A new twist in the Imran Khan saga: Adiala Jail officials insist his X account isn’t run from behind bars—but many remain unconvinced.
ISLAMABAD — The administration of Adiala Jail has firmly told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the social media account of former prime minister Imran Khan, hosted on X (formerly Twitter), is not being operated from inside the prison. This official statement arrives amid growing speculation over how political messages continue to appear online under his name. But here’s where it gets controversial — could someone outside be managing the account on his behalf?
In a written response to the court, the jail superintendent emphasized that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder is kept under tight surveillance and has absolutely no access to forbidden devices, especially mobile phones. To reinforce control, mobile signal jammers have been installed not only inside the prison walls but also in the surrounding areas, effectively blocking any attempt to use the internet or cellular network. “It’s impossible for any inmate to connect to mobile or internet services,” the official insisted.
The superintendent further explained that, under jail rules, Imran Khan is prohibited from discussing politics. Still, he admitted that some visitors may overstep by initiating political conversations during meetings. He recalled that, in the past, political statements attributed to Khan had sparked unrest outside prison — but clarified this cannot happen now since all digital communication tools are completely out of his reach.
Strongly reiterating his claim, the superintendent underlined that the X account linked to the PTI chief “is not being handled from within Adiala Jail” and that all online activity clearly demonstrates external management. The former premier, he noted, is granted only routine privileges allowed by prison regulations or through court orders — none of which include any form of electronic or online access.
This statement was submitted in connection with a petition filed by Ghulam Murtaza, represented by Barrister Zafarullah, who alleged that Khan has been spreading “illegal and inflammatory messages” on X even while incarcerated. The court sought a formal explanation from the jail administration following the petition, prompting this clarification.
But here’s what many are debating: if Khan truly has no internet access, then who exactly is drafting and posting his political statements online? Could these messages be coming from close aides with prior authorization — or is someone simply using his name to rally supporters? This uncertainty continues to fuel intense conversation across political circles.
Bail Extension in Other Cases
Meanwhile, another courtroom development grabbed attention. A district and sessions court in Islamabad has extended the pre-arrest bail of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, until December 23. The extension covers several cases, including those tied to the violent May 9 protests. The court also ordered that they should not be arrested in the interim period.
The hearing, presided over by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, could not proceed with full arguments because the PTI founder was not available. The judge directed authorities to ensure Khan’s appearance—either physically or through a video link—at the next session. Proceedings were then adjourned until December 23.
Published in Dawn on November 26, 2025.
Now over to you: Do you believe the jail’s version of events, or does it seem likely that Imran Khan’s digital presence is still directed by him in some way? Could this case reveal broader questions about political communication under detention in Pakistan? Share your thoughts in the comments — this debate is far from over.
