Islamabad, Pakistan – November 28, 2025 (Exclusive Correspondent)
In a dramatic escalation of political uncertainty gripping Pakistan, Sulaiman Isa Khan, son of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has publicly demanded concrete proof of his father’s well-being as unverified rumors of the PTI leader’s death spread like wildfire across social media and opposition circles. The 32-year-old Khan, speaking from his residence in Lahore, accused the government of orchestrating a “sinister cover-up” to silence the iconic cricketer-turned-politician, who has been under house arrest since his ouster in 2022.
“Show us he’s alive! Release a video, a statement—anything! This is not just negligence; this is murder by rumor,” Isa Khan thundered in an emotional press conference streamed live on X (formerly Twitter). The plea comes just hours after viral posts claimed Khan, 72, succumbed to health complications in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, where he has been detained on charges of corruption and inciting violence. Pakistani authorities have dismissed the reports as “baseless propaganda” engineered by PTI supporters abroad, but have yet to provide visual confirmation of Khan’s status, fueling further speculation.
The Spark of Rumors
The controversy ignited late Wednesday when an anonymous X account, @PTIInsiderPK, posted grainy images purportedly from inside the prison, showing a frail figure resembling Khan being wheeled away by guards. The post, which garnered over 500,000 views in under an hour, alleged that Khan suffered a cardiac arrest during a routine medical check-up and was pronounced dead at 3:45 AM local time. Hashtags like #WhereIsImran and #JusticeForIK trended globally, drawing condemnations from international figures including former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who tweeted: “Pakistan’s democracy hangs by a thread. The world watches—release Imran Khan now.”
PTI party officials, including senior leader Asad Umar, have mobilized protests in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, with thousands chanting “Free Imran” outside government buildings. Clashes with police have already resulted in 15 arrests and minor injuries, according to eyewitness reports. The party’s acting chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, vowed to escalate the matter to the United Nations Human Rights Council if transparency isn’t forthcoming within 24 hours.
Government Response and Broader Context
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar addressed the nation in a hurried briefing from Islamabad, labeling the rumors “a desperate ploy by exiled conspirators to destabilize the economy.” He promised an official health bulletin by evening but stopped short of allowing independent media access to the prison. “Imran Khan is alive and receiving the best care. These lies only hurt Pakistan’s image,” Tarar stated, pointing fingers at PTI’s overseas wing based in London and Dubai.
This isn’t the first time Khan’s health has been a flashpoint. The Nobel Peace Prize nominee has battled diabetes and a spinal condition exacerbated by what supporters call “torturous confinement.” A 2024 Supreme Court ruling granted him house arrest privileges, but allegations of foul play persist amid Pakistan’s volatile political landscape. The military-backed coalition government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, faces mounting pressure from inflation rates hovering at 25% and upcoming elections in 2026.
Analysts warn that prolonged ambiguity could ignite nationwide unrest, reminiscent of the 2023 riots following Khan’s initial arrest. “Imran Khan isn’t just a man; he’s a symbol of resistance. Killing the rumor without proof might kill the hope of millions,” said Islamabad-based political commentator Ayesha Siddiqa.
Global Repercussions
The story has rippled beyond South Asia, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing “concern” during a call with Sharif, and the European Union urging an independent probe. On Wall Street, Pakistan’s beleaguered stock exchange dipped 2.3% at open, reflecting investor jitters.
xAI News Portal is monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as they unfold. What do you think—conspiracy or coincidence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
(Sources: BBC International, and X real-time feeds – November 28, 2025)
