Unverified claims regarding Pakistan’s imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s alleged death have circulated on social media for two days, prompting official denials and escalating family concerns about his welfare and restricted access to visitors.
Imran Khan’s Death Rumors and Official Response
The Afghanistan Times published an unsubstantiated report claiming Imran Khan, 72, “succumbed to alleged mistreatment” in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, with his body purportedly removed from the facility. The self-styled Balochistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently alleged Khan was assassinated, claiming Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and Army chief General Asim Munir orchestrated the plot.
“If this information is confirmed to be true, it marks the absolute end of terrorist Pakistan. The collapse of its last remaining legitimacy will begin the moment the truth is exposed to the world,” their statement warned.
Pakistani government officials dismissed these reports, comparing them to similar debunked claims from May. An old hospital photograph of Khan circulating online has been identified as fake.
Family Members Allege Assault and Access Denial
Imran Khan’s three sisters—Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan, and Dr. Uzma Khan—alleged they were “brutally” assaulted by state machinery outside Adiala Jail while seeking to meet their brother. They claim they haven’t been permitted visits in over three weeks.
Following negotiations with police, Aleema Khan and PTI supporters ended their sit-in at Gorakhpur checkpost near the jail. According to ARY News, police assured family meetings would be arranged Thursday and again next Tuesday, prompting peaceful dispersal.
Detention Conditions Questioned
Aleema Khan earlier alleged Khan was being held in a “death cell” typically reserved for terrorists. Khan’s lawyer, Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, told media that books, essential items, and legal access are being blocked.
“The law of the jungle prevails here, where only the beast who rules has rights. No one else has any rights,” Chaudhry stated.
Even Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was denied access after seven consecutive attempts, with Khan claiming jail authorities are controlled by army officers.
Background
The cricketer-turned-politician has been imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions in corruption cases. The government has reportedly imposed an undeclared meeting ban exceeding one month, raising concerns about his detention conditions and legal rights.
