluctance to implement a full lockdown due to economic concerns.
June 2020: Khan's Reference to Osama Bin Laden Sparks Criticism
During a June 2020 address to the National Assembly, Imran Khan's use of the term "martyred" for Osama bin Laden sparked criticism and accusations of sympathizing with extremism.
June 2020: Criticism of Pakistan's COVID-19 response
In June 2020, Pakistan's COVID-19 response was criticized for the lack of a full lockdown, leading to overwhelmed hospitals. The government opted for a "smart lockdown" strategy, prioritizing economic recovery amidst a recession.
2020: Sugar scandal and rift with Jahangir Tareen
In 2020, Imran Khan's relationship with Jahangir Tareen soured amid the sugar scandal, leading to an investigation into Tareen's company and his subsequent self-imposed exile.
2020: International Criticism over Osama bin Laden Statement
In 2020, Khan attracted international criticism after calling Osama bin Laden a "martyr".
2020: Toshakhana case hearing
In the Toshakhana case hearing for the tax year 2020-21, Khan allegedly made false statements and inaccurate declarations of assets.
September 2021: Khan's UN Address Sparks Outrage Among Pashtuns
In September 2021, during his UN General Assembly address, Imran Khan's comments linking Pashtun nationalism with the Afghan Taliban prompted outrage and calls for an apology.
December 2021: Khan's Remarks on Girls' Education in Afghanistan Draw Criticism
In December 2021, during an OIC session, Imran Khan's statement that not allowing girls to study was part of Afghan culture led to criticism from figures like Hamid Karzai and Malala Yousafzai.
2021: Khan's Comments on Women's Clothing Lead to Criticism
In 2021, Imran Khan faced criticism after suggesting women's clothing could incite sexual assault, stating "If a woman is wearing very few clothes it will have an impact on the man unless they are robots. It's common sense."
2021: Imran Khan Calls for Muslim Countries to Pressure Western Governments
In 2021, Imran Khan urged Muslim countries to pressure Western governments to criminalize insulting the Prophet Muhammad, comparing it to laws against Holocaust denial, and suggesting trade boycotts as a means of enforcement.
2021: Deterioration of Pakistan's Corruption Perception Index Ranking
In 2021, Pakistan's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index worsened to 140th, despite anti-corruption efforts.
March 2022: Leaked Diplomatic Cipher
In early March 2022, a leaked Pakistani diplomatic cipher revealed US concerns over Khan's stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
August 2022: Toshakhana Case Filed
In August 2022, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) filed the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan.
November 2022: Assassination Attempt on Khan
On 3 November 2022, Khan was shot in the leg in an assassination attempt in Wazirabad while leading a march to Islamabad.
2022: Khan's Comments About Maryam Nawaz Spark Misogyny Accusations
In 2022, Imran Khan's remarks about Maryam Nawaz's repeated mentions of his name in her speeches were perceived as inappropriate and misogynistic, drawing widespread criticism.
2022: Involvement in Court Cases
Since the 2022 no-confidence vote, Imran Khan has been involved in over 180 court cases.
March 2023: Arrest Warrant Issued
On 14 March 2023, an operation was started to arrest Khan as a result of an arrest warrant issued by the district and sessions court in Islamabad.
March 2023: Alleged Trap at Federal Judicial Complex
On 18 March 2023, Khan alleged that a trap was set for him at the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) during a Toshakhana case hearing.
May 2023: Arrest at Islamabad High Court
In May 2023, Imran Khan was arrested at the Islamabad High Court on corruption charges, leading to widespread protests.
August 2023: Sentenced to Prison
In August 2023, Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison for misusing his premiership regarding state gifts.
August 2023: Arrest and Sentencing in Toshakhana Case
In August 2023, Khan was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison for misusing his premiership.
2023: Arrest on Charges related to 2023 Riots
In 2023 Imran Khan was arrested on charges related to riots.
2023: Sentenced on Corruption Charges
In 2023, Imran Khan was sentenced on corruption charges, leading to concerns from Amnesty International regarding his imprisonment conditions.
2023: Report on corruption allegations
In 2023, The Daily Telegraph reported on corruption allegations that Lt. General Asim Munir intended to investigate.
January 2024: Conviction and Sentencing in Cipher Case
On 30 January 2024, Imran Khan was convicted and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in the cipher case, leading him to urge voters to seek revenge through the 2024 elections. His legal team planned to appeal the decision, alleging it was illegal and politically motivated. Shah Mahmood Qureshi also received a 10-year sentence, and Khan's sister reported that prosecutors sought the death penalty.
June 2024: UN calls for release
In June 2024, a United Nations Working Group called for Imran Khan's release, deeming his detention arbitrary and politically motivated.
June 2024: Conviction Overturned, Arrest on Riot Charges
On 3 June 2024, the Islamabad High Court overturned Imran Khan's conviction in the cypher case, but he remained in prison due to a conviction for breach of marriage laws. He was then arrested on charges related to the 2023 riots.
September 2024: Charged on Matters Related to Riots
In September 2024, Imran Khan was charged on matters related to clashes between his supporters and police.
October 2024: Attempted Murder Charge Filed
On 8 October 2024, an attempted murder charge was filed against Imran Khan following the death of a police officer during protests by his supporters in Islamabad.
November 2024: Bail Granted but Continued Imprisonment
On 22 November 2024, the Islamabad High Court granted Imran Khan bail in the Toshakhana case, but he remained in jail due to other pending cases. Supporters marched nationwide on 24 November 2024, demanding his release.
December 2024: Cases Filed Against Imran Khan
As of 6 December 2024, authorities reported to court that 186 cases had been filed against Imran Khan across Pakistan.
January 2025: Receiving a 14-year Sentence
In January 2025, Imran Khan received a 14-year sentence in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
January 2025: Sentenced in Al-Qadir Trust Case
On 17 January 2025, Imran Khan was sentenced to 14 years in prison in the Al-Qadir Trust case, with his wife also receiving a jail term. The case involves allegations of securing land in exchange for a deal that cost the national exchequer billions.
February 2025: Sister's Statement on Health
In February 2025, after visiting Imran Khan in prison, his sister Aleema Khan denied reports of his illness and reported that Bushra Bibi was being held in solitary confinement.
