Islamabad: Pakistan was gripped by chaos on Thursday as unverified claims about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s alleged death inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail spread rapidly across Afghan and Baloch media outlets. The rumours alleged that Khan had been tortured to death in a plot attributed to the ISI and Army Chief General Asim Munir — claims that remain entirely unsubstantiated.
The speculation intensified after Khan’s sisters — Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khan — said they had been barred from meeting him despite court orders. They alleged they were assaulted outside Adiala Jail while demanding access to their brother. The family claimed they had not seen Khan for nearly three weeks, fuelling further worry about his whereabouts and safety.
A report in the Afghanistan Times added to the frenzy, alleging that the 72-year-old PTI founder had “succumbed to alleged mistreatment” and that his body had been covertly moved out of the prison. Another claim came from an X handle identifying itself as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baluchistan, which posted that Khan had been “killed by Asim Munir and his ISI administration,” warning that Pakistan’s last remaining legitimacy would collapse if the information proved true.
However, Adiala Jail authorities swiftly dismissed the rumours.
Officials, backed by multiple Pakistani media reports, confirmed that Imran Khan is alive, “hale and hearty,” and receiving routine medical care. The administration emphasised that there were no lapses in monitoring or health support and urged the public not to be misled by fabricated reports.
Despite the official clarification, panic and anger surged on the streets. Hundreds of PTI supporters gathered outside Adiala Jail, demanding proof of Khan’s wellbeing. The situation grew tense enough for authorities to deploy heavy security around the facility.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrived at the jail to meet Khan but was refused entry, prompting him to camp outside with supporters — further escalating tensions.
Amid the confusion, the Pakistan government has convened an emergency session of the National Assembly. While no agenda has been publicly disclosed, top political sources suggest Islamabad may consider declaring an emergency if public unrest intensifies.
