Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan remained at the centre of nationwide tension on Tuesday after his sister Dr Uzma Khan met him at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail and confirmed that he was alive and physically fine. Her statement came at a time when Pakistan was facing intense protests triggered by widespread rumours on social media claiming that Khan had been assassinated inside the jail. These claims, although unverified, spread rapidly and caused panic among his supporters across the country.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said in a statement that Imran Khan was being kept in solitary confinement and subjected to “mental torture”. The party accused the government of restricting access to Khan for weeks, adding that the lack of communication had fuelled the situation further. As the rumours grew stronger, thousands of PTI supporters and Khan’s family members gathered outside key locations, including Adiala Jail and the Islamabad High Court, demanding clarity about his condition.
Dr Uzma Khan, who was finally allowed to meet her brother after hours of waiting outside the jail, told the media that Imran Khan was “fit but extremely angry.” She said he claimed he was facing mental pressure because he had been kept in prolonged isolation and was not allowed to communicate with anyone. According to Uzma, Khan told her that authorities were preventing meetings with his lawyers and family members, leaving him completely cut off from the outside world.
Her visit came after intense negotiations between PTI leaders and jail officials. Earlier in the day, two of Khan’s sisters were denied entry, despite repeatedly requesting access. They had waited outside Adiala Jail for several hours before the authorities finally granted permission for all three sisters to meet Imran Khan. The meeting offered the first reassurance after days of confusion and rumours.
Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s son Kasim Khan also demanded evidence of his father’s well-being. He posted on social media, “We demand proof of Imran Khan’s life,” reflecting the fear and uncertainty gripping supporters.
The situation outside the jail grew tense as PTI workers surrounded the area in large numbers. Security forces blocked roads leading to Adiala Jail, set up barricades, and imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi to prevent large gatherings. Police remained deployed across the city as the crowd increased and slogans calling for Khan’s freedom echoed outside the jail and the Islamabad High Court.
Amid these events, Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed Parliament, referring to Imran Khan as “prisoner number 804” and assuring that he would not be harmed. However, the minister’s statement did little to calm the PTI workers, who accused the government of hiding crucial information and mishandling the situation.
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Throughout the day, PTI supporters held demonstrations across the country, claiming that the government was withholding updates about Imran Khan’s health and status. Many accused authorities of deliberately preventing meetings to increase pressure on the jailed leader. As videos and posts went viral on social media alleging an assassination attempt, the unrest grew even more intense.
The government responded by placing security agencies on high alert. Reports also emerged that a shoot-at-sight order had been issued in some areas due to the spreading unrest, though this led to further criticism from PTI leaders. The Sharif government defended the decision by saying it was necessary to maintain law and order during such a sensitive situation.
Protests were also reported outside the Islamabad High Court, where PTI MPs had announced a major demonstration demanding immediate and transparent updates about Imran Khan. They accused the government of creating panic by refusing to allow family members and lawyers to meet him.
PTI also submitted a list of six lawyers to the authorities, seeking urgent permission for them to meet their party chief. The party said it had been nearly a month since Khan had been allowed legal access, calling the restrictions “extremely alarming” and “a violation of basic rights.”
Imran Khan’s supporters continued to gather outside Adiala Jail throughout the day, chanting slogans in his favour. Many travelled from different parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, despite roads being sealed and Section 144 in place. Police set up additional barricades, and checkpoints were established across the city to control movement.
Imran Khan’s sister Noreen Niazi accused the government of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. She said police were beating children, women, and the elderly, calling it an unprecedented level of oppression. She claimed that officers were acting without accountability and that the government had “given them permission” to use force.
The growing unrest showed that the political climate in Pakistan remains extremely sensitive. PTI leaders warned that if the government did not provide clear information about Imran Khan soon, they would launch massive nationwide protests.
Despite the protests and the tough security measures, Dr Uzma Khan’s confirmation that her brother was alive brought some relief to PTI supporters. However, her comments about his mental state and solitary confinement added to concerns about the conditions in which the former prime minister is being kept.
As the day ended, PTI continued to call for transparency and demanded that the government grant regular access to Imran Khan’s lawyers and family. The political tension across the country remained high, and protests showed no signs of slowing down, with supporters insisting they would continue to gather until they receive complete information about the PTI founder’s condition.
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