Pakistan was gripped by anxiety and political turmoil on Wednesday after an Afghan news outlet published unverified claims alleging that former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan had been “mysteriously killed” in prison. The report—carried by Afghanistan Times—sparked a wave of panic online and ignited large-scale protests outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, where Khan has been detained since 2023.
Authorities in Pakistan have issued no official confirmation regarding the claims, while PTI leaders and Khan’s family remain in the dark, intensifying national speculation regarding his safety and whereabouts.
The Rumor That Set Pakistan Ablaze
The controversy began early Wednesday when Afghanistan Times posted on X (formerly Twitter) claiming it had received information from a “credible source within Pakistan” that Imran Khan had been killed inside Adiala Jail and that his body had been removed from the premises.
The post rapidly went viral, garnering over a million views within hours. However, the outlet—known for mixing genuine regional news with unverified sensational claims—offered no supporting evidence. Critics on social media quickly labeled the account as unreliable, yet the gravity of the allegation was enough to plunge Pakistan into hysteria.
Mass Protests at Adiala Jail
Thousands of PTI supporters poured into Rawalpindi shortly after the rumor surfaced. Videos circulating online show crowds chanting “Where is Imran Khan?” and “Release Imran Khan!” as they attempted to push through barricades surrounding the jail’s high-security perimeter.
Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in large numbers. Clashes erupted, and tear gas was fired to disperse protestors. Several demonstrators were reportedly injured in the ensuing chaos.
“These are not just protests; this is a cry of a nation demanding transparency,” said Arshad Qureshi, a PTI supporter present at the site.
Family Members Denied Access, Allegations of Assault
Further fueling public anger were reports that Imran Khan’s three sisters—Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan, and Uzma Khan—were prevented from meeting him after arriving at Adiala Jail late Tuesday. According to the family, police not only refused them entry but also physically assaulted them.
In an emotional statement outside the jail gates, Aleema Khan said:
“We haven’t seen Imran for over three weeks. If he is alive, let us meet him. If not, tell us the truth.”
Her allegation that she and her sisters were dragged and manhandled by police intensified outrage against the Punjab authorities. PTI called the incident “state brutality,” demanding an immediate judicial inquiry.
Restricted Access Heightens Suspicion
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has also claimed he made seven unsuccessful attempts to visit Khan inside the jail, describing the access blockade as “unprecedented and suspicious.”
These restrictions have deepened fears among PTI supporters that something is being concealed.
A Climate Ripe for Disinformation
This is not the first time rumors of Imran Khan’s death have circulated. In May 2025, a fake press release claiming Khan had died from cardiac arrest forced the government to issue an official denial. Analysts say the secrecy surrounding Khan’s imprisonment—especially reports of weeks-long isolation—creates a fertile environment for disinformation to spread.
Fact-checking groups on X attempted to counter the new rumor, calling it “propaganda amplified by Afghan refugee networks in Europe,” but their efforts did little to stem the online frenzy.
Hashtags such as #ImranKhan, #WhereIsImranKhan, and “We Will Not Forget November 26” trended globally, reflecting the scale of public concern.
Political Stakes and Broader Implications
Imran Khan, 73, remains one of Pakistan’s most influential politicians. His 2018 election victory, his 2022 ouster, and the series of legal cases against him have all polarized Pakistani society. PTI maintains that Khan’s imprisonment is the result of a politically motivated campaign backed by the military establishment.
The latest rumors, whether true or false, highlight Pakistan’s fragile civil-military power balance and the government’s eroding public credibility. Analysts warn that if the situation is not clarified soon, the unrest could escalate into a nationwide crisis.
As of Wednesday night, the government has still not issued a formal statement addressing whether the rumors are true or false. A senior Interior Ministry source privately described the claims as “baseless attempts to incite violence,” but stopped short of offering proof of Khan’s wellbeing.
A Nation Demands Answers
With protests continuing outside Adiala Jail and PTI vowing to intensify agitation, Pakistan stands at a tense crossroads. In a country already battling economic hardships and political divisions, the question—“Where is Imran Khan?”—has become not just a rallying cry but a test of state transparency.
Until authorities publicly confirm Khan’s safety or allow his family access, the uncertainty is likely to deepen, threatening to tip Pakistan into yet another phase of political upheaval.
