Peshawar – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan has strongly criticized the Punjab government and Adiala Jail administration for denying family members and lawyers access to founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan. He said that continued restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan constitute a blatant violation of court orders.
Talking to media representatives outside Adiala Jail, Shafi Jan said that such unconstitutional and unlawful actions are contrary to democratic values, fundamental human rights and the rule of law. He said that Punjab Police erected barriers at various locations and prevented PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja along with other party leaders and workers from reaching Adiala Jail. Despite these obstacles, thousands of PTI workers managed to gather outside Adiala Jail.
He further said that members of the provincial cabinet, members of the provincial assembly and a large number of party workers had arrived at Adiala Jail to express solidarity with Imran Khan and his family. Shafi Jan said that the Punjab government, fearing Imran Khan’s popularity among the public, is resorting to illegal tactics and undermining the Constitution and law.
He further said that the secret transfer of Imran Khan to a hospital during the night and restrictions imposed on meetings with him reflect the authoritarian and fascist approach of the Punjab government. Questioning the government’s handling of the matter, Shafi Jan asked what facts regarding Imran Khan’s health were being concealed and why his family members, lawyers and personal physicians were not being granted full access to him.
Shafi Jan demanded that Imran Khan’s family, legal team, and personal doctors be allowed to meet him immediately so that all concerns regarding his health and related matters could be addressed. He also called for Imran Khan’s immediate transfer to Al-Shifa Eye Hospital and provision of the best available medical facilities.
Shafi Jan said that the “puppet government” in Punjab is politicizing Imran Khan’s health issues. However, he maintained that despite political pressure and retaliatory actions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf would continue its struggle for justice for its leader through constitutional and legal means. He further remarked that the “Form-47 government” should remember that imprisonment and hardships cannot weaken Imran Khan’s determination, courage or public support and that every attempt to silence his voice would ultimately fail.
