Imran Khan death rumours: As tension rises in Pakistan over rumours about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s health, security has been tightened in Rawalpindi, where Section 144 is in place. The government has sealed all routes leading to Adiala Jail, where Khan is being held. His party, PTI, has called for a large protest on Tuesday.
There are reports that Imran’s sisters may be allowed to meet him today, but they have already announced a sit-in outside the jail. This has prompted further security measures, with more than 700 personnel deployed around Adiala Jail.
Roads and checkpoints have been shut, and additional police barricades have been set up. Officials fear the situation could escalate into a major clash, similar to past incidents.
Will Imran’s sisters be allowed to meet the former PM?
There are also reports that Adiala Jail authorities are allowing only his sister, Uzma, and a vetted lawyer to meet the former PM. And that too under a strict gag order that prohibits discussions on social media, signalling Islamabad’s attempts to tightly manage information flow.
What is Pakistan concerned about?
Pakistan is worried that details about Imran Khan’s health—physical or mental—might get leaked.
They fear that such information could lead to large protests. Officials think it could become a situation like the unrest on May 9, 2023, which happened after Khan was arrested.
Section 144 In Rawalpindi
The Adiala Jail premises have been witnessing heavy protests since rumours spread about Imran Khan’s health. This has forced Punjab provincial authorities to impose Section 144 in Rawalpindi in a bid to stop people.
Imran Khan Jailed
Imran, 72, has been in jail since August 2023, convicted in a string of cases he says were politically driven following his ouster in a 2022 no-confidence vote.
His first conviction was in the Toshakhana case and centred on accusations that he unlawfully sold gifts received in office. Later verdicts added lengthy jail terms, including 10 years in the cipher case and 14 years in the Al Qadir Trust corruption case.
The PTI has alleged that the prosecution’s aim in cases against Imran was to exclude him from public life and elections, which were held in 2024.
