The family of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has raised urgent concerns about his wellbeing after online rumors suggested he might have died in prison. His relatives are demanding immediate access to verify his condition.
Family Denied Access to Former Leader
Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 while serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges. The former cricket star turned politician maintains these cases were fabricated to remove him from politics.
His sisters have faced repeated rejections when attempting to visit him in recent weeks. Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan, and Dr Uzma Khan claim they were recently assaulted outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi while demanding to see their brother.
A spokesperson for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party revealed that no one has seen the former prime minister since November 4. No explanation has been provided for the denied visits.
Online Rumors Spark Widespread Concern
Social media platforms have been flooded with unconfirmed reports about Khan's death in prison. Multiple accounts spread the alarming rumors, creating panic among his supporters and political allies.
The PTI party condemned what they called 'despicable' rumors regarding Khan's whereabouts. In an official statement on X, the party demanded immediate clarification from the government.
'The current government and the interior ministry must immediately and clearly dismiss and clarify the rumor,' the statement read. 'They should immediately arrange a meeting between Imran and his family.'
Growing Health and Security Concerns
PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari expressed serious worries about Khan's health and treatment. 'His health is our concern. We are worried about his illegal isolation,' Bukhari stated.
Despite prison regulations allowing weekly visits, authorities have suspended this access for extended periods. There have been gaps spanning weeks when Khan wasn't permitted to meet outsiders.
Local media reports suggest the 73-year-old might be transferred to a high-security prison, making family visits even more challenging. However, an anonymous jail official told Reuters that Khan remains in good health and denied knowledge of any transfer plans.
Khan's supporters and party members continue protesting outside the Rawalpindi prison, demanding transparency about his condition and immediate family access.
