Imran Khan Death Rumors: Son Demands News, India On High Alert For ISI Diversion

NEW DELHI- Unverified reports circulating on Afghan media about the death of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan have triggered political unrest across Pakistan and prompted Indian intelligence agencies to place security forces on high alert.

Khan’s son Kasim Khan publicly demanded proof of life on November 27, saying the family has been denied all contact for weeks despite court orders. Posting on X, Kasim wrote that his father has been “kept alone in a death cell” for six weeks, with no phone calls, meetings, or updates on his condition. He alleged that the restrictions appear designed to block communication and conceal Khan’s health status.
“The Pakistani government and its masters will bear full legal, moral, and international responsibility for my father’s safety,” he said.

The uncertainty has fueled mass mobilization outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters have gathered demanding access to their leader. Pakistani authorities have dismissed the death rumors but continue to deny meetings, intensifying public anger.

Indian intelligence officials say the rumor cycle began three days ago and has since escalated into a volatile situation. According to officials, if the Pakistan Army fails to provide verifiable confirmation of Khan’s status, “violence is imminent,” with the potential for widespread unrest.

Amid the turmoil, Indian agencies have warned of a possible ISI-backed diversionary strike. Intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence may attempt a major attack on Indian soil to deflect attention from the domestic crisis. Officials said that chatter indicates planning for a “spectacular strike,” citing the scale of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks or Pulwama, rather than smaller incidents.

Security agencies are monitoring increased ISI-linked activity in Bangladesh, where modules involving Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harkat-ul-Jihadi-Islami are reportedly active. Officials also flagged intelligence suggesting efforts to bring Hafiz Saeed to Bangladesh to motivate operatives—an approach observed before previous large-scale attacks.

Indian forces have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly along the eastern border, as Islamabad grapples with escalating unrest and pressure to disclose Khan’s condition.

Imran Khan has been in custody since August 2023 and is serving multiple sentences, including a 14-year term in a corruption case handed down in January. (IANS)