• Source:JND
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Social media sites such as X (the new Twitter) and WhatsApp were flooded with alarming and misleading posts stating that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had died while in judicial custody or had been attacked at his home. Officially, though, the viral statements have been labelled by the Pakistan government as fake news. A disturbing video showing a bloodied Imran Khan being carried away by aides went viral, triggering panic and speculation both within and outside Pakistan. But fact-checks have shown that the video is more than a decade old, dating back to May 2013, when Khan had slipped from a forklift while being lifted onto a stage during an election rally in Lahore.

Viral Video Sparks Panic

As per reports from The Times of India from the past and other reliable sources, Imran Khan had dropped from a height of about 15 feet and had head injuries during the election campaign in 2013. The video, now being circulated as if recent, has been taken out of context to deceive people. Joining the wave of misinformation, a fake press release also also began circulating online, reporting Khan's death in custody. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Pakistan took to its official X handle to refute the rumors.

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“Disseminating fake news is not only unethical and illegal but also a disservice to the nation. It is the responsibility of everyone to reject irresponsible behavior,” the ministry stated in a post on Saturday.

Imran Khan In Adiala Jail

As per official records, Imran Khan is currently lodged in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, serving sentences in multiple cases including corruption and unlawful marriage. His incarceration continues to draw global attention amid Pakistan’s volatile political climate. Senior leaders from Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have expressed growing concern over his health and safety, alleging that he is being held in near-isolation, with restricted access to medical care and legal counsel.

The spread of fake news comes at a time of heightened regional tension, with India-Pakistan relations once again on edge. The PTI leadership has gone on record to blame the ruling establishment, and in particular Army Chief General Asim Munir, of political vendetta against Khan.

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