Fact Check: Pak ex-PM Imran Khan dead in judicial custody? No, the press release is fabricated
A purported press release claiming that Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has passed away while in judicial custody is going viral on social media.
By K Sherly SharonPublished on : 11 May 2025 1:10 PM IST
Claim:A government press release and a photo of Imran Khan with a head injury prove that he has died in judicial custody.
Fact:False. The press release is fabricated — and the image of Imran Khan with a head injury dates back to May 2013. There are no credible reports confirming that Imran Khan has passed away.
Hyderabad: Minutes after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was announced, posts claiming that Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has died began circulating on social media.
The claim is accompanied by an image of Imran Khan with a wound on his head, along with a purported press release from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The press release, dated May 10, claims that Imran Khan passed away in judicial custody.
It stated, “The incident occurred under circumstances that are currently under thorough investigation… The Government is actively engaging with relevant UN human rights bodies and independent observers to ensure a credible and impartial inquiry.”
The image of this press release was shared on X with the caption, “Imran Khan is no more.”(Archive)
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the viral claim is false. The press release is fabricated, and the image of a wounded Imran Khan is old.
We found no credible news reports or official statements confirming that Pakistan’s ex-PM Imran Khan has passed away.
Viral press release
Referring to the viral claims, *Pakistan Observer* published a report on May 10 titled, “‘Imran Khan is Safe and Sound’: Indian Trolls Push Fake News of PTI Leader’s Death in Jail.” (Archive)
The report called the viral claims “baseless rumors.” It added, “Former PM remains alive, and recent updates from May 4–9, 2025, confirm that Khan is still imprisoned in Adiala Jail. Additionally, Khan has filed a bail plea with his legal team, further confirming that he is actively involved in his legal battles.”
We did not find the viral press release on the Government of Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. In fact, no press releases or statements were issued on May 10.
The alleged press release shows the press number “427/2025.” However, the most recent official press release dated May 8 was numbered “130/2025.”
Additionally, the viral press release contains several spelling and grammar mistakes and inconsistencies. The emblem of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the fake press release does not match the official version — subtle details are missing.
Image showing a wounded Imran Khan
Using reverse image search, we found that the viral image was published in a May 7, 2013 report by India Today titled, “Imran Khan Suffers Serious Head Injuries During an Onstage Accident While Campaigning in Lahore.”
The report stated that Imran Khan suffered injuries when he fell off a forklift hoisting him onto a stage during an election campaign on May 7, 2013. “Footage on television showed a dazed Khan, blood streaming from a wound on his head, being carried to a vehicle by several of his supporters.”
The image was also found in a YouTube video uploaded by Al Jazeera English titled, “Imran Khan Falls From Rally Stage in Pakistan.” The description read, “Local TV station Geo TV aired footage of the accident and showed Khan bleeding and unconscious with a gash on his head.”
This confirms that the viral image is not recent — it dates back to May 2013, when Imran Khan suffered a head injury during an election campaign.
Conclusion
The viral press release is fabricated, and the image of Imran Khan with a head injury is from 2013. There are no credible reports or official statements confirming that ex-PM Imran Khan has passed away in judicial custody.
Therefore, NewsMeter concludes that the viral claims are false.
Claim Review:A government press release and a photo of Imran Khan with a head injury prove that he has died in judicial custody.
Claimed By:Social media users
Claim Reviewed By:Social media users
Claim Source:X
Claim Fact Check:False
Fact:False. The press release is fabricated — and the image of Imran Khan with a head injury dates back to May 2013. There are no credible reports confirming that Imran Khan has passed away.
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