Pakistan imposes Section 144 as rumours of Imran Khan’s death trigger PTI protests

Amid a surge of unverified rumours claiming that former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has died in custody, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has geared up for nationwide protests. Anticipating unrest, the government has imposed Section 144 in several regions to curb large gatherings.

PTI leaders, including Kasim Khan, son of Imran Khan, have alleged that Adiala Jail authorities have allegedly done something irreversible, claiming that they have not been allowed to meet Imran Khan for weeks. The party says repeated demands for proof of his wellbeing have gone unanswered, further fuelling speculation.

For several days, social media has been flooded with claims that Khan has been killed in custody. Family members say they have repeatedly sought access to him but were denied by jail authorities, a move they call “highly suspicious”. The authorities, however, have not issued any formal statement debunking the rumours.

A tense sit-in protest outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, led by Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, continued for hours on November 25. Demonstrators gathered at the Gorakhpur checkpost, demanding confirmation that Khan was alive.

Aleema alleged that police pushed and roughed up women supporters, preventing them from reaching the jail gates. Videos circulating online show crowds chanting slogans and clashing with officers.

Rumours of Khan’s death escalated after a handle posing as ‘Ministry of Foreign Affairs Baluchistan’ alleged that he had been assassinated on the orders of Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and that his body had been moved from the jail. Several Afghan-based outlets amplified the unverified claims, adding to the panic.

No official confirmation or denial has been issued by the Pakistan government and the prison administration.

Authorities have only said that routine procedures at Adiala Jail are functioning normally, according to local media.