Imran Khan row deepens: PTI announces march on Adiala Jail amid rumours over former PM’s health

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan - File Photo

The PTI has announced it will hold weekly protests outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) every Tuesday, followed by a march to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan is incarcerated, in protest against delays in court hearings and the ongoing uncertainty over his whereabouts.

According to Mohammad Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the party expects the presence of all its national and provincial lawmakers and senators outside the High Court, before proceeding to the jail along with Imran Khan’s sisters for a sit-in outside the facility.

The decision comes amid a wave of rumours and protests following unverified claims that Imran Khan had died in custody. The jail authorities and government have repeatedly denied these reports, calling them “baseless.” “There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail. He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention,” officials said.

What’s driving the protests

PTI leaders say the protests aim to draw attention to the delay in court hearings for Imran Khan and his wife. The party argues that the judicial process has been stalled indefinitely.

In addition, the demonstrations reflect deep mistrust among PTI supporters about Khan’s treatment in prison. His family claims they have repeatedly been denied access and that he may be facing isolation — allegations that authorities deny.

In a live-streamed sit-in near Adiala Jail earlier this week, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan asked authorities to allow a meeting. “Who knows, maybe Imran has been shifted. Why are they not letting us meet him?” she asked protesters.

Protests have in the past sparked violent clashes, arrests and crackdowns, including during an August rally when over 300 PTI workers were detained by police in Lahore in anticipation of a march to Adiala Jail.

Local authorities have in response at times imposed restrictions on public gatherings. Observers say renewed protests may further escalate tensions in the capital region and Rawalpindi, potentially prompting a strong security response.