PTI’s sit-in outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi continues as of the latest reports. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading the protest.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly and Chairman of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) Mahmood Khan Achakzai has also joined the protesters. TTAP is a coalition of six opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
PTI leaders and workers are staging the sit-in to demand a meeting with former prime minister Imran Khan inside the jail. The government has denied the request despite a court order.
Amid the protest, disturbing reports regarding Khan’s health and a possible transfer to a high-security prison are circulating. International media outlets, including the BBC, have covered the story. Several high-profile social media accounts — including those of journalists, politicians, and Khan’s sons Salman Khan, Kasim Khan, as well as his sister Aleema Khan — have expressed concern about his whereabouts.
Disturbing Reports:
Reports suggest that the 73-year-old jailed leader might be shifted to a high-security facility, potentially making access to him more difficult.
“Where is Imran Khan?” and “Nation Worried for Imran Khan” are trending at the top on X. Dawn, in a top story, stated that the Interior Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
However, some government ministers and PTI leaders have dismissed reports of Imran Khan’s deteriorating health, saying the former prime minister is “fine and in good health.”
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, speaking to the media, said the PTI founder is in good health. Another minister Talal Chaudhry also gave similar comments.
Meanwhile, the KP Chief Minister and Khan’s family continue to demand permission to meet the incarcerated leader. Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case. A majority in Pakistan, however, believes the sentence is politically motivated. Independent surveys consistently term Khan the most popular leader in the country.
Rana Sanaullah termed the reports about Khan’s ill health “absolutely wrong.”
“His health is fine and being taken care of. A team of doctors checks him weekly and daily — medicines, diet, facilities, and exercise,” he said.
“Imran is getting everything befitting his position and status. Nothing regarding his transfer has happened.”
The prime minister’s adviser added that the court had to be informed in case of such a transfer. PTI Senator Ali Zafar also dismissed the reports regarding Khan’s illness.
