Why Is the Pakistani Government Silent on rumors Surrounding Imran Khan?

The level of panic, apprehension, and uncertainty currently circulating in Pakistani politics is perhaps unseen in decades. In a country where rumors are often woven into the fabric of politics and the true reins of power are manipulated from behind the scenes, the sudden news last week that former Prime Minister Imran Khan had been murdered in prison shook the entire socio-political system. Within minutes, thousands of posts appeared on social media, international media raised questions, supporters’ anger intensified, and the Shahbaz Sharif government was ultimately forced to issue a statement asserting that Imran Khan was completely safe and that no such incident had occurred.

As quickly as the clarification arrived, reactions followed just as swiftly. From ordinary citizens to seasoned political analysts, many agreed that the government’s response indicated that the situation was far from normal. The readiness with which the public believed such a rumor raises deeper questions about the extent of distrust towards the government, state institutions, and the military. In this context, the statements made by Imran Khan’s sisters particularly Naureen Niazi added further sensitivity and volatility to the situation.

Naureen Niazi, known for her typically restrained public remarks, openly warned the Pakistani government and Army Chief General Asim Munir. Speaking to India’s NDTV, she stated that if anyone dared to physically harm Imran Khan, it would unleash an unimaginable political earthquake in Pakistan. Her comments were not merely a family concern but a reflection of profound political discontent. She insisted that Imran Khan is healthy, in high spirits, and still considered the true leader by a large segment of the Pakistani public.

Her most serious allegation, however, was that Imran Khan has been kept in solitary confinement for almost a month. According to Pakistani prison rules, it is illegal to keep a prisoner in solitary confinement for more than four days. She argued that the former Prime Minister’s prolonged isolation may be a deliberate attempt to create psychological pressure. This allegation is significant, it suggests that Pakistan’s power structure remains deeply threatened by Imran Khan not only because of his popularity but because of the political energy that continues to surge among his supporters.

While the Adiala Jail administration has repeatedly claimed that Imran Khan is safe, receiving adequate facilities, and not being discriminated against, the reality often contradicts these statements. Khan’s second sister, Aleema Khan, has filed a contempt petition against jail authorities for violating an Islamabad High Court order. The court had clearly mandated that Khan be allowed to meet his family twice a week, yet the jail administration has failed to comply. Such disregard for judicial orders is not new in Pakistan, but this case is particularly sensitive because it involves the country’s most popular and polarizing political figure.

The conflict between Imran Khan and the Pakistan Army, especially its current chief, General Asim Munir is longstanding. The tension traces back to Munir’s tenure as ISI chief, when disagreements arose regarding political interference. Many believe this tension played a decisive role in the collapse of Imran Khan’s government in 2022. Today, as Khan remains incarcerated and the power structure attempts to sideline him politically, it is clear that the establishment has not accepted him as a fading chapter in Pakistani politics.

Naureen Niazi’s pointed remark that she considers herself powerless but believes no one is more powerful than Allah carries a political message. In Pakistan, it is uncommon for family members of political leaders to publicly address the army chief in such stark terms. Her statement reflects the depth of resentment within the Khan family and their confidence that the public will not remain silent if any extreme action is taken against Imran Khan.

An important question arises: Why did rumors of Imran Khan’s assassination spread so quickly? In Pakistan’s political environment, such rumors are not simply digital chatter, they often form part of an ongoing psychological battle among competing power centers. It is possible the establishment wanted to test public reaction, or that Imran Khan’s opponents spread the rumor to keep the public vigilant and maintain pressure on the government.

Rumors have long dominated political discourse in Pakistan. When Zia-ul-Haq died in a plane crash in 1988, a wide range of actors from foreign agencies to military officials were blamed. The same uncertainty surrounded the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Today, the same deep distrust exists regarding Imran Khan. When a nation loses faith in its institutions, rumors travel faster than truth.

The Shahbaz Sharif government faces enormous challenges. Economic turmoil has pushed Pakistan to the brink of bankruptcy. Foreign debt, rising fuel prices, inflation, and unemployment have already heightened public frustration. Harsh IMF conditions have made the government appear anti-people. In such a climate, any perceived repression against Imran Khan could prove to be political suicide.

When Imran Khan was first arrested in 2023, Pakistan witnessed an unprecedented eruption of public anger. Military installations were attacked, protests reached army headquarters, and for a moment, it seemed as if the people were ready for direct confrontation with the army. This shocked the establishment profoundly, and the fear of a repeat still haunts those in power. Therefore, Naureen Niazi’s warning cannot be dismissed as a personal outburst; it is a clear signal that any harm to Imran Khan could trigger widespread chaos.

Imran Khan’s case has also drawn significant international attention. Members of the US Congress and European human-rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern over political persecution in Pakistan. The establishment is fully aware that Imran Khan’s influence extends globally, and any mishandling of his case could further damage Pakistan’s international reputation.

History shows that leaders who return from prison often become even more influential whether it was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, or Nawaz Sharif. Imran Khan seems to be following a similar trajectory. Despite his imprisonment, his popularity remains intact, and his party, PTI, has gained moral strength through a renewed sense of victimization.

Pakistan today stands at a crossroads: a military-led power structure on one side and people yearning for democratic transformation on the other. Imran Khan has become the symbol of this struggle. Whether admired or opposed, his political relevance cannot be erased. Any extraordinary event involving him would have explosive consequences, which is why his family’s warnings must be taken seriously.

Ultimately, Naureen Niazi’s words reflect a belief held by millions of Pakistanis that Imran Khan enjoys genuine public support, and that this support is stronger than the forces aligned against him. The people of Pakistan appear to be searching for a new political era. If the power structure fails to adapt to this new reality, the country could face yet another severe political crisis in the coming months, one that could destabilize its internal balance even further.