A day after panic and violent protests erupted outside Pakistan’s Adiala Jail over rumours that Imran Khan had died in custody, the prison administration moved to calm the situation by issuing a formal clarification on his condition and whereabouts. Officials stated that the former Prime Minister remains inside Adiala Jail, is “fully healthy,” and has not been transferred anywhere. They dismissed the rumours of deteriorating health as “baseless,” adding that Khan is receiving complete medical attention inside the facility. The clarification came after nearly four weeks of no direct communication between Khan and his family or party, which triggered alarm and fuelled speculation.
Imran Khan has now spent more than two years behind bars, facing a long list of corruption and terrorism-related cases. His sisters and sons have repeatedly alleged that he has been kept in solitary confinement under harsh and inhumane conditions, despite court orders guaranteeing family visitations twice a week. The lack of access in recent weeks intensified fears among his supporters, setting the stage for the recent protest.
The unrest outside Adiala Jail escalated on Wednesday when Khan’s sisters—Noreen Khan (Niazi), Aleema Khan, and Uzma Khan—held a sit-in near the jail’s main checkpoint, accusing authorities of ignoring court orders and preventing them from meeting their brother. Within hours, thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supporters joined them, and the gathering turned confrontational, with some reports suggesting that protesters attempted to force their way toward the prison gates. Tensions eased only after top police and jail officials assured Aleema Khan that a meeting with Imran would be arranged. According to ARY News, the sisters are expected to meet him later today and again on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the political discourse around Imran Khan’s prison conditions has intensified. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected claims that Khan is being mistreated, insisting instead that the former PM enjoys special privileges far beyond those available to ordinary prisoners. Asif asserted that Khan has access to a television, exercise equipment, and premium food, and is provided a double bed with a velvet mattress. Drawing comparisons to his own imprisonment, Asif argued that other officials had endured far tougher conditions, including sleeping on cold floors and eating standard jail rations.
While the government portrays Khan’s detention as comfortable and lawful, his supporters say the secrecy surrounding his condition and the refusal to allow consistent family access demonstrate deliberate psychological pressure and political harassment. With PTI loyalists on edge and the establishment facing an increasingly restive opposition, the controversy over Khan’s treatment inside Adiala Jail continues to deepen Pakistan’s already volatile political climate.
