Pakistan Government Under Fire for Failing to Clarify Imran Khan's Health Rumors

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The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called on the government to immediately address growing concerns over the health of its jailed founder, Imran Khan. The PTI's appeal follows weeks of refusals to allow Imran's sisters to visit him at Adiala jail, sparking fears about his whereabouts and prompting sit-ins outside the facility. According to reports, unverified claims about Imran's health, including speculation about his death, have circulated widely on social media, with some outlets in India amplifying the rumors. The hashtag #WhereIsImranKhan trended on X on Thursday morning. In a statement, the PTI accused Afghan and Indian media, as well as foreign social media accounts, of spreading 'despicable' rumors about Imran's condition. The party demanded that the government and interior ministry issue a clear and immediate statement dismissing the rumors and arranging a meeting between Imran and his family. The PTI also called for a probe into those circulating the rumors and for a formal, transparent statement on Imran's health, security, and current status. The party warned that the nation would not tolerate any uncertainty about its leader's status. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif responded to the speculation by referencing a video in which Imran had criticized former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Asif claimed that Imran had access to a TV, food, and exercise machines in his jail cell, and that he was being treated better than Asif had been during his own incarceration. Imran, 73, has been in custody since August 2023 and is currently imprisoned in Adiala jail in a corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the events of May 9, 2023. The PTI has repeatedly raised concerns about his health while in detention.