Although his name won’t appear on the ballot, the absence of former Prime Minister Imran Khan looms large over Pakistan’s upcoming election. Khan, a former international cricket star, has faced a series of legal setbacks, including three prison sentences within a week and a 10-year ban from politics, effectively barring him from participating in the election. Once enjoying widespread support, Khan’s removal from power through a no-confidence vote in April 2022 marked the beginning of a defiant yet risky campaign. His subsequent arrest and detention led to numerous court cases, with his party alleging politically motivated charges to suppress his popularity.

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Despite Khan’s imprisonment and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), being stripped of its cricket bat symbol, his influence remains significant. PTI candidates, now standing as independents, face a crucial test in the upcoming election, offering insight into the future of Khan’s political career. Known for his charismatic leadership, Khan’s popularity stems from his cricket achievements, including leading Pakistan to a World Cup victory in 1992. His vision for Pakistan involved transforming it into a welfare state, inspired by the Islamic golden age, though economic challenges and a crackdown on political opponents marked his tenure.

Khan’s efforts to reshape Pakistan’s political landscape saw PTI breaking the dominance of traditional parties like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). While Khan pursued an agenda of economic reform, inflation, debt, and a weakened currency posed challenges. His tenure also faced criticism for curbing media freedoms, a charge now mirrored as he encounters similar restrictions. A playboy turned philanthropist and politician, Khan’s political journey, marked by impulsive and brash tendencies, remains uncertain as the election unfolds.