Pakistan Jail Debunks Imran Khan Death Rumours Amid Family Assault Claims

The administration of Adiala Jail on Thursday categorically dismissed rumours circulating on social media that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had died or been secretly moved from the prison, confirming that the PTI founder remains inside the facility and is in good health.

A jail official told Geo News, “There is no truth to reports about his transfer or death. Imran Khan is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention.”

The rumours exploded on Wednesday after unverified posts on X claimed Khan had been killed inside the jail by the ISI and Army Chief General Asim Munir. Some posts were even shared by official handles linked to Balochistan’s foreign affairs ministry before being deleted.

The hoax triggered panic and led thousands of PTI workers to gather outside Adiala Jail, where they clashed with police.

Sisters allege brutal assault by police

Tensions escalated further after three of Khan’s sisters, Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khan, were allegedly manhandled and beaten by Punjab Police while protesting the continued denial of their weekly family meeting. The sisters said they were slapped, dragged and thrown to the ground despite sitting peacefully.

Aleema Khan later wrote on X: “Police unleashed indiscriminate force on us. This is the level of impunity citizens now face.”

PTI supporters chanted “26 November we will never forget” in reference to previous crackdowns, while police used tear gas and batons, injuring dozens.

Ongoing restrictions on meetings

Khan has been lodged in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges that he and his party insist are politically motivated. For over a month, authorities have blocked all family visits, citing “security concerns”. PTI alleges systematic torture and deliberate neglect of his health.

Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry dismissed the death rumours as “enemy propaganda” and warned of strict action against those spreading false information.

Human rights groups condemned the reported assault on Khan’s sisters as another instance of state repression. As PTI plans fresh protests, the episode has once again highlighted the deepening political crisis in Pakistan.