Imran Khan's Health Confirmed Amid Speculation and Protests

Tensions escalated outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, following unverified rumours about the health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The prison authorities have firmly rejected these claims, asserting that Khan is in good health and currently remains within the facility. Reports from Geo News indicate that the prison administration labelled the speculation as 'baseless', stating that Khan is receiving appropriate medical care.

Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been in custody since August 2023, facing multiple charges related to corruption and terrorism. His family, however, has raised concerns about his treatment, claiming that he is being held in solitary confinement under harsh conditions.

The situation intensified on Wednesday when Khan's sisters, Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan, and Dr Uzma Khan, staged a sit-in protest near the jail, demanding to meet their brother. Reports indicate that the protest attracted thousands of supporters, some of whom attempted to breach the jail's security perimeter. The demonstration was eventually called off after jail officials assured them that a meeting with Imran Khan would be arranged.

Noreen Niazi alleged that she was subjected to police violence during the protest, claiming she was pushed to the ground, and subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police, Dr Usman Anwar. She described the incident as a 'brutal assault' on peaceful demonstrators.

In a statement, Aleema Khan recounted the distressing scene, stating, 'Those women were dragging [her] on the road,' referring to Noreen's treatment by police. The sisters are reportedly expected to meet Khan later today and again next Tuesday, amidst ongoing concerns over restrictions on family visits.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has since weighed in on the matter, asserting that Imran Khan is receiving superior treatment in prison compared to previous detentions. Despite this, the sisters have expressed dissatisfaction, noting that they have been denied meetings with Khan for over a month, despite court orders allowing for twice-weekly visits.

The protests outside Adiala Jail reflect broader public concern over Khan's welfare and the treatment of his family. Following the circulation of unverified claims regarding Khan's possible death, media reports indicated that PTI supporters mobilised in significant numbers, leading to heightened tensions around the jail.

As the situation continues to develop, the family remains adamant about seeking an impartial investigation into the police's actions during the protests, while the prison authorities maintain that Imran Khan's health is stable and he is receiving necessary care.