Rumors of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s death swept social media on May 10, 2025, after a purported press release from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed he died in judicial custody. The statement, which began circulating widely online, asserted that the government was investigating the circumstances of his alleged death and was committed to transparency and accountability. This announcement caused widespread confusion and alarm, especially as it coincided with viral videos and images purporting to show Khan injured or deceased.

However, leading Pakistani news outlets and international agencies quickly found no credible evidence to support these claims. Fact-checkers, including Grok AI and several independent media sources, pointed out that the video fueling the rumor was actually from 2013, showing Khan’s fall from a forklift at a Lahore election rally, not a recent incident. Khan’s legal team and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party did not confirm any reports of his death, and his family also denied any recent health issues.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting officially debunked the death hoax, labeling the press release as fake and urging the public to reject irresponsible behavior. Authorities emphasized that Khan is alive, serving a 14-year prison sentence for corruption, and that no official statement had been issued regarding his death. Social media platforms flagged the viral posts as misinformation, and government officials called for restraint and caution, warning against the spread of unverified news.

The incident highlights the dangers of digital misinformation, especially during periods of political tension. The rapid spread of the hoax, largely fueled by doctored documents and recycled footage, exposed vulnerabilities in public information channels. Officials and independent observers have since called for the public to rely on trusted sources and avoid amplifying unverified claims, focusing instead on ensuring stability and justice in the country.