Rawalpindi, Pakistan – May 10, 2025: In a shocking development, unverified reports circulating on social media claim that former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Imran Khan, has been murdered in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The news, which first emerged through posts on X, has sparked widespread outrage and speculation, though no official confirmation has been issued by Pakistani authorities or credible media outlets at this time.
According to posts on X, Khan’s body was allegedly found in cell no. 804 of Adiala Jail, with some sources claiming signs of brutal torture and sexual assault. One post attributed to a user named @Ranjan_zeh stated, “IMRAN KHAN’s lifeless body found in the cell no 804 of Adiala Jail. Signs of brutal torture and sexual assault according to sources. Imran Khan’s legacy will be debatable but can’t be ignored. RIP.” Another post by @Kiraaydaar claimed, “Imran Khan beaten to death by Pakistani Army in Jail,” accompanied by unverified images. These posts have fueled hashtags such as #imrankhanPTI and #IndiaPakistanWar, amplifying the claims across social media platforms.
Imran Khan, 72, has been incarcerated since August 2023, facing multiple charges ranging from corruption to inciting violence, which he and his party have consistently denounced as politically motivated. His detention followed a tumultuous political career, marked by his ouster as prime minister in April 2022 via a no-confidence vote and subsequent legal battles, including a 14-year sentence in a corruption case linked to the Al-Qadir Trust. Khan’s supporters have long alleged that he was targeted by Pakistan’s military establishment, a claim that gained traction after his arrest sparked nationwide protests in 2023.
The reports of Khan’s alleged murder come amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan. His party, PTI, has faced a severe crackdown, with thousands of supporters arrested and allegations of rigged elections in 2024, where PTI-backed candidates won significant seats but were unable to form a government. Khan’s vocal criticism of the military and calls for transparent elections had made him a polarizing figure, with many viewing his imprisonment as an attempt to silence dissent.
However, the claims of Khan’s murder remain unverified and highly controversial. Earlier this year, a fabricated medical report alleging sexual assault against Khan in jail was debunked by Pakistani officials, who confirmed that his medical evaluations were conducted by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and showed no such findings. The timing of the current claims, coupled with discrepancies in some posts (such as a report dated after its alleged leak), raises questions about their authenticity.
Pakistani authorities have not issued an official statement addressing the allegations, and major news outlets like Geo News, ARY News, and Dawn have yet to report on the incident. The PTI has not released an official response, though supporters have taken to social media to demand clarity and justice. Protests are reportedly being organized in Islamabad and Lahore, with fears of escalating unrest if the claims are substantiated.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given Khan’s global prominence as a former cricket star and political leader. The United States and United Kingdom previously called for adherence to the rule of law during Khan’s 2023 arrest, and human rights organizations have criticized his detention as politically driven.
As the situation develops, the lack of verified information underscores the need for caution. The claims of Imran Khan’s murder, if proven false, could be part of a disinformation campaign amid Pakistan’s volatile political climate. Conversely, if confirmed, they could trigger a major crisis with far-reaching implications for the country’s stability.
