ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday accused the government of withholding critical information about Imran Khan’s health following his hospitalisation for an eye infection, warning that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would be held accountable for any harm to the former prime minister.
Speaking at a press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and opposition leader in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas, criticised the government for failing to inform both PTI leadership and Khan’s family about his condition or hospitalisation.Calling the authorities’ silence on the former prime minister’s ill health deeply concerning, PTI leaders expressed alarm over his treatment without informing his family or the party, stressing that such actions would not be accepted.
“We have learned through news reports that Imran Khan was taken to a hospital and then sent back to prison. Neither his family nor the party received any official information,” Gohar said. “This situation has raised grave concerns about his health, and we demand an explanation from the authorities.”
He also revealed that PTI had filed a petition with the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to meet Khan, but it was rejected. This, Gohar explained, led to a widespread panic within the party and his family after Khan was rushed to the hospital without their knowledge.
The PTI leader accused the government of undermining constitutional norms and manipulating legal frameworks to maintain control.
“The constitution is being altered to serve those who have seized power through questionable means. This has led to a dramatic erosion of respect for the regime among the masses,” he said. “We will not stand idly by while our leader’s health is compromised.”
Gohar warned that any further attempts to block access to Khan would provoke a public backlash. PTI has vowed to stage large-scale protests, with Gohar declaring, “On February 8, a tsunami of protesters will sweep away this illegitimate government and its supporters.”
Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, the opposition leader in Senate, echoed these concerns, highlighting the increasing public discontent over the government’s handling of Khan’s detention and health.
“This is a clear violation of the law,” he said. “You cannot silence a popular leader and expect no consequences. The people will hold those in power accountable.”
He also criticised the government for prioritising its political survival over national interests. “While the people of Gaza suffer, this regime aligns itself with foreign powers to protect its own ‘illegitimate’ rule,” he said. “The people have rejected this. They want Imran Khan, not those who stole their mandate.”
Salman Akram Raja, PTI Secretary General, insisted that Khan’s personal doctor be allowed to meet him immediately. “This is not about politics; it’s about a human being and a former prime minister’s health. Any delay in treating this infection could result in permanent damage to his eyesight,” he warned.
Raja also criticised the IHC’s refusal to grant access to Khan’s doctor, describing it as an example of the state’s ongoing disregard for justice.
“The IHC’s decision is unacceptable. Imran Khan deserves to meet his family and receive medical care from his personal doctor. This is nothing less than an act of injustice,” he said.
He reiterated that while the party remained committed to upholding the law, it would not allow the government to push it into a corner. “We will not stand by while our leader’s health is compromised,” he said. “We are expressing our frustration with this injustice. Don’t test the patience of the people – enough is enough.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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