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Tag: Imran Khan

  • PTI drops plan to form ‘Imran Khan release force’ after internal pushback

    PTI drops plan to form ‘Imran Khan release force’ after internal pushback

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has abandoned its plan to form the “Imran Khan Release Force” after objections and legal concerns from within the party, reports quoted sources as saying.

    The development marks a shift from an earlier proposal by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi aimed at the formation of a dedicated force to mobilise workers for the release of jailed former prime minister Khan. The plan also included taking oaths from volunteers and registering members for an organised campaign.

    The same, however, faced resistance from within PTI shortly after it was floated. PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan described the idea as unconstitutional and illegal, warning that such a structure could fall under militancy-related concerns.

    Party insiders said internal consultations were held following the objections, after which the leadership decided to drop the idea of a “force” altogether. 

    The initiative has now been restructured into a broader political movement open to all supporters, without any oath-taking or formal membership framework.

    Reports quoted sources as saying that the revised approach focuses on a gradual, peaceful and political street-based movement. They added that participation will remain open, while any suggestion of organised militancy or violence has been rejected by the party.

    Senior PTI leaders, according to insiders, also referred to past incidents including the May 9 unrest and the 2024 protests in Islamabad, stressing the need to avoid a repeat of violent clashes. They added that any future political activity will remain within constitutional limits, with emphasis on peaceful mobilisation.

    Under the revised setup, decisions regarding the timing and nature of any protest movement will not be taken by the KP CM. Instead, these decisions will be handled by Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

    Party sources also said that consultations were held with allied opposition parties as part of efforts to develop a coordinated strategy.

  • Bushra Bibi’s eyesight deteriorates in jail, PTI demands inquiry

    Bushra Bibi’s eyesight deteriorates in jail, PTI demands inquiry

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has raised concerns over the health of party founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, and called for her transfer to a hospital, citing lack of medical care at Adiala jail.

    The development follows reports about her eyesight, after a similar situation involving Imran Khan, whose legal team had linked his retinal condition to delays in treatment during incarceration. He later underwent procedures at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

    Party officials stated that Bushra Bibi’s condition indicates denial of basic rights, referring to findings attributed to a medical specialist.

    “Reports emerging from Adiala jail indicate that Bushra Bibi is experiencing vision impairment,” PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated.

    He said, “A report by an eye specialist from PIMS further substantiates that she is being deliberately deprived of basic human rights and essential medical care. This is not mere negligence, but a continuation of a calculated act of cruelty and political victimisation.”

    According to a party statement, an ophthalmologist examined Bushra Bibi after she reported pain in her right eye, blurred vision, black spots, flashes in darkness and headaches for nearly two weeks.

    The assessment diagnosed Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD), along with myopia and astigmatism, the party stated.

    “It is severely condemnable that a female detainee, already held under controversial and questionable circumstances, is being subjected to such dangerous neglect regarding her health,” Akram remarked.


    “Delays and indifference in addressing a sensitive issue like vision impairment could lead to a serious humanitarian crisis.”

    PTI demanded immediate access to medical care, transfer to a hospital, and public release of medical reports. The party also called for access for her family and legal counsel.

    “If anything happens to Bushra Bibi, the current government will be held responsible for it. Moreover, he said that relevant authorities and jail administration will also be equally responsible,” he added.

    The concerns intensified after a document dated March 28 from Adiala jail circulated on social media, referring to an issue with Bushra Bibi’s eye. Akram confirmed the party sought details after the document surfaced and later verified her condition.

    “This issue is not about an individual’s health. It reflects a dark stain on the face of the state system,” he said.

    “The violation of fundamental human rights under the guise of political revenge is unacceptable. Such actions not only contravene the Constitution but also violate the norms of any civilised society.”

    Akram said the party “will take all necessary steps to ensure that the matter reaches its logical conclusion.”

  • Info minister says Imran’s sons can visit Pakistan on NICOP after Jemima slams visa delays

    Info minister says Imran’s sons can visit Pakistan on NICOP after Jemima slams visa delays

    Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the sons of former prime minister Imran Khan can visit Pakistan using their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), stating that no visa is required for them. 

