Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has concluded his sit-in protest near Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, following a denial of permission to meet incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. The demonstration, which lasted several hours, was initiated by Afridi after he traveled to Rawalpindi specifically to address growing apprehensions regarding Khan's health status.
Protest Staged Over Health Concerns
Upon arrival, Afridi sought immediate access to Imran Khan within the jail premises, citing urgent health-related issues that have been raised by the PTI leadership. However, jail authorities firmly rejected his request, prompting the chief minister to stage a sit-in directly outside the facility. In a statement to the media, Afridi declared, "We will stage a sit-in tonight. MNAs and MPAs of our party are arriving," emphasizing that the situation involving his party leader could not be overlooked.
Allegations and Demands
During the protest, Afridi voiced serious allegations, suggesting that deliberate attempts were being made to exacerbate the circumstances surrounding Imran Khan's detention. He further demanded that Khan's family members and personal physician be granted permission to visit him, underscoring the party's persistent health concerns. This development occurred shortly after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar provided an update on Khan's medical condition.
Medical Transfer and Government Response
According to Tarar, Imran Khan was temporarily relocated from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) based on professional medical advice. Eye specialists had conducted an examination within the jail and recommended additional assessment and treatment at the hospital. Tarar detailed that the former prime minister was transported to PIMS during the night, underwent the necessary medical procedures, and was subsequently returned to jail with specific medical instructions.
The information minister assured the public that Khan's vital signs remained stable throughout the process, describing his overall health as satisfactory. "He is absolutely healthy," Tarar stated, adding that inmates receive specialist medical care as required under established jail regulations.
PTI's Legal and Political Moves
In response to the ongoing situation, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja revealed that a petition has been filed in a trial court seeking official permission to meet the party founder in jail. Raja expressed deep concern over the health reports, noting that a previous medical check conducted a year ago had not indicated any eye-related problems. He questioned what changes might have occurred since then to necessitate such medical interventions.
Additionally, Raja announced plans to approach the Supreme Court to submit a formal memorandum on the matter, highlighting the party's determination to address these issues through legal channels. The incident underscores the heightened political tensions and ongoing legal battles surrounding Imran Khan's imprisonment.
