Denial of medical treatment to IK: KP CM announces plans for rally in Rawalpindi on 9th

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday announced plans for a large-scale public rally in Rawalpindi on 9 April, intensifying the political standoff over the denial of medical treatment to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

The rally, to be held at the historic Liaquat Bagh, comes amid mounting tensions between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The Chief Minister accused authorities of deliberately denying Khan medical treatment for an eye infection, while delaying hearings in what the party calls “concocted, politically motivated” cases against him.

Speaking at a press conference, Afridi said the provincial government would submit a formal request to the district administration on Friday (today) seeking permission for the rally.

He warned that, if the administration denies approval, PTI would proceed regardless, while simultaneously organising demonstrations across KP districts.

Afridi’s comments reflected a broader narrative of grievance against Islamabad, with the chief minister sharply criticising the federal government over what he described as the “unconstitutional” allocation of KP’s share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award since 2018.

He claimed that multiple appeals to federal government for financial redress had largely gone unanswered.

“The government treats the masses like herd animals,” Afridi said, highlighting Rs1.5 billion spent from provincial funds on relief measures, including petrol subsidies for motorcycles and aid for farmers.

He also pointed to support for victims of terrorism and natural disasters, asserting that the federal government had offered little assistance.

He also condemned recent budget cuts, rising petrol prices, and the introduction of a “smart lockdown” policy amid Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis, vowing provincial opposition should such measures be implemented.

On security matters, Afridi rejected allegations of negligence in counterterrorism operations, stating that an Apex Committee had prepared a comprehensive security plan aligned with Khan’s vision, which he claimed was not implemented by the federal authorities.

The chief minister also accused Islamabad of political victimisation, alleging undue pressure on the judiciary and selective application of the law against PTI members.

Afridi defended his administration against accusations of being anti-military and undemocratic, dismissing them as “baseless.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026