Islamabad witnessed a tense atmosphere as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders issued a stern warning regarding the deteriorating health condition of their imprisoned founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan. Speaking at a press conference held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House on Friday, senior party figures conveyed their grave apprehensions about the wellbeing of Khan, emphasizing that any negligence or delay in providing him adequate medical care would not be tolerated. They declared that the party is fully prepared to mobilize a large-scale nationwide movement demanding his immediate release and proper treatment.
The PTI leadership underscored the urgency of transferring Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, where he can receive specialized medical attention. They highlighted that the former premier continues to enjoy immense popularity and affection among the masses, which makes his current plight even more alarming. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who was flanked by key party leaders during the briefing, strongly criticized the federal government’s handling of the situation. He condemned what he described as the administration’s irresponsible and unlawful approach, particularly regarding politically motivated legal cases against Khan.
Afridi stressed that Imran Khan is far from an ordinary detainee; as the former head of government, he deserves both legal protection and moral consideration. The refusal of authorities to grant access to Khan’s personal doctors and close family members, Afridi argued, constitutes a clear violation of fundamental human rights and established legal protocols. He warned that such actions would provoke a robust response from PTI, which is ready to escalate its political campaign to secure Khan’s release. However, Afridi also noted that the party had temporarily scaled back its activities out of respect for the holy month of Ramadan, though its determination remains unwavering.
Further elaborating on the party’s stance, Afridi lamented the government’s repeated rejection of requests to ensure proper medical care for Imran Khan. The PTI leaders insisted on immediate permission for Khan’s personal physicians to attend to him and demanded unhindered meetings between the former prime minister, his family, and senior party representatives. They cautioned that any further delays in addressing these concerns could lead to serious and irreversible consequences.
Adding to the discourse, PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter president, MNA Junaid Akbar, framed the issue within a broader political crackdown targeting the party. He pointed to the disqualification of PTI senators and the suppression of party activists as part of a systematic effort to weaken the opposition. Akbar also expressed concern over the government’s faltering foreign policy, particularly in relation to the increasingly complex and volatile situation involving the Taliban administration in Afghanistan. He warned that the ongoing mistreatment of Imran Khan risks escalating tensions beyond the government’s control.
Senior PTI leader and prominent lawyer Babar Awan condemned the secrecy surrounding Khan’s medical condition, labeling it a criminal act. Awan issued a stern warning to the authorities, stating that if any harm comes to the former prime minister due to neglect or inadequate care, those responsible will face severe consequences and will find no refuge within the country. He reaffirmed that the party’s struggle remains peaceful and lawful but emphasized that their demand for transparency and accountability is non-negotiable.
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance minister Taimur Jhagra highlighted PTI’s commitment to upholding the Constitution amid the current political turmoil. He criticized the government’s hostile approach, which he said is widening the gap between the public and state institutions. Jhagra reminded that access to medical treatment is a fundamental right and urged the government to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation before it spirals further out of control.
Meanwhile, PTI lawmaker Shahid Khattak clarified that the party is not politicizing Imran Khan’s health but is genuinely alarmed about the risk of permanent damage to his wellbeing and vision. He called on the judiciary to expedite hearings of all pending cases against the former prime minister and to order his prompt transfer to Shifa International Hospital for specialized care. The PTI leadership collectively appealed to the courts and relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard Khan’s rights and health.
In conclusion, PTI leaders reiterated their commitment to continuing their political struggle within the framework of the Constitution and legal boundaries. They stressed the importance of preventing further erosion of trust between the public and state institutions, warning that the current approach risks deepening divisions in the country. The party’s message was clear: the health and dignity of Imran Khan must be respected, and any attempts to undermine these will be met with determined resistance.