    The statement came in response to a post by Jemima Goldsmith, who appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over delays in the issuance of visas for her sons Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan.

    Responding on X, Tarar said, “Imran Khan’s phone call will be arranged on Eid day with his children as done in the past as well.” He added, “His children are welcome to visit Pakistan on their Nicop cards as Pakistani citizens for which no visa is required. However, they will fully comply with the laws of Pakistan during their stay.”

    In her appeal, Jemima said, “My sons Sulaiman and Kasim Khan applied for visas in January (again… ) to allow them to visit their father, Imran Khan, in Pakistan.” She added, “The Pakistan consulate states that online visa processing normally takes 7–10 working days. It has now been 60 days.”

    She said the delay came despite public statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and government spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi regarding their travel. “Meanwhile, they are not allowed to speak to him on the phone, nor send him a letter,” she said, adding, “They haven’t seen him since 2022, after he was shot in an assassination attempt.”

    Jemima appealed, “This is an appeal directly to Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz to please allow Imran Khan’s two sons to see their father asap.”

    Last month, Kasim alleged that the government was deliberately refusing to process their visas. The two had earlier said in December 2025 that they had applied for visas and were planning to travel in January.

    In August 2025, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan said the two had applied for NICOP as well as visas after Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry questioned why visas would be required if they had the cards. 

    Separately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf criticised the delay, stating that the details shared by Jemima were “not only deeply concerning, but also evidence that the government has failed to uphold basic human values and family rights.” The party said the delay was a “deliberate delaying tactic” and added, such treatment is being meted out to a man who has served as the country’s former prime minister.

  • Jemima urges PM Shehbaz to allow sons to meet Imran Khan

    Jemima urges PM Shehbaz to allow sons to meet Imran Khan

    Jemima Goldsmith on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow her sons Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan to visit their father, PTI founder Imran Khan, in prison.

    Imran has been in custody since August 2023 and is currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the May 9, 2023 protests.


    The brothers have not met their father since November 2022, when he survived an assassination attempt. They applied for visas in January but have not received a response as yet.

    In a post on X, Jemima stated that the request was based on concerns regarding Imran’s health and delays in visa processing.

    “This is an appeal directly to Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif to please allow Imran Khan’s two sons to see their father asap, particularly since, by all accounts, his health is in decline,” she wrote.

    “My sons Sulaiman and Kasim applied for visas in January (again…) to allow them to visit their father Imran Khan in Pakistan. The Pakistan consulate states that online visa processing normally takes 7–10 working days. It has now been 60 days,” she added.

    Jemima said that the delay continued despite public assurances that the brothers could travel to Pakistan to meet their father. She referred to statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and PM spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi conveyed in media interactions.

    “They are not allowed to speak to him on the phone, nor send him a letter. They haven’t seen him since 2022 after he was shot in an assassination attempt,” she stated.

    Last month, Kasim alleged that authorities were not processing their visa applications to prevent the visit. He stated that denying medical treatment to a prisoner was cruel and preventing his children from meeting him amounted to collective punishment.

    Last year, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan told reporters that the brothers would take part in a protest movement planned for August 5, 2025. It was later reported that Imran had said that his sons will not travel to Pakistan for the protest. The brothers later held meetings with influential individuals in the United States (US) in a bid to increase pressure for Imran’s release.

  • Mohsin Naqvi has assured family of transferring Imran Khan to Shifa hospital: Aleema Khan

    Mohsin Naqvi has assured family of transferring Imran Khan to Shifa hospital: Aleema Khan

    Mohsin Naqvi has assured the family of PTI founder Imran Khan that he will be shifted to Shifa Hospital, Aleema Khan has said. 

    Speaking to the media, Aleema Khan stated that the family was informed that Naqvi had given a guarantee regarding the transfer. She said the assurance came after discussions with authorities over Khan’s medical examination.

    According to her, the family had requested that the PTI founder be moved to Shifa Hospital, stating that his medical records are available with his personal doctors. 

    She said Ayaz Sadiq had initially offered to send two doctors to the jail. Later, the family was told that a conference call was held with Mohsin Naqvi, during which he assured them of the transfer.

    Aleema Khan said the medical report prepared by a government doctor was objected to by the family, stating that it does not reflect his condition. She also questioned why the PTI founder was being kept in solitary confinement.

