‘Silence Is Bad’: Shashi Tharoor Seeks Clarity From Pakistan On Imran Khan Amid Death Rumours

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over the deepening mystery surrounding the health and whereabouts of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as speculation, secrecy and conflicting claims intensify anxiety across the border. Despite rising public pressure, Pakistani authorities have not issued a clear statement on his condition.

Rumours on Imran Khan

Imran Khan, founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been incarcerated since August 2023 after being handed a 14-year sentence in a corruption case. Over the past week, rumours about his well-being have spiralled on social media, with some posts even alleging he has been killed in custody. His family and senior PTI leaders have been demanding “proof of life”, accusing authorities of withholding

access to him.

The situation has created a cloud of speculation, triggering widespread alarm among supporters and observers alike.

Tharoor calls silence “deeply unsettling”

Speaking to ANI, Shashi Tharoor said the lack of any official communication from Pakistan was troubling. While he stressed that India should not interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs, he noted that the silence itself was alarming.

“There are various people claiming that the worst has happened. But the Government of Pakistan and the authorities have not said anything. That silence is bad,” Tharoor said.

He also referred to the public plea by Imran Khan’s son, Kasim, who has asked for confirmation that his father is alive. With no verification from the authorities, the uncertainty has only intensified.

Tharoor emphasised that though the matter is an internal issue for Pakistan, it raises broader humanitarian questions.

“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, adding that no authority should be allowed to make a detainee “disappear”.

He urged Pakistani officials to provide clarity and end the secrecy.

Pakistan dismisses rumours

Pakistani officials, including Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, have denied the rumours, asserting that Imran Khan is “fine”. PTI leaders also echoed the same.

Despite these statements, PTI has renewed its request for access to the former Prime Minister. The party says Khan has been denied meetings with family and legal counsel for more than three weeks, heightening apprehensions.

Protests have erupted outside Adiala Jail, with supporters demanding a meeting and transparency. Meanwhile, online speculation surged further with unverified claims that Khan may be moved to a high-security facility.