An explosive, unverified claim from Pakistani journalist Wajahat Saeed Khan suggests that three senior military officers believe former Prime Minister Imran Khan has died while imprisoned. Khan, jailed since August 5, 2023, is currently serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case.
Unverified Claim from Senior Military Sources
Wajahat Saeed Khan, an Emmy-nominated journalist now based in the US, made the claim in a YouTube video posted on August 10. He emphasized that the information remains unconfirmed and that his sources, based at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, had not personally seen Khan.
"This is our reporting. We have done this reporting from GHQ, from senior officers based at GHQ," Khan stated. He added, "Three senior GHQ-based officers have expressed this in different ways that Imran Khan is no longer with us, and that is the reason why the Pakistan Army and the Army Chief are keeping him away from the rest of the country."
Khan stressed the gravity of the claim, hoping it is not true and reiterating its unconfirmed status.
Family and Party Denied Access to Khan
The journalist's claim emerges amidst ongoing complaints from Khan's family and leaders of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party regarding persistent denial of access. His sisters, lawyers, party colleagues, and personal doctors have reportedly faced significant hurdles in meeting him. The PTI has also publicly demanded an independent medical assessment of the former Prime Minister.
Legal Battles and Political Tensions
Imran Khan was imprisoned after being convicted in the £190-million Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. His wife, Bushra Bibi, received a seven-year sentence in the same case in January 2025; both have appealed their convictions. Khan also faces additional trials related to the May 9, 2023 protests, during which PTI supporters attacked military installations across Pakistan.
The uncertainty surrounding Khan’s well-being has significantly escalated tensions between the PTI and Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. Sohail Afridi, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a PTI leader, has warned that over two million people are prepared to demonstrate. Afridi clarified that the PTI's demand for access to Khan is not unconstitutional and assured authorities that meetings would not be used for political messaging, a common accusation by military and government figures.
Previous Rumors and Public Appearances
This is not the first instance of rumors regarding Imran Khan's death circulating. Similar claims surfaced in November of last year when his family and party also struggled to gain access. Those rumors were dispelled on December 2 when Khan's sister, Uzma Khanum, met him at Adiala Jail, confirming his physical well-being despite his isolation.
The current claim, however, has intensified calls for transparency and immediate access to the former leader to verify his status.