New Delhi, November 30, 2025 – Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has raised concerns over the growing uncertainty surrounding the health and whereabouts of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, highlighting the “disturbing silence” from Pakistani authorities amid rising speculation and public anxiety.

Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been incarcerated since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence in a high-profile corruption case. Over the past few weeks, rumours and speculation about his health have intensified, particularly on social media, where some posts have claimed that Khan may have been harmed or even “killed” in custody. These rumours have prompted urgent appeals from his family, political allies, and supporters demanding proof of life.

Despite the increasing public outcry, Pakistani authorities have not issued a detailed update on Khan’s condition or confirmed any recent developments, prompting growing concern across the region.

Tharoor’s Concerns

Speaking to ANI, Shashi Tharoor emphasized the humanitarian dimension of the issue, while clarifying that it remained an internal matter for Pakistan. “I think it’s not appropriate for us to comment on the internal affairs of another country,” Tharoor said. “But it is certainly a matter of some concern that there is so much silence on this matter.”

Tharoor referred specifically to the public appeal made by Kasim Khan, Imran Khan’s son, who has repeatedly requested confirmation that his father is alive. “You saw the message from his son, saying that he wants proof of life that his father is alive. Apparently, nobody has provided any proof yet that his father is alive. That is a matter of some concern, and I speak only as an ordinary citizen of India; it is not a foreign policy matter for us,” Tharoor remarked.

He underlined the humanitarian implications, stressing that the issue is not just political but involves the well-being of a person and the concerns of his family. “That is an internal affair of Pakistan. But there is a human being at stake. There are cricket fans and others who would like to know what happened to the gentleman,” he said. “You can’t put somebody in jail and make him disappear. So, if something has happened, the authority should come clean on it, in my view.”

Ongoing Speculation and Online Outcry

Social media platforms have amplified the speculation, with the hashtag #WhereIsImranKhan trending across X (formerly Twitter). Reports suggest that the 73-year-old leader may be moved to a high-security facility, further restricting access for family members and legal counsel. This possibility has intensified public concern, particularly among PTI supporters who fear for his safety.

Over the past several weeks, PTI leaders and family members have repeatedly sought access to Khan, but their requests have largely been denied. Protests have been held outside Adiala Jail, where Khan is currently held, with supporters demanding a meeting and reassurance about his condition. The PTI leadership has renewed its request for prison access, citing growing anxiety as Khan has reportedly been denied visits from both family and lawyers for more than three weeks.

Official Statements from Pakistan

Despite the mounting concern, Pakistani officials have dismissed rumours about Khan’s health. Rana Sanaullah, adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister on Political Affairs, told media outlets, including Dawn, that Khan was “fine and nothing is wrong with him.” Senior PTI figures have echoed these assurances.

However, the lack of transparent, verifiable information has left the public sceptical. The prolonged absence of family and legal visits, combined with reports of possible transfer to a high-security facility, has created a vacuum filled by speculation and rumours.

Historical Context

Imran Khan, a former cricket legend turned politician, served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022. His government was ousted following a vote of no-confidence amid political turmoil, leading to heightened tensions between Khan’s PTI and the succeeding administration. Since his arrest in August 2023 on corruption charges, Khan has remained a polarizing figure in Pakistani politics, with loyal supporters protesting his detention and alleging political motivations behind the charges.

His incarceration has also drawn international attention, as human rights advocates and political analysts have expressed concern over the treatment of opposition leaders in Pakistan. The current silence around his health has heightened anxiety, not just among his immediate family, but also within the wider PTI support base.

Reactions from Political Circles

Shashi Tharoor’s remarks represent a rare cross-border acknowledgment of concern for a political prisoner in Pakistan. While Tharoor explicitly avoided commenting on Pakistan’s internal political situation, his focus on humanitarian implications underscores the universal need for transparency and access for incarcerated individuals.

Observers note that Tharoor’s comments come at a sensitive time, as rumours continue to dominate social media narratives. Internationally, concerns about political detentions and prisoners’ rights have been highlighted by media and advocacy groups, emphasizing the importance of credible information to prevent misinformation and panic.

Humanitarian and Legal Concerns

The situation raises significant humanitarian and legal questions. Denying access to legal counsel and family members for extended periods contradicts international norms regarding the rights of prisoners, particularly those in high-profile cases. Supporters argue that immediate access and proof of life are essential to ensure that Khan’s human rights are respected, regardless of political considerations.

For ordinary citizens, the uncertainty surrounding Khan’s condition has sparked widespread worry, with cricket fans, political supporters, and the general public expressing concern for his well-being. Tharoor stressed that even though this is a domestic matter for Pakistan, it is a basic human right to confirm that someone detained is safe.

The Way Forward

With no official update yet from Pakistani authorities, speculation continues to grow. PTI leaders have vowed to maintain pressure for transparency, emphasizing that denials alone are insufficient. Family members continue to call for proof of life and access, and the international community remains attentive to developments.

Analysts suggest that clear communication from Pakistani authorities, such as an official statement or controlled access for family and legal representatives, would significantly reduce rumours and public anxiety. Until then, the situation remains tense, with social media serving as a major platform for public discourse and speculation.

Conclusion

The case of Imran Khan’s health and whereabouts highlights the delicate intersection of political sensitivity, human rights, and public perception. While Shashi Tharoor’s intervention emphasizes the humanitarian dimension, the issue underscores the challenges faced when information is scarce and rumours dominate narratives.

As Pakistan navigates this situation, transparency and verification remain crucial to preventing misinformation and easing the anxiety of family members, supporters, and the wider public. Until credible updates are provided, uncertainty is likely to persist, keeping the focus on both humanitarian concerns and political implications surrounding the former Prime Minister’s detention.