Pak journalist claims Imran Khan dead, Army denies

Claim of death rocks political circles

A prominent Pakistani journalist has set off a political storm with a startling claim: Imran Khan is no longer alive. The reporter, citing what he described as three senior sources from the General Headquarters (GHQ), said the former prime minister died in custody at Adiala Jail. The claim, made on Wednesday, spread rapidly across social media and news platforms before the Pakistan Army stepped in with a rare and categorical denial.

The journalist's statement, which he attributed to unnamed military officials, alleged that Khan's death had been kept under wraps. He did not provide any further details, and the claim has not been independently verified. Within hours, however, the army's media wing issued a brief statement: Imran Khan is not dead. It called the report fake news, without elaborating further.

PTI's mass mobilisation warning

The claim comes at a time of heightened tension. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party founded by Khan, has been warning of a massive show of strength. Party leaders have said that two million supporters are ready to mobilise, raising fears of widespread protests across the country. The party has repeatedly demanded Khan's release from prison, where he has been held since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption and inciting violence.

Khan's detention has been a flashpoint in Pakistani politics. His supporters have clashed with security forces on several occasions, and the government has faced criticism over the conditions of his confinement. The latest death claim, even if false, has added to the volatile mix, with PTI workers taking to the streets in some cities to express outrage based on the unverified report.

International pressure mounts

Meanwhile, the international community is paying close attention. A group of US lawmakers has urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press Pakistan over the jail conditions of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The lawmakers, in a letter, expressed concern over the former prime minister's health and safety, and called for an independent assessment of his treatment. The appeal adds to growing diplomatic scrutiny of Pakistan's handling of Khan's case.

Bushra Bibi was convicted alongside Khan in the same case and is being held separately. Their legal team has consistently alleged that the charges are politically motivated and that both are being held in harsh conditions. Pakistani authorities have denied these allegations, stating that all prisoners are treated in accordance with the law.

Army's rare intervention

The Pakistan Army's decision to issue a denial is significant. The military rarely comments on individual prisoners, and its statement was seen as an attempt to quell the unrest that the rumour could trigger. Analysts note that the army's quick response suggests a concern about the potential for violence. The denial, however, has not fully dispelled the confusion, with many PTI supporters questioning the credibility of the army's statement.

Journalists in Pakistan have urged caution, noting that the original claim carried no evidence. The reporter who made the allegation has not produced any corroborating material or named his sources, making verification impossible. In the absence of concrete proof, the story remains a rumour, albeit one with serious political implications.

What to watch next

As the dust settles, the focus will be on PTI's next move. The party has announced plans for a major rally in the coming days, and the death claim could galvanise its base. Whether the army's denial will be enough to calm the situation remains uncertain. For now, the only confirmed fact is that Imran Khan is alive, but the episode has exposed the fragile trust between the state and the opposition.