Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday warned the federal government against what they described as “criminal negligence” in the medical care of former prime minister Imran Khan, indicating the party could launch a large-scale movement for his release after Eid.

Addressing a press conference, PTI leaders repeated their demand for Imran Khan's immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital, stating that further delay could lead to serious consequences. 

They maintained that the party had made several attempts to secure medical treatment for Khan but the government had rejected those requests.

Speaking at the press conference, Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warned that the party will not accept such conduct and added that PTI was prepared to launch a movement for Khan’s release. 

He reminded the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led ruling coalition had said that the party had temporarily slowed its political activities in respect for the holy month of Ramadan.

CM Afridi also raised concerns about the PTI founder’s health and the cases filed against him, which he termed politically motivated.

“The PTI founder is not an ordinary citizen; he is a former prime minister of Pakistan, and the government has both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that he receives proper medical treatment.

The government’s refusal to allow access to his personal doctors and family members is a blatant violation of basic human rights and legal protocols,” he stated.

PTI leader Junaid Akbar Khan pointed to what he called a wider political crackdown, referring to the disqualification of PTI senators and actions taken against party workers. 

He also mentioned developments in relations with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, saying the situation was becoming increasingly complex.

 

He added that continued mistreatment was increasing tensions that the current administration might struggle to manage, while obstacles in the way of Khan’s medical treatment were unacceptable.

 

Senior PTI leader and lawyer Babar Awan described the secrecy around Imran Khan's medical condition as a criminal act. He warned that if any harm came to him due to the absence of proper care, those responsible would not be able to avoid accountability.

 

Awan stated that the party’s demand for transparency regarding Khan’s medical condition was non-negotiable.

Former finance minister Taimur Jhagra said that PTI remained the only political force standing with the Constitution and argued that the government’s conduct was increasing the gap between the public and state institutions.

Meanwhile, MNA Shahid Khattak said the party was not politicising the matter but was concerned about the risk of lasting damage to the PTI founder’s health.