A fresh wave of misinformation surrounding former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan sent shockwaves across Pakistan on Wednesday, after a claim alleging his death inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail went viral on social media. The rumour, initially circulated by an Afghanistan-based media outlet, quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), triggering panic among supporters and prompting thousands to rush toward the jail premises demanding clarity.
How the Rumour Started
The controversy began when an unverified report claimed that Imran Khan — who remains incarcerated in multiple cases — had been “killed inside Adiala Jail.” As screenshots of the report circulated across social platforms, several anonymous accounts amplified the claim without any verification.
Within minutes, hashtags related to Imran Khan’s alleged death began trending globally, creating an atmosphere of confusion and fear among Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters.
This is not the first time such claims have emerged. In May 2025, similar rumours claimed that Khan had been shot, assaulted, or had collapsed inside prison. Those earlier reports were also proven false, but the speed at which misinformation spreads about the former PM remains a pressing concern.
Government Calls Viral Claim ‘Fake’
To counter the panic, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a late-night clarification, firmly dismissing the claims as “fake and irresponsible.” An alleged press release circulating online — supposedly issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — was also declared fabricated.
Authorities urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information and warned that spreading misinformation about national leaders could create unnecessary unrest.
Massive Protests Outside Adiala Jail
Despite the government’s denial, tensions escalated. Thousands of PTI supporters, many arriving from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, gathered outside Adiala Jail demanding proof of Imran Khan’s well-being.
The protest rapidly grew in size, prompting the military-backed interim government to deploy additional law enforcement personnel around the prison. Security forces set up barricades, checkpoints, and crowd-control units to prevent a breach of the facility.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy deployment of Rangers, Punjab Police, and anti-riot units along Adiala Road as protestors chanted slogans demanding transparency and immediate updates about their jailed leader.
PTI Leaders & Khan’s Sisters Stopped by Police
Compounding public anxiety was the fact that several senior PTI leaders and even Khan’s family members were denied access to him.
Among those blocked from meeting him were:
- Aleema Khan
- Dr Uzma Khan
- Noreen Khan
- Barrister Gohar Ali Khan
- Salman Akram Raja
- Sheikh Waqas Akram
Khan’s sisters were halted at the Factory checkpoint, while party leaders were stopped at the Dahgal checkpoint, sparking a prolonged sit-in. The standoff lasted several hours and ended only after negotiations with police.
PTI has repeatedly accused authorities of isolating Khan and withholding information about his health and treatment inside jail.
Why Rumours About Imran Khan Spread So Easily
Political analysts believe the recurring misinformation episodes reflect:
- Lack of transparent communication about Khan’s prison conditions
- Strict restrictions on his family and legal team’s access
- Tense political climate under the current military-backed government
- PTI’s massive online presence, where rumours travel faster than official statements
The former Prime Minister’s incarceration remains one of the most sensitive topics in Pakistan’s political landscape, making any unverified claim highly combustible.
No Confirmation of Any Harm to Imran Khan
As of now, there is no credible evidence to support social media claims of Imran Khan’s death or injury. The government has called the reports baseless, but concerns remain high due to the lack of direct public visibility of Khan in recent weeks.
PTI supporters have vowed to continue demanding transparent access and regular health updates about their party founder.
