logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2022
24m 17s

What next for Imran Khan?

Bbc World Service
About this episode

The former Pakistani prime minister, Imran Khan, is facing terrorism charges in Islamabad.

He was charged under Pakistan's stringent anti-terrorism laws for condemning Islamabad’s chief of police and a female judge, after claims his close political aide was arrested and tortured.

Since he lost power in April, he’s been addressing huge political rallies, where he’s told the crowds that he was brought down by a conspiracy organised by the current government, state powers, and the USA.

Most political analysts believe his rhetoric is a cynical ploy, but tens of thousands of his supporters believe it.

It’s the latest twist in his journey from superstar cricketer and socialite, to Islamist, populist statesman. But how did he climb to power, how did he lose it, and what could happen next?

Presenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Ravi Naik Researcher: Christopher Blake Editor: Tara McDermott Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Broadcast Coordinator: Jacqui Johnson

(Photo by SHAHZAIB AKBER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Up next
Jul 8
Can Brazil’s supercows feed the world?
Brazil’s Zebu cattle, or “supercows” are bred for size, strength, and meat quality. Every year the animals are showcased at ExpoZebu, Brazil’s premier cattle fair. These animals are preened, pampered, and prized, before being sold for millions for their genetic material. Zebu cat ... Show More
23 m
Jul 1
Does Trump care about Taiwan?
Ahead of last year’s US Presidential elections, Donald Trump was asked if he would defend China against Taiwan, he responded that Taiwan should pay the US for protection from China. Taiwan is a self-governing island, claimed by Beijing and whilst Taiwan is not formally recognised ... Show More
22m 58s
Jun 25
How crucial is the Strait of Hormuz to global oil supplies?
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important energy corridors in the world. It is the only sea route from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, it serves as the primary maritime route for oil exports from the Gulf. Any disruption to traffic through the strait would have i ... Show More
22m 59s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2023
Imran Khan: from cricket star to polarizing politician
Clashes erupted in Pakistan last week after police attempted to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan at his home in Lahore. The former cricket star turned politician was kicked out of parliament after a no-confidence vote last April, but that hasn't stopped Khan's political su ... Show More
26m 1s
Apr 2022
The rise and fall (for now) of Pakistan’s Imran Khan
Imran Khan is the kind of politician who inspires strong feelings; whether they're of love or hate depends on who you ask. He's had a pretty storied career: he led Pakistan’s cricket team to World Cup glory in 1992, and went on to become a philanthropist and political activist. A ... Show More
21m 50s
Jan 2024
Who is Imran Khan and why is he in prison?
Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been jailed for 14 years after being convicted of illegally profiting from state gifts. It’s the second sentence handed to Pakistan's former prime minister in two days. Khan, who was ousted as PM by his opponents in 2022, was already servi ... Show More
12m 44s
May 2023
Chaos in Pakistan
Pakistani police say nearly a thousand people have been arrested in Punjab province this week, while across the country mass protests have descended into violent clashes. The spark that lit the fire was the arrest of the country’s former prime minister and cricket star Imran Khan ... Show More
55m 4s
May 2023
Pakistan’s Power Struggle, w/ Junaid Ahmad
Last April, Pakistan’s Imran Khan was ousted as Prime Minister, which he blamed on an American-backed coup due to his non-aligned foreign policy. His removal has been followed by political instability that continues to roil the country with some of the largest protests in Pakista ... Show More
33m 3s
Mar 2023
Imran Khan supporters clash with police outside Pakistan court
We go to Pakistan where former PM Imran Khan faces corruption charges in court in Islamabad. There have been clashes between his supporters and the police. Also on the programme: one of Russia's most decorated writers, Mikhail Shishkin, gives us his reaction to the ICC's arrest w ... Show More
45m 53s
Apr 2022
What’s next for Pakistan?
Shehbaz Sharif has been sworn in as Pakistan’s 23rd prime minister, following the ousting of Imran Khan. How did we get here and what’s next for the politically volatile country? Andrew Mueller speaks to Ian Talbot, Samira Shackle and Ahmed Rashid. See omnystudio.com/listener for ... Show More
31m 54s
Jul 2018
Imran Khan’s challenges as Pakistan’s prime minister
Imran Khan, who entered politics in 1996 after retiring from international cricket, is on track to become Pakistan’s next prime minister after an election clouded with accusations of vote rigging. But with an economic crisis looming for the next government to tackle, will he be a ... Show More
10m 38s
Apr 2024
Modi's India: Season 3 of Understood
How did one man rise from poverty to the peak of political power and secure the adoration of nearly one billion people? And how did he overcome accusations - that he denies - of complicity in religious violence and alleged international assassination plots? In the latest season o ... Show More
2m 2s
Feb 2024
Pakistan’s Imran Khan fights an election from jail
China’s national chip champions expect to make next-generation smartphone processors as early as this year, and Northern Ireland is trying to chart a path forward under a new, historic power-sharing agreement. Plus, a former Pakistan prime minister is barred from this week’s elec ... Show More
11m 13s