Times Report
ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has called for the immediate medical treatment of former Prime Minister and Chairman Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf Imran Khan at Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of his personal physicians and in the presence of his family members. Addressing a press conference at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, the Chief Minister stated that the purpose of the briefing was to highlight concerns regarding the health of Imran Khan and to reiterate the demand for appropriate medical care in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions. He noted that multiple constitutional, legal, democratic, and political avenues had been pursued to facilitate medical treatment for the former prime minister under the supervision of his personal doctors and with the presence of family members. However, he said that despite these efforts, the request has not yet been accommodated. The Chief Minister said that Imran Khan is not an ordinary individual but a former Prime Minister of Pakistan and the lifetime chairman of the country’s largest political party. He added that Imran Khan enjoys the trust and support of millions of Pakistanis and is widely regarded as a significant political figure not only within Pakistan but also across the Muslim world. Criticizing the present federal government, the Chief Minister said that the ruling group lacks both a coherent foreign policy and an effective domestic policy framework. Instead of focusing on addressing Pakistan’s economic and governance challenges, he said, their priorities appear to be centered on restricting Imran Khan’s access to his family and denying him appropriate medical treatment. Sohail Afridi noted that Pakistan urgently requires economic revival, agricultural growth, industrial expansion, and employment opportunities for its youth, who constitute nearly sixty percent of the country’s population. However, he observed that the government’s priorities appear misaligned with these pressing national needs. He further stated that the leadership and elected representatives of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf are facing political pressure and restrictions. He added that while the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been formed through a clear public mandate, attempts are being made to disqualify its leadership through various means. The Chief Minister reiterated his demand that Imran Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital and provided immediate medical care under the supervision of his personal physicians and in the presence of his family members. He cautioned that if, God forbid, any harm comes to Imran Khan due to denial of adequate medical care, responsibility will rest with the present government and their handlers. Sohail Afridi stated that the entire nation is currently looking towards the judiciary and expressed the hope that the courts will recognize the sensitivity of the matter. He said that the demands being raised by Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf are legitimate and are solely aimed at ensuring that Imran Khan receives proper medical treatment. He further alleged that the public mandate has been undermined through fabricated cases and attempts are being made to politically marginalize Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf. However, he said that the party’s supporters across the country will continue to play their role for Imran Khan’s release. The Chief Minister stated that the party’s struggle will continue until the achievement of “real freedom,” adding that preparations are underway to resume political mobilization from where previous street movement had been halted. He noted that a meeting regarding the “Imran Khan Release Force” was also held recently and that the party would move forward with a structured plan. Commenting on governance, Sohail Afridi said that the ruling group has effectively “hacked” national institutions, including the judiciary and parliament. He added that if those in power fail to deliver despite having access to all state resources, they should reflect on whose interests the current system is serving. The Chief Minister also strongly condemned the terrorist attack on police personnel in Lakki Marwat, expressing prayers for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and the speedy recovery of the injured. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
Leave a Reply