An explosive and unverified report from an Afghan outlet, Afghanistan Times, has triggered widespread panic, protests, and political turmoil across Pakistan after claiming that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was assassinated inside Adiala Jail. The rumor—circulated without evidence—alleged that operatives “linked to ISIS” carried out the killing.
While no official confirmation has been issued, the allegation has exposed deep fissures in Pakistan’s politics, raised urgent questions about transparency, and reignited global concern about the treatment of political prisoners under the current military-backed government.
A Rumour That Spread Like Wildfire
The claim surfaced online late Monday and instantly went viral. Within minutes, hashtags such as #WhereIsImranKhan, #ProofOfLife, and #ImranKhan dominated social media platforms across Pakistan, India, the UK, the Middle East, and North America.
The reason for the rumour’s rapid spread is rooted in the fact that Imran Khan—Pakistan’s most popular political figure—has been held in extreme isolation, with his family, lawyers, and party leaders denied access for weeks. Since early October, even court-approved weekly visits have allegedly been blocked without explanation.
His son and family members accuse the authorities of creating a “deliberate blackout” to hide Khan’s condition, while supporters say the secrecy itself gives credibility to the rumour.
Family Blocked, Police Accused of Assault
The situation escalated when Imran Khan’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi—attempted to meet him but were allegedly dragged, pushed, and manhandled by police outside Adiala Jail.
Video clips circulating on social media show security personnel physically blocking the family and detaining PTI supporters.
Aleema Khan stated:
“We haven’t seen him for over a month. If he is alive, let us meet him. If he is dead, tell us the truth.”
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also claims he attempted seven times to visit Khan but was denied entry each time.
These accounts have intensified suspicion, prompting many Pakistanis to question why even top government officials cannot see the former prime minister.
Why the Rumour Appeared Credible?
Observers note several reasons why the rumour gained traction:
Total isolation of Imran Khan for weeks
Repeated denial of family and legal visits
Lack of recent photos, videos, or court appearances
Historically strained relationship between Khan and Pakistan’s powerful military
A pattern of political suppression since his ouster in 2022
Human rights organisations have already raised concerns about Khan’s solitary confinement, calling it “politically motivated punishment.”
A Long-Broken Relationship With the Pakistan Army
Imran Khan’s downfall is widely linked to a bitter fallout with the Pakistan Army—particularly with the current chief, General Asim Munir, now elevated to Field Marshal.
Khan accused senior generals of engineering his removal from office and trying to crush his political influence. Since then, Pakistan has witnessed:
A nationwide crackdown on PTI
Thousands of arrests, including women and students
Banning of PTI’s election symbol
Dozens of criminal cases filed against Khan
Limited media coverage and censorship
Khan’s continued mass popularity is seen as a direct threat to the military’s influence over politics.
The US Factor: A Bigger Geopolitical Picture
The controversy also has a strong geopolitical dimension.
Imran Khan repeatedly claimed the United States was unhappy with his independent foreign policy, especially after he refused to allow US military basing rights in Pakistan following America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. His “Absolutely Not” response became one of the most defining moments of his premiership.
Since Khan’s removal:
Pakistan–US ties have warmed significantly
US investors have shown interest in Pakistan’s rare earth minerals and oil reserves
Washington has deepened security cooperation with General Asim Munir
Former US President Donald Trump has demanded expanded access to military facilities in the region
Analysts argue that the Pakistan Army under Munir is far more aligned with Washington’s strategic vision compared to Imran Khan, who resisted foreign influence.
The unverified rumour of Khan’s “assassination” is therefore being viewed by some political observers as part of a broader power struggle involving the army, the new civilian government, and foreign strategic interests.
Nationwide Protests Intensify
After the rumour broke, thousands of PTI supporters gathered near Adiala Jail and across major cities. Protesters demanded immediate proof that Khan was alive and safe.
Clashes were reported in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, Multan, and Quetta.
Videos show police using tear gas and batons to disperse crowds.
PTI leaders warn that the situation could escalate into nationwide civil unrest if transparency is not provided.
Government Denies Rumour but Offers No Proof
Pakistani government officials have dismissed the claims as “baseless misinformation.” They insist Imran Khan is “healthy, safe, and under medical supervision,” even describing his jail cell as equipped with “exercise equipment, a TV, and proper bedding.”
However, the government has not released: Any recent photo or video, medical reports, A public statement from Khan, Proof of him being alive, this refusal to provide evidence has deepened mistrust among the public.
Global Reaction and Growing Pressure
International human rights groups, South Asian political observers, and the Pakistani diaspora have all demanded transparency.
The hashtag #ProofOfLife has been trending in the UK, Canada, UAE, and Australia.
The pressure is mounting for Pakistan’s government to allow the family or lawyers to meet Khan and verify his wellbeing.
A Nation Waiting for Answers
The unverified allegation that Imran Khan has been “killed in custody” may or may not be true—but it has exposed the darkest fears inside Pakistan’s political landscape.
The demand is simple: Show Imran Khan alive., Allow his family to meet him.
Provide transparency.
Until that happens, the rumours will grow louder, the protests will intensify, and Pakistan’s political crisis will deepen.
The world is waiting. Pakistan is waiting. And Imran Khan’s fate remains shrouded in secrecy.