Peshawar - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan has strongly condemned the denial of meetings between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his family members, as well as his lawyers. He stated that the Punjab government is continuously violating court orders.
Allegations of Political Victimization
Shafi Jan said that restrictions on meetings with Imran Khan and keeping him in solitary confinement represent the worst form of political victimization. He asserted that the current federal and Punjab governments have crossed all limits of oppression and injustice. Referring to the recent Gilgit-Baltistan elections, he dismissed claims of a PML-N rout, noting that the political landscape remains contentious.
Unconstitutional Measures Against Imran Khan
The minister claimed that the federal and Punjab governments, which came to power through what he termed a “stolen mandate under Form 47,” are gripped by fear of Imran Khan and are therefore resorting to unconstitutional and unlawful measures. He said that members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet and parliamentarians had travelled to Adiala Jail in large numbers to express solidarity with the PTI founder and his family.
Concerns Over Health and Human Rights
Expressing serious concern over Imran Khan’s health, the minister said that he was being deprived of basic medical facilities. He added that despite requiring eye treatment, Imran Khan has not been shifted to Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, describing the situation as a grave violation of fundamental human rights. Lawmakers have also questioned the Punjab government’s education reforms amid these controversies.
Broader Political Implications
Shafi Jan said that the current federal government has failed in every sector, and the Constitution, rule of law, and fundamental human rights are being undermined across the country. Referring to the ban on wheat transportation to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he maintained that the restriction is entirely unconstitutional and illegal, demonstrating discriminatory treatment against the province. He warned that all such unconstitutional actions by the federal and Punjab governments would eventually become a major political liability for them, and that the public would ultimately hold them accountable. In a related statement, he noted that the nation is proud of its martyrs, as echoed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
