KP Chief Minister Calls for Urgent Medical Treatment of Imran Khan
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, has made a pressing demand for the immediate medical treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Shifa International Hospital. This call was issued during a news conference held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, where Afridi emphasized the need for Khan to receive care under the supervision of his personal physicians and in the presence of his family members.
Constitutional and Legal Concerns Highlighted
Afridi stated that the primary purpose of the briefing was to address serious concerns regarding Imran Khan's health. He reiterated the demand for appropriate medical care, which he argued is a constitutional and legal right. The Chief Minister noted that multiple avenues, including constitutional, legal, democratic, and political channels, have been explored to facilitate this treatment. However, despite these efforts, the request has not been accommodated, raising alarms about the handling of Khan's health situation.
Imran Khan is not an ordinary individual, Afridi emphasized, highlighting Khan's status as a former Prime Minister and the lifetime chairman of Pakistan's largest political party, Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf. He added that Khan enjoys the trust and support of millions of Pakistanis and is widely regarded as a significant political figure both within Pakistan and across the Muslim world.
Criticism of Federal Government's Priorities
In his address, Afridi criticized the current federal government, accusing it of lacking coherent foreign and domestic policies. He claimed that instead of focusing on Pakistan's pressing economic and governance challenges, the government's priorities appear to be centered on restricting Imran Khan's access to his family and denying him appropriate medical treatment.
Afridi pointed out that Pakistan urgently needs economic revival, agricultural growth, industrial expansion, and employment opportunities for its youth, who make up nearly sixty percent of the population. He observed that the government's priorities seem misaligned with these critical national needs, suggesting a disconnect between leadership actions and public welfare.
Political Pressure and Allegations of Marginalization
The Chief Minister also addressed the political pressures faced by Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf's leadership and elected representatives. He noted that while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was formed through a clear public mandate, attempts are being made to disqualify its leadership through various means. Afridi alleged that the public mandate has been undermined through fabricated cases, and efforts are underway to politically marginalize the party.
Despite these challenges, Afridi expressed confidence that the party's supporters across the country will continue to advocate for Imran Khan's release. He announced that preparations are underway to resume political mobilization from where previous movements had halted, including a recent meeting regarding the "Imran Khan Release Force," indicating a structured plan for future actions.
Call for Judicial Intervention and Warning of Responsibility
Afridi reiterated his demand for Imran Khan's transfer to Shifa International Hospital, warning that if any harm comes to Khan due to denial of adequate medical care, responsibility will rest with the present government and their handlers. He cautioned that the entire nation is looking towards the judiciary, expressing hope that the courts will recognize the sensitivity of the matter and uphold legitimate demands for proper medical treatment.
In his concluding remarks, Afridi strongly condemned a recent terrorist attack on police personnel in Lakki Marwat, offering prayers for the martyrs and solidarity with the bereaved families. He also criticized the ruling group for what he described as "hacking" national institutions, including the judiciary and parliament, urging those in power to reflect on whose interests the current system serves.
