ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday once again expressed deep concern over the health of former prime minister Imran Khan, calling for his immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital for specialised medical treatment.
Speaking at a press conference, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, along with other senior PTI leaders, sharply criticised the federal government for what they described as “criminal negligence” and the denial of access to Khan’s personal physicians and family members.
Chief Minister Afridi warned that any delay in treatment could have serious consequences for Khan’s health and said the federal government and its “handlers” would be held directly responsible.
He said the government has a “legal and moral responsibility” to ensure Khan receives proper medical care.
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“The refusal to allow access to his doctors and family is a blatant violation of basic human rights and legal protocols,” he stated, accusing authorities of politically motivated actions against Khan.
Afridi said the party had made every effort to secure proper medical care for Khan, but the government had repeatedly rejected these requests.
He warned that PTI would not tolerate such treatment and is prepared to launch a mass movement for Khan’s release, though political activities have been temporarily slowed in observance of Ramadan, but the party’s preparations and resolve remain fully intact.
PTI KP president Junaid Akbar Khan described a broader political crackdown, citing the disqualification of PTI senators and the suppression of party workers.
He warned that the government’s internal repression is compounded by a faltering foreign policy, pointing to increasingly complex and tense relations with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan.
He said the ongoing mistreatment of Imran Khan is fueling tensions that the current administration may struggle to control, and described obstacles to his medical treatment as unacceptable.
Babar Awan, senior PTI leader and lawyer, described the secrecy surrounding Khan’s condition as “criminal” and warned that those responsible would be held accountable if his health deteriorates.
Shahid Khattak, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, urged the judiciary to expedite hearings on pending cases and order Khan’s immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital.
The party emphasised that its concerns were not politically motivated but aimed at preventing irreversible damage to Khan’s health, particularly his eyesight.
The party reiterated that its struggle would remain peaceful, while calling on authorities to ensure transparency and safeguard the former prime minister’s rights and well-being.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026