A manipulated video featuring Aleema Khan, sister of imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, has circulated widely on social media, falsely portraying her as making inflammatory remarks about Army Chief Asim Munir. This deepfake video misrepresents her statements during an interview with Sky News anchor Yalda Hakim, who labeled the clip “deeply disturbing.”
In the original interview aired on December 3, 2025, Aleema Khan expressed her belief that Munir was responsible for her family’s limited access to Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since 2023. The doctored video has been shared on various platforms, including X and Instagram, with claims that she called Munir a “radicalised Islamist” and accused him of seeking conflict with India.
The original interview, accessible on Sky News‘ official YouTube channel, reveals that Aleema Khan did not make any statements regarding Munir’s ideology or his role in the India-Pakistan conflict. Instead, she reiterated a comment from another sister asserting that Munir was solely accountable for the challenges Imran Khan faces in prison. She stated, “I hold him responsible for what’s being done to me because it is against all regulations.”
False Narratives and Public Response
The misinformation spread rapidly, coinciding with heightened tensions following a military conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025. The misleading video appeared to capitalize on existing public sentiment regarding Imran Khan’s imprisonment, which his supporters claim is politically motivated. On November 26, 2025, rumors of Imran Khan’s death sparked protests outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where he has been held for over two years. His sister later confirmed that he was “alive and well” after finally securing a visit on December 3.
Yalda Hakim, in a follow-up report, emphasized the dangers of deepfake technology, which can distort reality and mislead viewers. The authenticity of the audio in the manipulated video was further questioned by an analysis using the AI voice detection tool Hiya, which indicated a 98 percent likelihood that the audio was artificially generated.
Contextualizing Imran Khan’s Situation
Imran Khan was ousted from power in a no-confidence vote in 2022 and subsequently faced numerous corruption charges, which he has consistently denied. His supporters argue that he has been denied fair access to legal representation and family visits, exacerbating concerns over his health and well-being during his imprisonment.
The implications of this deepfake incident extend beyond individual reputations, highlighting broader issues regarding the dissemination of misinformation in a digital age. As the public continues to navigate complex narratives and conflicting reports, the need for reliable news sources becomes increasingly critical.
In light of the situation, AFP attempted to reach Aleema Khan for comments but did not receive a response. The misleading video serves as a reminder of the potential for technology to misinform and manipulate public perception, particularly in sensitive political contexts.
