Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has become the center of intense public speculation and unrest after rumors spread on social media claiming he died while in custody at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. These unverified death rumors ignited violent protests by thousands of his supporters, who attempted to storm the jail demanding answers. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Imran Khan’s sisters—Noreen Khan, Aleema Khan, and Uzma Khan—were brutally assaulted by Punjab police during peaceful demonstrations outside the jail, where they had been repeatedly denied permission to meet him amid serious concerns about his health and treatment in confinement.

The anger seized Pakistan’s political atmosphere as thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers gathered near the jail after weeks of no contact with Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023 on various charges. The sisters claimed police suddenly switched off the streetlights and launched a violent, coordinated crackdown on the peaceful gathering. Noreen Khan detailed being grabbed by her hair, thrown to the ground, and dragged, while others accompanying her were also pushed and slapped. The family has demanded an impartial investigation into this alleged police brutality, condemning the force used against them as excessive and unprovoked.

Rumors about Imran Khan’s death appear to have been triggered by a social media post from a handle named Afghan Times, which claimed a credible source confirmed Khan’s mysterious killing in jail. However, no official or credible agency has verified these claims. Videos and images circulating online purporting to show Khan in distress or deceased have been widely questioned for authenticity. This uncertainty has exacerbated public anxiety, with support growing for the jailed former premier, who remains inaccessible to family members and senior officials, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, who was denied repeated access.

This episode highlights the fragile situation inside Pakistan where political tensions frequently escalate into street protests and clashes, especially when allegations of mistreatment against high-profile political detainees surface. Imran Khan’s prolonged imprisonment, the lack of transparent communication regarding his health, and reports of harsh treatment both inside the jail and on his supporters outside have intensified scrutiny on Pakistan’s prison system and political dynamics. Many see this as emblematic of the broader struggles between civilian political entities and the powerful military establishment.

The truth about Imran Khan’s health and wellbeing remains unconfirmed, the combination of aggressive police actions against his family, mass demonstrations, and explosive social media rumors have created a volatile environment in Pakistan. The demand for transparency and humane treatment of political prisoners is gaining momentum as the nation watches closely, hoping for clarity amid these alarming rumors and incidents.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Hindu.