Fact-check: Viral image does not show Imran Khan handcuffed during a court appearance

An image circulating on social media allegedly shows Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan appearing in court while handcuffed. Several users have shared the image as authentic, claiming it depicts a recent court appearance by the imprisoned politician.

The photo is fake.

Claim

On June 27, a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared an image purportedly showing politician Imran Khan handcuffed inside a courtroom, with a judge seated behind him.

The user captioned the post: "Can anyone tell me whether this is a real photo of Imran Khan, or was it generated using AI?"

The same image was also shared on Facebook and Instagram, where users questioned whether it was genuine.

Fact

The image is not an authentic or recent photograph of former prime minister Imran Khan, according to his lawyers and a journalist who regularly attend hearings at the Central Jail in Rawalpindi, where his trial is being held.

Naeem Haider Panjotha, one of the legal counsels for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, told Geo Fact Check by phone that the image circulating online is fake and appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence.

The claim was also dismissed by Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, another member of Khan's legal team.

"Imran Khan has never been produced in handcuffs in the jail courtroom," Chaudhry said. "Also, the courtroom shown in the photo does not resemble the actual jail courtroom."

Shabbir Dar, a Geo News journalist who regularly covers Khan's court proceedings at Adiala Jail, also said the courtroom depicted in the image does not exist inside the prison.

"Accused persons are not presented before the court in handcuffs," Dar said. "I have personally seen Imran Khan appear before the court and leave afterward without handcuffs on his wrists."

Dar further said he had never seen a judge resembling the one shown in the viral image preside over proceedings at the Adiala Jail courtroom.

Additionally, Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, also confirmed to Geo Fact Check by phone that the image was "fake".

Verdict: The viral image is digitally fabricated and does not depict a real court appearance of Imran Khan.

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