Pakistan jail responds after rumors claimed imprisoned Imran Khan died
What's the story
The administration of Pakistan's Adiala Jail has confirmed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is alive and healthy after rumors claimed he had been killed inside the prison. The jail administration termed the speculation "baseless" and assured that Khan is receiving "complete medical attention," Geo News reported. "There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail. He is fully healthy," the statement said.
Ongoing detention
Khan's imprisonment and family allegations
Khan has been in custody for over two years on various corruption and terrorism charges. His family members have claimed that he is being held in solitary confinement under "inhumane conditions." They also allege restricted access to family visits, with scheduled meetings often denied without explanation. Tensions flared outside Adiala Jail after Khan's sisters were allegedly dragged and briefly detained by police. The sisters had staged a sit-in protest demanding access to Khan.
Protest escalation
Protests and police action outside Adiala Jail
One of his sisters, Noreen, alleged, "She held my arm, dragged me by my legs... Punjab police are behaving like savages," while Aleema accused officers of "ripping away our chaddors." In a letter to Punjab police chief, they said they were assaulted without provocation. "We peacefully protested over concerns for his health condition. We neither blocked roads nor obstructed public movement....Yet, without warning or provocation, the streetlights were abruptly switched off...What followed was a brutal and orchestrated assault," Noreen said.
Minister's remarks
Defence Minister's statement on Khan's prison conditions
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that Khan is being given better facilities in jail than he was during his own imprisonment. He said, "Check the menu of the food...It is not available even in a five-star hotel." Asif also said that Khan has access to television, exercise equipment, and other facilities. Comparing these conditions with his own time in prison, he said, "We slept on cold floors, ate jail food....only two blankets in January with no hot water."