PTI says consequences will follow if Imran Khan’s health worsens

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leaders on Thursday expressed serious concern over the health of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, warning the government of potential protests if the situation worsens.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, PTI KP President Junaid Akbar, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and other party leaders accused the government of negligence in handling Khan’s medical condition.

Junaid Akbar said that Khan had never publicly complained about his illness, but said his condition had deteriorated in recent months. “Our foremost priority is Imran Khan’s health,” he said.

He warned that if party workers took to the streets without formal direction, “you will not be able to stop them from chasing you.” He urged the rulers to “forget the past and move forward”.

Akbar alleged that Khan’s medical issues were not addressed in time and criticised what he described as mistreatment in jail.

Referring to reports about Khan’s eyesight, he said if harm came to the former premier, the consequences would be serious.

He also accused elements within the system of political victimisation, saying PTI leaders continued to face cases and pressure.

“We want a strong Pakistan,” he said, adding that the party did not want confrontation with state institutions but demanded a change in attitude towards PTI.

Sohail Afridi termed the reported deterioration in Khan’s eyesight a “serious matter” and called it a “criminal act” if proven true.

He said Khan was taken to hospital and administered an injection without taking his personal doctors and family into confidence.

Afridi said PTI’s core committee, parliamentary committee and allied opposition groups would meet to formulate a strategy.

“We have options under consideration,” he said, adding that the party would announce its course of action after internal consultations.

Salman Akram Raja said that Khan had endured hardships without complaint but claimed his eye condition had worsened over the past three months.

He called for Khan’s immediate release and demanded that doctors trusted by the family be allowed to treat him.

“We expect that Imran Khan will be released from jail immediately,” Raja said, urging people across the country to raise their voices over the issue.

The government has previously rejected allegations of negligence, saying Khan has been provided with full medical facilities in accordance with jail rules.

Khan has been incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi for more than two years in connection with multiple cases.