ISLAMABAD – As the world witnesses an unprecedented escalation between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India, social media has been flooded with false news reports claiming the assassination of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail. The baseless rumor alleged that Khan had been killed by Pakistan’s spy agency while incarcerated. This claim quickly spread across social media platforms, fueling further disinformation and propaganda amid the ongoing military escalation.
However, credible sources have confirmed that there is no truth to these reports. Recent updates from May 4 to May 9, 2025, affirm that Khan remains alive and is still imprisoned in Adiala Jail. Additionally, Khan has filed a bail plea with his legal team, further confirming his active involvement in his legal battles.
The spread of this fabricated story has been attributed to a coordinated misinformation campaign by Indian trolls, whose efforts to create chaos were reportedly motivated by Pakistan’s military response to the ongoing conflict. Facing embarrassment due to Pakistan’s counterattacks, these trolls used the fake claim to escalate tensions and disrupt social media discourse.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and other official sources have clarified that no credible sources support the assassination claims. No governmental or prison authorities have confirmed any change in Khan’s jail status, despite some rumors suggesting he may have been shifted to another facility. In response to this disinformation, Pakistani officials have urged social media users to be cautious about what they share online, advising them to verify news from reliable and trusted sources.
On the legal front, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court on May 9, 2025, seeking parole for Imran Khan. The petition cited national security threats and the need for political unity as the primary reasons for the request. It named the federal interior ministry, Punjab’s home department, Adiala Jail superintendent, and Punjab’s parole board as respondents.
The plea argued that Khan’s continued incarceration in politically motivated cases was detrimental to national cohesion and left him vulnerable to external threats, especially amid rising tensions with India. The petition warned that Khan’s presence in Adiala Jail posed a security risk, claiming he remains a symbolic target due to his past criticism of the Indian government and the recent cross-border hostilities.
In the petition, it was pointed out that a previous application to Punjab authorities had not received a response, prompting the petitioner to approach the high court. Citing constitutional protections under Articles 4, 9, 10-A, and 25, as well as international standards encouraging non-custodial measures for political detainees, the petition argued that Khan’s detention violated his fundamental rights. It also referenced legal precedents supporting parole in politically sensitive cases.
The petitioner requested that the court direct authorities to process the parole request in view of Khan’s conduct in custody, evolving security dynamics, and the broader national interest.
Amid these legal developments, Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed grave concerns over his safety. Close aides of Khan have voiced fears that his life is in danger due to the escalating tensions with India, where missile and drone attacks have become increasingly common.
One of Khan’s close aides told CNN-News18 that there are acute concerns about the current war-like situation. Indian drones have reportedly struck deep inside Pakistani territory without being intercepted by the military, hitting cities like Rawalpindi. “There is a great fear that one of the drones could land on the Adiala jail,” the aide said, claiming that Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had hinted at the possibility of a drone hitting the prison, which they interpreted as a “direct death threat.”
This aide further stated that Khan needs to be immediately evacuated from the jail premises, echoing the sentiments of his family. “This is no place for Imran Khan, who has been in jail for bogus charges, with not a single legitimate charge. We feel that he should be out on parole until things are safe,” the aide asserted.
Tensions between India and Pakistan are currently at a high, with both sides trading fire over the Line of Control (LoC) following the Indian government’s launch of Operation Sindoor. This operation aimed to target terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
In this tense scenario, Khan’s aides warn that his potential death could destabilize the region. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar recently stated that the government might use the cover of war to target Khan inside Adiala Jail, claiming there are fears that missiles or drones could be deployed under this pretext to harm the former Prime Minister.
Imran Khan, 72, has been in custody since August 2023, entangled in nearly 200 legal cases that he asserts are politically motivated. In January 2025, a court sentenced him to 14 years in prison while his wife received a seven-year term in one of the many cases against them. Despite the crackdown, Khan’s party emerged as the largest party in terms of seats won, but a fragile coalition government has blocked PTI’s chances of returning to power.
Meanwhile, on May 9, 2025, Pakistan launched fresh drone strikes at 26 locations in India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Most of these attacks were reportedly thwarted by Indian air defense systems.
As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of Imran Khan, his legal battles, and the political landscape in Pakistan remain uncertain, highlighting the complex interplay of domestic politics and international relations in the region.
