Claim of Imran Khan’s death proves false:Journalist backtracks a day later; PTI vows street protests to meet ex-PM

US-based Pakistani journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan has backtracked on his earlier claim suggesting that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan may have died in prison. Khan had released a video at around 11 pm on Tuesday, saying senior military officials feared that the jailed former premier was no longer alive. On Wednesday afternoon, Wajahat clarified that the claim was an assessment based on information and concerns among military officers, and not confirmed news. Imran Khan has been lodged at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since August 2023. Imran’s sisters question denial of access The journalist’s claim triggered fresh concerns over Imran Khan’s whereabouts and health. His sisters also questioned why they had not been allowed to meet him. Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party warned that supporters could take to the streets if access to him continued to be denied. In his initial video, Wajahat claimed that at least three senior officers at the military headquarters in Rawalpindi feared that Imran Khan was no longer alive. He later stressed that this was not a confirmed report, but an assessment based on concerns within the military. PTI announces long march to Islamabad PTI has said that more than 20 lakh supporters are ready to take to the streets if permission to meet Imran is denied. The party has also announced a long march to Islamabad on September 27. Imran’s sister met him in November 2025 Imran Khan’s sister Uzma Khan had met him at Adiala Jail in November 2025. After the meeting, she said that Imran was physically fine but was angry and mentally distressed. She had alleged that he was being mentally tortured and claimed that he had no access to the outside world. Similar rumours emerged last year Rumours about Imran Khan’s death had also surfaced in November 2025 after his family members and supporters were reportedly denied permission to meet him at Adiala Jail. The rumours triggered protests in Pakistan, following which authorities placed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on high alert. Imran has been jailed since August 2023 Imran Khan has remained behind bars since August 2023 in connection with multiple cases. He has received a 14-year prison sentence in a corruption case, with allegations including the misuse and sale of government gifts and other corruption-related charges. He is also facing the Al-Qadir Trust case, in which Pakistani authorities have accused him and his wife Bushra Bibi of financial wrongdoing involving property tycoon Malik Riaz. According to Pakistani media reports, the case centres on allegations that billions of rupees worth of land were provided to the Al-Qadir Trust in return for alleged benefits to Riaz. The case also involves Bushra Bibi’s friend Farah Gogi. Pakistani authorities have alleged that the national exchequer suffered a loss of around 50 billion Pakistani rupees. Imran and Bushra have denied wrongdoing, while the case remains part of the wider legal proceedings against the former prime minister. Imran’s last public appearance was in May 2024 Imran Khan last appeared publicly through a video link before Pakistan’s Supreme Court on May 16, 2024. During the hearing, he alleged that he had been convicted in multiple cases shortly before the general election to prevent him from contesting. He also cited Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s case, saying Kejriwal had been granted bail to campaign during India’s elections. The latest controversy over Imran’s reported health comes amid continued tensions between his PTI supporters and Pakistani authorities over access to the former prime minister. ​