As of today, November 28, 2025, there are no confirmed reports of a custodial killing involving former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. What has dominated headlines and social media for the past two days are unverified rumors originating from Afghan media and anonymous social media accounts, claiming Khan was assassinated inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail by Pakistan’s military leadership, specifically Army Chief General Asim Munir and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These claims have sparked protests, family outrage, and international speculation, but Pakistani authorities, including the jail administration, have categorically denied them, calling the stories “baseless” and attributing them to “anti-state elements” and foreign propaganda.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Background and Timeline of the Rumors
- Origin (November 26, 2025): The speculation ignited with a post from an X (formerly Twitter) account claiming to represent the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Baluchistan” (widely regarded as a fake or separatist-affiliated handle). It alleged: “Reports are now surfacing from inside the prisons of Punjabi Pakistan that Imran Khan, who was being held in custody, has been killed by Asim Munir and his ISI administration according to several news outlets.” This was amplified by Afghanistan-based outlet Afghanistan Times, which cited an unnamed “credible source” saying Khan “succumbed to alleged mistreatment” and his body was smuggled out of the jail.
- Escalation (November 26-27): The rumor spread rapidly on X, WhatsApp, and TikTok, often accompanied by recycled images—one showing Khan on a stretcher (actually from a 2013 injury) and another of him injured (from a 2022 assassination attempt). PTI supporters gathered outside Adiala Jail, clashing with police, while Khan’s sisters (Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan, and Noreen Niazi) were reportedly assaulted and denied entry for over a month. They demanded an impartial probe into his “health and whereabouts,” with Aleema telling media: “Something is definitely wrong.” PTI insiders told CNN-News18 that Khan has been tortured and isolated, but rejected outright claims of his death.
- Official Response (November 27): Adiala Jail authorities issued a statement confirming Khan is “alive and in good health,” receiving “complete medical attention,” and has been temporarily moved within the facility for security reasons. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar dismissed the rumors as disinformation, similar to a debunked May 2025 hoax involving a fake government press release. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed Khan is getting “five-star treatment” in jail.
- Current Status (November 28): Protests continue in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with PTI demanding “proof of life” via video or family access. Japanese media has picked up the story, highlighting global concerns over Khan’s isolation. No independent verification (e.g., from human rights groups like Amnesty International) has been allowed, fueling distrust. Khan has been in Adiala since August 2023 on charges his supporters call politically motivated, including corruption and contempt.
Why These Rumors Persist: A Pattern of Disinformation
This isn’t the first time—similar false claims circulated in May 2025, debunked as fabricated. Analysts point to:
- Geopolitical Tensions: Baloch separatists and Afghan outlets often amplify anti-Pakistan narratives. Indian media has been accused of unverified reposting, potentially to stoke unrest.
- Domestic Politics: Khan’s PTI remains Pakistan’s most popular party, and his ouster in 2022 via a no-confidence vote (allegedly army-backed) has deepened civil-military rifts. Khan has publicly blamed Munir for any harm in custody.
- Lack of Transparency: A month-long ban on family/lawyer visits has heightened fears of mistreatment, including solitary confinement and denied medical tests.
| Key Claims vs. Evidence | Claim | Status/Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Death by Mistreatment | Khan killed 17+ days ago; body removed. | Unconfirmed; based on anonymous sources. Old photos misused. |
| Perpetrators | Asim Munir/ISI ordered hit. | No proof; stems from Khan’s public feud with Munir (fired as ISI chief in 2019). |
| Family Access | Sisters assaulted; no meetings for 3+ weeks. | Verified by family statements; jail cites security. |
| Health/Isolation | Tortured, in death cell. | PTI sources allege this; officials deny, claim “good health.” |
| Protests | Clashes outside jail; demands for release. | Ongoing; thousands rallied, blocked by police. |
Broader Implications
If true (though evidence suggests otherwise), it could trigger nationwide chaos, eroding the military’s legitimacy amid Pakistan’s economic woes and Baloch insurgency. PTI has called for international intervention. For now, the rumors highlight Pakistan’s fragile democracy, where opposition leaders face opaque detentions. Khan’s last public statement (pre-incarceration) warned: “If anything happens to me, hold Asim Munir responsible.”
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