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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) expressed profound concern this week over the deteriorating health of its founder, Imran Khan, a former prime minister who is currently the country’s most popular leader. In an urgent press conference, party stalwarts condemned what they termed as “government criminal negligence” regarding Imran’s health and demanded his immediate transfer to Islamabad’s Shifa International Hospital for specialized medical treatment.
The PTI leaders criticized this decision, asserting that not only was it a legal but also a moral obligation to ensure Khan received proper care. They highlighted that the former prime minister is no ordinary citizen; he has been granted special status in Pakistan’s political hierarchy.
During the press conference, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accompanied by senior PTI leaders, emphasized the government’s conduct on this issue and its politically motivated actions. He argued that due to Khan’s status as a former prime minister and the most popular leader in Pakistan, the government has both a legal and moral responsibility to facilitate his immediate medical care.
Afridi described the current administration’s refusal to grant Khan access to his personal doctors and family members as an egregious violation of basic human rights. The CM further accused the federal government of handling the situation irresponsibly, claiming that such behavior is unlawful.
He stressed that despite PTI’s efforts to secure appropriate medical treatment for Khan, they had repeatedly been met with rejection from the current regime. Afridi warned of the party’s readiness to launch a “massive movement” to advocate for Khan’s release, citing their full preparedness and commitment as a political entity within legal bounds.
However, he noted that out of respect for the holy month of Ramazan, the PTI had temporarily slowed its political activities. Afridi explained that while preparations, passion, and spirit remained unchanged, the party acknowledged the significance of adhering to religious traditions during this period.
Junaid Akbar, a prominent PTI leader, addressed what he described as a broader “political crackdown,” highlighting cases of disqualification for PTI senators and suppression of party workers. He pointed out that Pakistan’s government is facing a failing foreign policy amidst increasingly complex and dangerous relations with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan. The continued mistreatment of Khan has fueled these tensions, which could be beyond control by current authorities.
Babar Awan, another senior PTI leader who is also a lawyer, condemned the secrecy surrounding Khan’s medical condition as a “criminal act.” He warned that if any harm occurred to Imran due to inadequate care, those responsible would face no hiding place in Pakistan. Awan reiterated that while the party’s struggle remains peaceful and within legal bounds, they demand transparency.
Taimur Jhagra, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance minister, emphasized that the PTI remained steadfastly aligned with the Constitution. He cautioned against widening the gap between public sentiment and state institutions due to current administration’s hostile conduct.
MNA Shahid Khattak addressed a potential risk of irreversible damage to Khan’s health and vision, noting their concerns since his eye ailment surfaced in late January. After partial vision loss in the right eye was reported through a lawyer who met with Imran at the Supreme Court’s intervention, doctors confirmed that he has regained partial sight with glasses.
On March 3rd, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where Khan is receiving treatment, stated that further follow-up treatments for his eye ailment showed significant improvement in vision. Despite these improvements, PTI’s family and party have maintained their demand to move Khan to Shifa International Hospital to ensure access to personal medical care and meet with his family members.
As the situation continues to unfold, political unrest intensifies as the PTI remains vigilant over both their leader’s health issues and broader national security concerns.