00:00Imran Khan, a former national cricket hero, was elected as Pakistan's Prime Minister in 2018,
00:06appearing poised to break the cycle of short-lived tenures.
00:09His rise was largely credited to his charismatic leadership and an anti-corruption platform,
00:14but it was also widely believed he had the backing of the military.
00:18Over time, however, his relationship with the military deteriorated,
00:22leading to his ousting in a no-confidence vote in Parliament.
00:26Khan initially had significant public support, but his government faced criticism for being a
00:30hybrid regime, heavily influenced by the military.
00:34Media censorship and coercion of political opponents helped secure his election victory.
00:39His main political rival, Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified due to corruption charges,
00:44although some suspected this was more about his clash with the military.
00:48Khan's policies included expanding social welfare programs,
00:52but his government struggled with economic challenges,
00:54including rising inflation and a weakening currency.
00:58His decision to retain Usman Buzdar as Punjab's Chief Minister despite widespread
01:02criticism fuelled rumours of undue influence from his wife, who is seen as a spiritual guide.
01:08The turning point came when Khan resisted military leadership changes,
01:12specifically refusing to replace Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, whom he saw as an ally.
01:17This rift weakened his standing with the military, and when the opposition moved to oust him,
01:21the military stayed neutral, sealing his fate.
01:25Khan has framed his removal as a US-led conspiracy due to his foreign policy stances,
01:30particularly his reluctance to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
01:36Despite these claims being largely dismissed by analysts, they have resonated with his supporters,
01:41tapping into anti-American sentiment in Pakistan.
01:45Khan remains a significant figure in opposition, maintaining that he will continue the fight.
01:51For more UN videos visit www.un.org
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