Amid Imran Khan death rumours, what are the charges keeping Pakistan’s former PM in jail?
Death Rumors Surround Imran Khan as Pakistan's Former Leader Faces Multiple Legal Battles
Theindiapostdaily.com – Reports circulating about the potential death of Imran Khan inside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail have been officially dismissed by the Pakistan Army's public relations division. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) characterized the claims as both "false" and "fabricated," putting an end to speculation about the former prime minister's condition while in custody.
The controversy originated when Pakistani journalist Wajahat Khan reported that high-ranking military officials were concerned the exiled leader might have passed away while detained. This revelation sparked widespread discussion throughout Pakistan regarding Khan's wellbeing. Following ISPR's statement, Wajahat Khan commented on the development, noting that regardless of whether the reports were genuine or not, the key takeaway was that Khan remains alive. He added that the clarification came after months of what he described as a "deafening, chilling, frustrating silence" from authorities.
A Growing List of Legal Challenges
The recent episode has once again highlighted the numerous legal proceedings against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman. Since being removed from power in 2022, Khan has encountered an extensive array of criminal charges spanning corruption allegations, accusations regarding the improper handling of state presents, and incidents involving protests and attacks on military facilities.
While many convictions have been secured, several have been overturned or suspended on appeal. The PTI leadership maintains that these prosecutions are politically driven and has consistently denied any wrongdoing. According to coverage by The Guardian, Khan currently confronts more than 100 separate cases.
The Al-Qadir Trust Case: A Major Obstacle to Freedom
Perhaps the most significant legal hurdle preventing Khan's release is the Al-Qadir Trust matter, frequently referred to as the Al-Qadir University case. In January 2025, an accountability court handed down a 14-year prison sentence to Khan alongside a seven-year term for his wife, Bushra Bibi.
The prosecution's case revolves around claims that the couple obtained land and various advantages from property developer Malik Riaz's Bahria Town enterprise. This arrangement was connected to the return of £190 million to Pakistan from the United Kingdom. Prosecutors argued that Khan and Bibi gained through the transfer of property to the Al-Qadir Trust.
Khan has rejected these accusations. His appeal against the verdict is currently being heard by the Islamabad High Court. In May 2026, the court declined his request to suspend the sentence, though the primary appeal continues to move forward.
Toshakhana Cases: Questions Over State Gifts
The Toshakhana serves as Pakistan's official storage facility for presents received by government representatives from international visitors. Khan has encountered several cases alleging that he failed to properly account for or sold gifts obtained during his tenure from 2018 to 2022.
In the initial Toshakhana proceeding, Khan received a three-year sentence in August 2023 for hiding information about state presents. This punishment was later suspended following an appeal. Subsequently, in January 2024, both Khan and Bushra were given 14 years in another Toshakhana case involving the unlawful acquisition and sale of government gifts, though this sentence was also suspended.
A separate matter, designated as Toshakhana-2, involves accusations about the purchase of an elaborate jewelry collection presented by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In December 2025, a court imposed 17-year sentences on both Khan and Bushra for this case. Khan has appealed the decision and is pursuing suspension of his punishment.
The Cypher Case: Conviction Overturned
Khan also faced prosecution for allegedly revealing information contained within a classified diplomatic cable, commonly called the cypher, during his time as prime minister. Under the Official Secrets Act, he received a 10-year prison term in January 2024.
However, the Islamabad High Court reversed this conviction in June 2024, clearing both Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. As a result, the cypher case no longer contributes to Khan's current imprisonment.
May 9 Violence and Additional Proceedings
Following Khan's arrest on May 9, 2023, demonstrations broke out across Pakistan. Protesters targeted and damaged military and government buildings, including the Army General Headquarters located in Rawalpindi.
Khan and fellow PTI figures have encountered charges related to inciting or supporting the violence associated with these events. While some proceedings have led to bail or other forms of relief, several remain active components of his ongoing legal challenges.
The Iddat Case
In February 2024, Khan and Bushra received seven-year sentences in a case addressing their marriage. The prosecution contended that Bushra had not fulfilled the mandatory waiting period, known as iddat, following her previous marriage.
"Fake or whatever, because that means Imran is alive. We have forced them to respond after months of deafening, chilling, frustrating silence."
— Wajahat Khan, Pakistani journalist
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