    She demanded that a complete medical examination be conducted in the presence of family members and personal doctors and emphasised that the family will not rely on official statements until he is shifted to hospital and assessed by his own physicians.

    Imran’s other sister Uzma Khan said that the family will only be satisfied once doctors they trust are involved. She said that the medical report does not mention any diagnosed illness and added that treatment cannot begin without identifying the cause.

  • Tarar rejects reports of leniency for ‘convicted criminal’ Imran Khan

    Tarar rejects reports of leniency for ‘convicted criminal’ Imran Khan

    Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has once again denied reports of a deal with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, saying the jailed former premier is a convicted criminal.

    According to reports, Tarar said that no deal or leniency for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was under consideration as he is a criminal convicted by the courts. Giving the impression of any kind of leniency is completely wrong, the minister added.

    He said that the reports suggesting leniency were “baseless and held no truth”.

    On Monday, Tarar also rejected earlier reports of a deal with Khan, making it clear to the opposition that Khan’s health shouldn’t be politicised.

    In a statement, the federal information minister said that some social media accounts were resorting to sensationalism while reporting on alleged loss of sight in the right eye of the PTI founder.

    “It was our responsibility to provide healthcare, and that was done. Imran Khan’s health is better now; the issue he had has been resolved,” he had said.

    Tarar also said that specialists had examined Khan and leaders of his party were also briefed regarding the matter.

    He had gone on to reiterate that Khan’s health should not be politicised, urging that the PTI leadership handled the situation responsibly.

  • ‘Two attempts to strike deals with Imran Khan failed,’ says Rana Sanaullah

    ‘Two attempts to strike deals with Imran Khan failed,’ says Rana Sanaullah

    Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has saidthat two serious attempts were made to reach a political agreement with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan but both failed. 

    “The first attempt was led by Mohsin Naqvi and Ali Amin Gandapur before November 26, and the second was made by a few people from abroad,” he said during an interview with a private news channel. He added, “In both meetings, the founder agreed to the deal but later backed out.”

    Speaking about Imran Khan’s approach, Rana Sanaullah said, “He is not willing to find a way out. Whether call it stubbornness or rigidity; the point is that he does not want to find a solution.”

    He added that the PTI founder’s conditions for a deal were unacceptable. He quoted Imran Khan as saying, “You people come to jail in my place and I will come to your place.”

    Rana Sanaullah compared the situation with the political approach of other leaders. “Nawaz Sharif is a senior politician. He also found a way forward for himself and his party,” he said. The adviser emphasized that the government and military leadership have no interest in blocking dialogue between political leaders but that meaningful talks require agreement from both sides.

    In a separate interview on another news channel’s program, Rana Sanaullah addressed PTI’s political actions and Imran Khan’s medical treatment. He said the former prime minister received the best available care and claimed PTI is using the issue for political purposes. “PTI’s focus is on creating anarchy and disorder in the country,” he said, adding that the party’s activities were unrelated to Imran Khan’s treatment.

    He also criticized road blockages in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), saying, “Where in the constitution is a provincial government allowed to block roads? Any province’s IG and Chief Secretary are bound to follow High Court orders.” Rana Sanaullah said these moves are part of PTI’s political strategy rather than concern for Imran Khan’s health.

    The adviser added that PTI will never be satisfied and questioned some of the legal tactics being used.

  • Aleema Khan rejects govt doctors, demands personal physicians for Imran Khan

    Aleema Khan rejects govt doctors, demands personal physicians for Imran Khan

    Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has said she does not trust government doctors or institutional medical staff for her brother’s treatment, demanding that he be examined by his personal physicians.

    Speaking to media persons, Aleema said the names of doctors submitted by the family had not been permitted to see Khan, and the family had requested medical care be conducted in the presence of their personal doctor but authorities had not agreed to it.

    She further said that for several days the family had been told that Imran Khan would be shifted to a hospital, but no such step had been taken so far. According to her, assurances regarding medical arrangements had repeatedly been given without any visible outcome.

    Referring to a medical report related to Khan’s condition, she said the document failed to address the concerns raised. She added that earlier they were informed a detailed report would be issued, but the report that emerged was a joke and did not meet that expectation.

