KP CM says govt’s refusal to allow access to Imran’s personal doctors a blatant violation of basic human rights
ISLAMABAD: Leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have warned that the party will not tolerate any negligence regarding the health of its jailed founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan, and are fully prepared to launch a nationwide movement for his release, The News reported on Saturday.
During a news conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House on Friday, party leaders expressed deep concern over the “deteriorating health” of the deposed premier and demanded his immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital for specialised treatment. They emphasised that Imran Khan remains one of the most popular and widely respected leaders in the country.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, flanked by senior party officials, strongly condemned the federal government’s “irresponsible and illegal” handling of the PTI founder, as well as what he described as politically motivated cases against him.
“The party founder is not an ordinary citizen; he is a former prime minister. The government has both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure he receives proper medical care,” Afridi said. He added that the refusal to allow access to Imran’s personal doctors and family members is a blatant violation of human rights and legal protocols.
Afridi asserted that PTI is fully prepared to launch a massive movement for Imran Khan’s release, though the party has temporarily slowed political activities out of respect for Ramadan. He stressed that their preparations and resolve remain intact.
PTI leaders demanded immediate access for the former prime minister’s personal physicians and unhindered meetings with family and senior party officials, warning that further delays could have serious consequences.
PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter president, MNA Junaid Akbar, described the situation as part of a broader political crackdown, pointing to the disqualification of PTI senators and suppression of party workers. He also warned that the government’s internal repression, combined with a faltering foreign policy and complex relations with the Taliban in Afghanistan, is fueling tensions beyond the administration’s control.
Senior party leader and lawyer Babar Awan called the secrecy around Imran Khan’s medical condition a criminal act, warning that any harm due to lack of care would hold the responsible authorities fully accountable. He reiterated that PTI’s struggle is peaceful and lawful, but their demand for transparency is non-negotiable.
Former KP Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra emphasised that PTI is the only political force standing firmly for the Constitution. He warned that the government’s hostile conduct is widening the gap between the public and state institutions, stating: “Medical treatment is a fundamental right. The government must now choose to de-escalate.”
PTI lawmaker Shahid Khattak added that their concern is not political but genuinely about the risk of irreversible harm to Imran Khan’s health and vision. He appealed to the judiciary to expedite hearings and order his immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
The party urged the courts and relevant authorities to take swift action to safeguard the former premier’s rights and wellbeing. They emphasised that PTI will continue its struggle within constitutional and legal limits to prevent further erosion of public trust in state institutions.
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