A brief wave of panic swept social media recently after rumours falsely claimed that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had died in jail. Supporters circulated unverified posts suggesting foul play, but officials quickly dismissed these claims as baseless. There has been no official confirmation or credible evidence supporting the rumour. Imran Khan remains lodged in Adiala Jail and the focus continues to be on the long list of legal cases he is battling.
Major convictions: Toshakhana and the Cipher case
Imran Khan has been behind bars since August 2023 following a series of convictions that dramatically shifted his political trajectory. His first major conviction came in the Toshakhana case, where he was accused of illegally selling state gifts for personal profit and failing to disclose the details in official records. This led to a prison sentence and disqualification from holding public office.
Another significant blow came from the cipher case, in which Khan was accused of mishandling a confidential diplomatic cable. The court ruled that he had violated official secrecy laws, resulting in additional jail time. These convictions together ensured that the former prime minister remained in custody, even as appeals continue.
Over 150 cases and political fallout
Beyond the key convictions, Imran Khan faces over 150 cases ranging from corruption and contempt of court to allegations of inciting violence during protests following his ouster in April 2022. Many of these cases are linked to nationwide unrest involving his supporters, with charges under Pakistan’s anti-terror and public order laws.
Khan maintains that all charges are politically motivated, aimed at preventing his return to power. His supporters echo the same sentiment, while the government insists the cases are a result of legal violations.
