VIRAL FACT-CHECK: No, Imran Khan Is Not Dead — Old Video, Fake Press Release Mislead Public

GG News Bureau
New Delhi/Rawalpindi, 12th May: As tensions flared between India and Pakistan over the weekend, a wave of disinformation swept through social media, falsely claiming that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had died in custody. The viral storm included an old video and a fabricated government press release, both of which fueled panic and political speculation online.

A clip showing an injured Khan being carried away by guards resurfaced on WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter), prompting widespread belief that the PTI leader had either died or been attacked. The situation escalated when a fake press note—purportedly from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs—began circulating, declaring Khan’s death in judicial custody.

Fact Check: What’s the Truth?

Boom Live, a fact-checking platform, confirmed that the viral letter is fake. Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), dismissed the release as fabricated and highlighted multiple discrepancies in the document. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also issued a statement labelling the viral post “fake” and urged people to reject “irresponsible behaviour.”

The video used to support the death claim is more than a decade old—it dates back to May 2013, when Khan was injured after falling from a forklift during a rally in Lahore. At the time, he suffered head injuries but fully recovered.

Despite this, the video was repackaged to stir unrest online. Some users even blamed Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, for Khan’s supposed death. Others claimed the former prime minister had escaped custody.

Where Is Imran Khan Now?

Imran Khan is currently lodged in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, serving a 14-year sentence following convictions in corruption and illegal marriage cases. PTI leaders claim he is being held in near-isolation without consistent access to lawyers or medical care, and have expressed concerns for his safety.

On Friday, the party approached the Islamabad High Court, demanding his release citing life-threatening conditions. PTI leaders have called his imprisonment politically motivated, particularly in the context of rising cross-border tensions.

Ceasefire and Violation

As misinformation around Khan swirled, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on Saturday at 5 PM. The announcement came shortly after a Truth Social post by US President Donald Trump confirming the diplomatic breakthrough.

However, the truce was short-lived. Just hours later, Pakistan reportedly violated the ceasefire, with drones and explosions reported in Jammu and Kashmir. In Srinagar, late-night blasts alarmed residents. Indian air defence systems shot down a drone near the Batwara area, close to an army base.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned the breach:

“This is a serious violation of the agreement. We are responding appropriately and firmly,” he said.

The Bigger Picture

While Imran Khan remains alive, the viral fake news surrounding him shows how quickly misinformation can spread during geopolitical crises. Authorities on both sides of the border are urging the public to verify sources and avoid spreading unverified claims.