Pakistan is witnessing a dangerous spiral of tension and unrest after unverified rumours about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s death exploded across social media, triggering panic, outrage, and massive mobilisation of his supporters. With fears of large-scale demonstrations gripping the security establishment, authorities in Rawalpindi have enforced Section 144 from December 1 to 3, placing a blanket ban on all public gatherings to prevent what many officials fear could turn into a nationwide uprising.

The restrictive order was issued by Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, according to The Dawn. Khan, who has been held in Adiala Jail, has become the focal point of unprecedented public anger as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters gather outside the prison demanding proof of his safety after days of swirling rumours.

Tensions intensified as PTI formally submitted a list of six lawyers seeking permission to meet the former premier, a request the party claims is being obstructed by authorities. PTI Canada voiced its alarm over the continued blocking of meetings with Khan, calling the situation intolerable. In an emphatic post on X, the party said, “It is deeply alarming for the entire nation that Imran Khan’s meetings continue to be blocked by the authorities. As CM Sohail Afridi stated, it has now been 28 days since 4th November and he has not been allowed to meet a single person. This must end immediately, his meetings must be restored without further delay.”

The crisis escalated further last week when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was allegedly manhandled by police outside Adiala Jail as he attempted to meet Khan — a moment PTI leaders describe as a symbol of the state’s “fear” of the detained former PM’s influence.

For over a week, unverified claims regarding Khan’s death have circulated online, prompting a growing wave of public distrust. The government has denied all such reports, yet the denials have done little to calm supporters who accuse Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir of plotting Khan’s assassination — a claim that threatens to inflame the already volatile political atmosphere.

Adding emotional weight to the turmoil, Khan’s son Kasim Khan issued a heartfelt public appeal on November 27, alleging the 73-year-old former PM has been held in harsh conditions for weeks. In a post on X, he said his father has been detained for 845 days and has spent the past six weeks in solitary confinement “in a death cell.”