Unverified reports about Imran Khan’s “death” cause unrest in Pakistan

Imran Khan, the former Pakistan Prime Minister currently lodged in a jail in Rawalpindi, has become a top trend on social media over unverified claims of his death.

- S VENKAT NARAYAN

The rumours began after one particular handle — called Afghan Times — claimed to have information from sources that the former Paksitan PM had been "murdered" in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. The claims — all unsubstantiated and unverified -- have not been confirmed by any credible agency or department.

The rumours come soon after it was reported that Imran Khan's family was not being allowed to meet him in jail, and that the former Pakistan PM was being held in solitary confinement. It was also reported that his sisters, sitting in protest outside the Adiala jail, were manhandled as they demanded a meeting with him.

Imran Khan’s three sisters — Noreen, Aleema, and Uzma alleged that the political leader has been "brutally assaulted" inside the Adiala jail, where he has often complained of mistreatment and harassment by jail authorities.

The 72-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been in jail since 2023 after being convicted in a web of corruption cases.