Rumours around former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s alleged death inside Adiala jail sparked massive unrest this week. However, the rumours skyrocketed when Afghan-based social media reports claimed that he had been killed in custody.
On the other hand, the reports have been firmly rejected by the authorities of Pakistan, as they insist that the PTI Chairman is fine, fit, and under full medical care. According to a letter accessed by CNN-News18, Adiala Jail administration has clarified that Khan had not been moved nor had any incident happened that posed a threat to his safety. Plus, a jail official labelled the circulating posts as baseless misinformation.
The controversy erupted after three of Khan’s sisters, Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khan, said security personnel brutally assaulted them outside the jail when they tried to meet their brother. Moreover, they alleged that they had been denied access for more than 3 weeks, despite court-approved visiting rights.
Unverified Afghan Report Sparks Outrage
As we mentioned above, the rumour intensified after an account named Afghanistan Times claimed the 72-year-old leader had succumbed to mistreatment and that his body had been removed from the facility.
On the other side, another post from the so-called “Foreign Minister of Balochistan” accused Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and the intelligence agency ISI of conspiring to kill the PTI leader.
Pakistan has dismissed these rumours by recalling that similar fake posts were circulated in May. However, an old hospital picture also went viral yesterday. Still, officials have confirmed that it is fake.
PTI Demands Access & Transparency
After the chaos, PTI formally demanded access to Imran Khan for family members and party representatives. Plus, the party has urged authorities to issue a clear, official statement on Khan’s health and to investigate those who are spreading these rumours.
A senior aide, Dr Salman Ahmed, said to CNN-News 18, “Best is to allow the family to meet him if the government believes these rumours are propaganda.” He also blamed General Asim Munir for restricting family visits.
Protests Erupt Outside Adiala Jail
Thousands of PTI supporters gathered outside Adiala Jail after claims that Imran Khan was being held in a death jail, which is typically reserved for terrorists. Plus, his lawyer said the media that even basic items like books or legal documents are being withheld.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reportedly made 7 attempts to meet Imran Khan but was denied each time. According to the sisters, this has violated the Islamabad High Court order that allowed twice-weekly family visits.
The protest turned intense on Wednesday. Plus, reports from Pakistani media claimed that PTI workers tried to breach the jail gates. Later, Imran Khan’s sister called off the sit-in protest near Adiala Jail after negotiations with the police. However, Authorities have assured that they will arrange two meetings – one today and one next Tuesday.
Government Says Khan Enjoys ‘VIP Facilities’
During an interaction with Geo News, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rejected all allegations of mistreatment. He claimed that Imran Khan is enjoying far better conditions than other inmates. Plus, he said that he is receiving the following amenities:
- A double bed with a velvet mattress
- A television
- Exercise equipment
- A special food menu “better than five-star hotels”
Asif also compared this with his own prison experience by saying he slept on cold floors without hot water.
Imran Khan’s Legal & Political Context
Imran Khan has been imprisonment since 2023, as he has been convicted in many corruption and terrorism-related cases. However, his ouster in 2022 after a no-confidence vote plunged Pakistan into political turmoil, as his supporters aligned it with a targeted crackdown. Now, the Imran Khan death rumour has also caused tension around the world.
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