    Aleema also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the medical care being provided. She said that if the authorities believed Khan had received proper treatment, there was no reason to withhold details from the public or the family.

    “If they believe the PTI founder has been properly treated, then why are they hiding it?” she asked.

    Calling for public support, Aleema urged people to raise their voices and apply pressure for what she described as proper medical treatment.

    Her statements came after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the delay in Imran Khan’s eye examination was due to political handling of the matter by Aleema Khan. Naqvi added that the doctors who examined Imran Khan had conducted all necessary tests and later met with PTI leaders and the medical team, after which all parties expressed satisfaction. 

    He said he had asked whether any further tests were required and was told that all possible examinations had already been conducted. Naqvi criticized the politicization of the issue, noting that while the family claimed to be close, they had used the matter to make political points. 

    He also said the government did not intend to politicize Imran Khan’s health and described certain requests by the opposition as inappropriate and potentially misleading.

  • Mohsin Naqvi spoke to Field Marshal for Imran Khan’s release: Gandapur

    Mohsin Naqvi spoke to Field Marshal for Imran Khan’s release: Gandapur

    Former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has said that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made more efforts than anyone else for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and to resolve all matters related to him. 

    Speaking during a televised interview, Gandapur said, “Mohsin Naqvi has made more efforts than anyone else to ensure Imran Khan is released and the issue is resolved. Can you believe it?” He added that he is stating this on air and under oath that Naqvi tried to have the matter settled.


    Gandapur acknowledged that there had been grievances in the past. “He had wronged us as well, and yes, we were also angry about it.” he said, referring to actions taken against him. 

    When asked whether he and Mohsin Naqvi could still play a role in resolving the issue, Gandapur said he no longer maintains contact and is not in that position anymore. He stated that outcomes ultimately rest with Allah.

    He claimed that Mohsin Naqvi is the only one who can speak directly in front of Field Marshal General Asim Munir. Gandapur said he has not seen anyone else in the system speak for Khan in his presence.


    Responding to a question on whether Naqvi discussed Khan’s release with the Field Marshal, Gandapur said the discussions that took place were positive in nature and that Naqvi raised the matter at that level as well. He added that he has not observed similar courage from others.

  • Imran Khan’s sons want permission to visit him

    Imran Khan’s sons want permission to visit him

    Imran Khan’s sons have expressed concern over their father’s deteriorating health in a Pakistani jail and are requesting permission to visit him, more than two years after their last meeting.

    Khan’s lawyer told Pakistan’s Supreme Court (SC) last week that the former prime minister had lost significant vision in his right eye while in custody. A medical board reported on Monday that swelling had reduced after treatment and his vision had improved.

    Speaking to an international media outlet in London, where they reside, Khan’s sons Kasim and Sulaiman, 26 and 29, said they were uncertain about the medical report. They spoke to their father on Thursday for the first time since September.


    “It’s hard not to feel low at times because we’ve been away from him so long,” Kasim said of his father, whom he and his brother call ‘Abba’, adding that he should be moved to a proper medical facility and have access to his private doctors.

    Authorities maintain that medical procedures are going on, rejecting claims of neglect. The Supreme Court has requested details of Khan’s treatment.


    Khan, 73, has been in jail since August 2023 following convictions he and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), describe as politically motivated.


    Since his ouster in a 2022 no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple cases, including allegations regarding state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some convictions have been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending. Khan denies wrongdoing.


    Kasim and Sulaiman were raised in Britain after Khan’s divorce from their mother, Jemima Goldsmith. They have not seen him since November 2022, following an assassination attempt. The brothers said they applied for visas last month but have not received a response as yet. 


    Sulaiman suggested the delay could be linked to authorities’ concerns about attention to Khan’s situation if they were allowed to visit.


    Kasim said their concerns extend beyond health to issues including Khan’s freedom, adherence to human rights, and the rule of law.


    Since Khan’s imprisonment, PTI supporters have blocked major highways linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab for four days, affecting transport and supplies in some areas.

    Kasim said their message to supporters is to “keep faith and keep fighting,” noting the family’s effort to maintain that message.