Where is Imran Khan? Jailed ex-Pak PM's supporters protest in Islamabad, Rawalpindi; Section 144 imposed

Khan, who has been incarcerated for over a year, has reportedly had no communication with anyone for nearly a month.

Authorities have enforced Section 144 in both cities ahead of demonstrations planned by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Protesters have gathered outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi — where Khan has been held since August 2023 — and at the Islamabad High Court.

For more than three weeks, Khan’s family, including his sons, along with senior PTI leaders, have consistently sought permission to meet him.

Their repeated requests have been rejected, fuelling speculation about his condition, with some supporters even questioning whether he is still alive.

Khan is currently serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case that he insists is politically motivated.

However, the country’s powerful military establishment denies his claim.

In Islamabad, authorities have announced a two-month ban on assemblies, while the Rawalpindi administration imposed a three-day restriction on Monday.

Islamabad’s order prohibits “all kinds of gatherings of five or more persons, processions/rallies and demonstrations” in public areas, including the Red Zone, citing the need to maintain public order and prevent “illegal activities”.

The ban is in effect until January 18, 2026.

In Rawalpindi, officials cited “imminent threats” near sensitive locations, major roads and key installations.

Intelligence reports, according to the notification, warn that certain groups intend to stage large demonstrations that could disrupt security and attempt violent actions near critical sites.

PTI leader Asad Qaiser said opposition lawmakers plan to assemble outside the Islamabad High Court before marching to Adiala Jail.

“The protests have been organised because the Islamabad High Court has failed to enforce its order, and the jail administration is unwilling to implement court directives,” Qaiser told Dawn.

Where is Imran Khan?

Khan was ousted from office in 2022 through a parliamentary vote and was imprisoned a year later after multiple convictions that he claims are part of a political vendetta.

His family says his prolonged isolation appears deliberate, aimed at removing him from public view.

Television channels have been instructed not to air his name or image, leaving a single blurry court photograph circulating online as the only recent visual of him since his imprisonment.

PTI spokesperson Zulfikar Bukhari said no one has seen Khan since November 4, and no explanation has been given for the refusal to allow a meeting.

He alleged that Khan is being denied both visits and medical care, despite his status as a former prime minister.

A PTI delegation visited Adiala Jail last week but was again turned away.

Local media have reported that authorities may transfer Khan to a high-security facility to further restrict access.

The uncertainty around his condition has sparked intense debate on social media, where the hashtag #WHEREISIMRANKHAN has been trending on X