Pakistan witnessed a surge in political tension after widespread rumours claiming that former prime minister Imran Khan had died in custody triggered a wave of anger and panic among his supporters. In an attempt to contain the escalating unrest, authorities swiftly imposed Section 144 in key areas, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, banning all public gatherings, rallies, and protests. The situation spiralled after PTI leaders, including members of Imran Khan’s family, alleged that they had been repeatedly denied permission to meet him at Adiala Jail. The refusal to grant even basic access intensified public anxiety, with supporters insisting that the government release verifiable proof of Khan’s wellbeing. The silence from officials only deepened suspicions, giving momentum to the rumours spreading online.

The Islamabad administration confirmed that Section 144 had already been enforced, placing strict limits on public assembly. Security forces were deployed in large numbers around sensitive locations, especially the jail where Khan is being held. In Rawalpindi, authorities extended similar restrictions, signalling their determination to prevent the mobilization of large PTI crowds. Tensions had already escalated days earlier when a sit-in led by Imran Khan’s sister outside the jail turned confrontational. Supporters accused police of manhandling women protesters and forcibly blocking their path as they tried to demand proof of Khan’s safety. Videos from the scene fuelled further outrage, with PTI claiming that the state was using force to silence dissent.

With no clear statement from the government about Imran Khan’s condition, public mistrust has grown dramatically. PTI leaders argue that the restrictions and the refusal to provide transparency suggest a deliberate attempt to hide the truth and suppress public reaction. As protests continue to simmer despite bans, Pakistan stands at a volatile crossroads once again. The combination of secrecy, forceful restrictions, and spiralling rumours risks plunging the country into another wave of political unrest.