Daijiworld Media Network - Islamabad
Islamabad, Nov 26: Pakistan was gripped by turmoil on Tuesday after shocking claims emerged on social media alleging that jailed former prime minister Imran Khan had been killed in custody. The allegations, shared widely by several accounts including one identifying itself as the Baluchistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused the ISI and Army Chief Asim Munir of plotting his death. However, there has been no official confirmation, and the claims remain unverified.
Images showing crowds gathering outside Adiala jail in Rawalpindi fuelled further suspicion, with some posts claiming that Khan’s sisters and family members were being denied entry into the prison. This sparked fears among supporters that the PTI chief may have been harmed.
The unverified MFA Baluchistan post alleged that “information from inside Punjab prisons” suggested Khan had been killed while in custody. It went on to claim that such an incident would mark the “collapse” of Pakistan’s legitimacy. These statements, however, have not been corroborated and Indian media outlets have been unable to independently confirm any such development.
Khan not seen for months
Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been lodged in Adiala jail since August 2023. For months, there have been strict restrictions on visitors, with friends, family, party leaders and even provincial officials reportedly unable to meet him.
On Tuesday, Khan’s sisters — Noreen, Aleema and Uzma — visited the prison amid the swirling rumours. They alleged that police behaved aggressively and prevented them from entering the premises. PTI supporters who gathered outside were also reportedly manhandled by security personnel.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has similarly been denied multiple requests to meet the former prime minister. According to reports, Afridi has attempted to visit Khan at least seven times but has been blocked each time by jail authorities. Khan has previously accused the Army of controlling the jail administration and preventing anyone from meeting him.
With no official word from Pakistan’s government, judiciary or prison authorities, the rumours continue to fuel unrest. Meanwhile, PTI supporters are demanding transparency over Khan’s condition and insisting that authorities provide proof of his wellbeing.
Authorities in Pakistan have yet to issue a formal statement to dispel the growing concerns.