Rumors about the death of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have caused huge commotion on social media. When claims spread that he was killed inside Adiala Jail, his sisters protested outside the prison and thousands of supporters gathered. But what is the truth? The Pakistan government and jail authorities have clearly said that Imran Khan is alive and healthy. The source of the rumor appears to be questionable reporting by Indian media. What political motive India may have behind this will become clearer over time.
These reports first appeared in Indian media and later spread across social media. On the morning of 25 November 2025, several Indian news channels reported that Imran Khan had been killed in Adiala Jail by the Pakistan Army. Channels like India Today, Economic Times, India TV and Times of India ran the story based on an unverified post from an Afghanistan based outlet named “Afghan Times.” Some channels even ran headlines like “Imran Khan murdered? Death in Adiala Jail.” An unverified tweet claiming to be from Balochistan’s “Foreign Affairs Ministry” also circulated, saying the ISI had killed him.
Pakistan’s Law Minister Aziz Nazir Tanoli said on 26 November, “Imran Khan is alive and well. These rumors are completely false.” Adiala Jail authorities also confirmed that Khan is in jail and his health is normal. Because of the rumors, his sisters (Noreen, Aleema and Uzma Khan) protested outside the jail, leading to a clash with police. PTI supporters also tried to push toward the jail but later calmed down.
On X (Twitter), #ImranKhan started trending with hundreds of thousands of posts. Some Pakistani and Afghan accounts shared videos that were actually old footage, such as Khan being injured at a rally in 2013. This increased tension in Pakistan and put pressure on the government. Fact checkers like Alt News reported that the rumor originated in Indian media and then spread on social networks.
Suspicious reporting by Indian media is not new. During periods of India Pakistan tension, such as the 2019 Pulwama incident or the 2025 Kashmir conflict, Indian channels have repeatedly spread unverified claims. In 2019 some channels falsely reported that Islamabad had fallen or that Karachi Port was destroyed. The Imran Khan rumor is another example, where channels used an unverified Afghan post with no disclaimer.
Indian media has a global reputation for spreading false news. Reporters Without Borders ranked India 159th in the 2025 Press Freedom Index, saying political pressure turns media into propaganda. A 2020 report by EU DisinfoLab showed that India had created over 750 fake media sites targeting Pakistan and China.
International analysts say political and geopolitical motives may be behind this kind of reporting. During India Pakistan tension, such news stirs anti Pakistan sentiment among Indian citizens and boosts the popularity of the Modi government. It may also be used to destabilize Pakistan. Imran Khan is a highly popular leader and often critical of the military establishment. Spreading news of his death can create instability, increase public anger and put Pakistan’s institutions under pressure, which could give India strategic advantage.
According to the EU DisinfoLab, India runs fake media networks in 116 countries. This damages Pakistan’s global image and presents India as a stronger state. Since Imran Khan is hugely popular, rumors about him cause strong reactions in Pakistan, raising tensions along the border and giving India a justification for military readiness.
Indian fact checkers like Alt News say this type of sensational reporting targets nationalist emotions and prioritizes ratings over truth. Internationally, it strengthens the perception that Indian media acts as a propaganda tool.
Pakistan’s government, jail authorities and PTI leaders have all confirmed that Imran Khan is alive. His sister Aleema Khan said they are worried because they haven’t been allowed to meet him, but there is no evidence of his death. Although the rumor caused unrest in Pakistan, fact checking has proved it false.
This trend in Indian media appears to serve the interests of a particular political group, harming the credibility of India’s democratic image. Globally, it is viewed as an example of information warfare. Pakistan rarely responds with similar fake news campaigns, but such incidents increase hostility and tension between the two countries.
-The writer is Head of photography of The Daily Observer.
