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Tag: PTI

  • 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.”

  • Imran Khan administered third anti-VEGF injection: PIMS

    Imran Khan administered third anti-VEGF injection: PIMS

    The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) said on Monday that former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was administered a third dose of an anti-VEGF intra-vitreal injection.

    According to a press release issued by the hospital, Imran Khan was examined by ophthalmologists prior to the procedure and was found to be “vitally stable”.

    The hospital said the injection was administered “under guidance of microscopy by the surgeons,” after his informed consent was obtained.

    It added that the procedure was carried out under standard monitoring in an operating theatre with all precautionary measures and protocols in place. The treatment was performed as day-care surgery, and the patient remained stable before, during and after the procedure. He was discharged with instructions for follow-up care.

    Imran Khan was first taken to hospital in late January for an eye procedure. Five days later, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that doctors at PIMS had conducted another examination and, after obtaining written consent, performed a short medical procedure lasting around 20 minutes.

    In March, another check-up was conducted at Adiala Jail, after which PIMS stated that Imran Khan had shown improvement in his vision following a second dose of anti-VEGF injection.

    Reacting to the latest statement, PTI raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the transfer to PIMS. 

    In a post on X, the party questioned the timing of the early morning press release regarding his transfer from Adiala Jail for the procedure. PTI also questioned why his personal physicians were not being allowed access and why his family had not been permitted to meet him, seeking clarity over what it described as a lack of transparency.

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

    The PTI has intensified calls for his release after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court stated that his vision in the right eye had dropped to 15 percent. Government officials maintain that he is receiving appropriate medical care.

    Last month, a medical board that examined him reported improvement in his eyesight and did not recommend hospital transfer. According to the report, his right eye vision improved from 6/36 to 6/9, while the left eye remains at 6/6 with glasses.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ‘Nothing as such to worry about’: Law minister on Imran Khan’s medical report

    ‘Nothing as such to worry about’: Law minister on Imran Khan’s medical report

    Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday dismissed concerns regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s reported vision loss, saying that there was “nothing as such to worry about”.

    As per the details, the minister’s remarks came days after the Supreme Court (SC) was informed that Imran had only 15 percent vision left in his right eye, prompting the top court to form a medical team and directing that an examination be conducted before February 16.

    On Sunday, a five-member medical team visited Adiala jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran is incarcerated, and conducted an eye examination. Blood samples were taken and blood pressure was checked. The PTI rejected the check-up, stating it was carried out without the presence of his family and personal physicians.

    Addressing the Bar Association Ferozewala in Shahdara on Monday, Tarar referred to the “latest report that had to be submitted” regarding Imran’s health. The minister said he had discussed the matter with Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan and other “relevant” individuals before attending the event.

    “They said thanks to God, the examination was carried out again on the Supreme Court’s order and there is no such thing about 35 or 25 [percent],” he said.

    “If he uses glasses for his eyesight, then one eye is approximately 70 percent fine and the other eye is 6/6. There is nothing as such to worry about.” In medical terms, 6/6 or 20/20 vision refers to normal clarity and sharpness of sight.

    Before commenting on Imran’s health, Tarar also said there was a need to pay attention to our national issues. 

    “We took difficult financial decisions, but the fruits of those can be seen now,” he stated, adding that Pakistan was now “performing way better economically”.

    He said political stability was necessary for economic stability. “There is a lot of noise these days that what is about happen and what has been done to the PTI founder,” he noted.

    Referring to the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Tarar said it was the “first time that a government was taking official measures to deprive the citizens of their rights”. 

    He cited road blockades at multiple entry and exit points of the province, including Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway at Swabi’s Anbar Interchange, GT Road at Khairabad Bridge, Dera Ismail Khan-Bhakkar Road, Lakki Marwat-Mianwali Road, Hazara Motorway at Abbottabad-Havelian Interchange, Kohat-Pindi Road near Khushal Garh and Upper Kohistan-Gilgit Karakoram Highway.

    “Article 15 [of the Constitution] allows freedom of movement, but the blockage of motorways and GT Road on the official level is unconstitutional,” he said.

    The minister expressed hope that the PTI would “rectify” the situation after reviewing the latest report.

    “Otherwise, the federal government will have to take some action,” he warned.

    Separately, a medical report dated February 6 and signed by Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS) Executive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikander stated that a qualified ophthalmologist examined Imran at Adiala and a “diagnosis of right central retinal vein occlusion was made”.

    The PTI and Imran’s family have demanded his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for further examination.

  • PTI, TTAP continue Parliament sit-in, press for Imran Khan’s transfer

    PTI, TTAP continue Parliament sit-in, press for Imran Khan’s transfer

    Parliamentarians from opposition parties, under the banners of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), continued their sit in at Parliament House and KP House in Islamabad on Saturday, demanding that Imran Khan be immediately moved to a hospital for treatment.

    On Thursday, the Supreme Court (SC) was informed that PTI founder Imran Khan’s right eye had only 15 percent vision remaining. The TTAP announced the sit in outside Parliament House on Friday following the update.


    The sit-in started after Friday prayers and continued overnight. Participants in the sit-in are demanding that PTI founder Imran Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital.

    PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said in a post on X that the sit in had entered its second day. He added, “We also remained inside Parliament House the entire night,” and that the PTI and TTAP leadership was “exhausted from hunger.” Akram claimed, “The police did not allow dinner at night and now breakfast in the morning to be taken inside.”

    TTAP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar attempted to deliver breakfast to protesting members from the rear side of Parliament House but was stopped by police. He wrote on X: “Outside the parliament to deliver food and water to friends inside. Wouldn’t mind not being let in but the refusal to let food and water go in is highly insensitive. There’s no other name for this heartless behaviour but ‘yazidiat’.”

    The protest is led by TTAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai and other leaders, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senator Ali Zafar, Asad Qaiser, and Junaid Akbar.


    PTI leader Shandana Gulzar said, “It was unfortunate that Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi gave four days to have Imran examined by a team of doctors. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister is staging a sit-in at KP House and protesting against the government’s unjust behaviour. We are demanding that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital.” She added, “The police had manhandled the parliamentarians and other leaders of the opposition.”

    Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said, “Respected members of Parliament and provincial assemblies were dragged. Making a mockery of democracy, playing around with the Constitution and going against Islam are the actions of this government. The fake forced government had gone mad in the fire of revenge.” He called for immediate release of all detained leaders and blamed the government for anarchy in Balochistan and KP.


    Awaam Pakistan leaders joined the sit-in. Dr Zafar Mirza, the party’s central spokesperson, represented the party at Parliament House. He said, “The supremacy of the Constitution and the protection of democratic values are our top priorities. The Islamabad police and administration have turned the Red Zone into a prison. The government has placed barriers on all routes leading to KP House.”

    KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi urged protesters to remain peaceful. He said on X, “Imran Khan sahib’s health is more important to me than politics. I will neither engage in politics myself over his health nor allow anyone else to do so.”


    Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum criticised the Supreme Court (SC), saying in a post on X, “The order should have been for Imran Khan to be shifted to Shifa International Hospital. Emergency orders for his immediate examination and treatment by specialist doctors under supervision of his personal doctors. Since CJP didn’t give a court order for Imran Khan’s treatment, people will have to support us to ensure there is enough pressure on the [government], so they will allow him to be treated at Shifa International Hospital.”

    PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan said, “PM Imran Khan must be given immediate access to qualified doctors and medical facilities in Shifa International Hospital Islamabad to save the vision in his eye. Every moment being delayed is criminal.”


    Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, said in a video statement, “This is obviously a matter of grave concern, but also lends great importance to the timeliness of treatment. In addition to timely and urgent treatment, it is crucially important that such treatment may be delivered by specialists in the field of retinal surgery.”

    He stated: “One such institution is the Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, which is a joint internationally certified hospital. I believe that they do have the right infrastructure and the specialists to be able to provide this care at high quality and at excellence, which is to ensure that Mr Khan receives the care that he requires at this time.”


    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said, “There is no need to deal with it politically; it is a medical issue. Wherever he (Imran) wants to go for a check-up, he will be taken. If he wants to go to Al-Shifa Eye Trust, then he will be taken there. There will be no negligence in the matter”.


    “If the CJP recommends a doctor, he will be taken there.” Chaudhry added. 

    He called on the opposition to refrain from politicising the issue. “This is a sensitive issue; politicising it and misrepresenting facts is completely unfair.”

  • Internet divided after PTI leader says ‘Lahoris should die of shame’ for celebrating Basant

    Internet divided after PTI leader says ‘Lahoris should die of shame’ for celebrating Basant

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shandana Gulzar Khan recently criticised Lahore residents for celebrating Basant, drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Her remarks came up after massive public attention on the city’s response to the long-awaited return of the traditional kite-flying festival.

    When asked about PTI founder Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan’s statement that “Lahoris cannot be stopped from celebrating Basant,” Shandana Gulzar Khan said, “Lahore residents have no sense of shame. I am sorry, I have great respect for Aleema Khan, but the people celebrating during funerals should drown in shame. They should die.”


    Her remarks refer to the celebrations held in Lahore coinciding with the funerals of worshippers killed in a suicide bombing at an Imambargah on the outskirts of Islamabad on February 6. The attack left several injured, with security sources confirming the attacker was a foreign national linked to Fitna-al-Khawarij. 

    Authorities had blocked the bomber at the entrance, after which he detonated himself. Hospitals in Islamabad, including PIMS, Polyclinic, and CDA Hospital, were put on emergency status to treat the injured.

    Public reaction to Shandana’s statements has been divided. Some criticized her strongly, with one social media user calling her “the most disgraceful woman of Pakistan and a big liar. Her statements are always controversial and we strongly reject her.” Another commented, “She is extraordinary blunt,” while others expressed disappointment in her perspective, noting that her words seemed disrespectful toward Punjabis and questioning her sensibility despite her education.

    However, not all reactions were negative. Supporters defended her blunt approach, with one saying, “I have never been so proud of someone for speaking the truth,” while another noted, “Truth hurts. She is absolutely right.” 

    Aleema Khan, whose family participated in the Basant celebrations, previously told reporters that the festival was celebrated at her Lahore residence despite political differences with the ruling PML-N. Her son, Shahrez, flew kites with his children on February 6, while she also flew kites marked with Imran Khan’s prisoner number, 804. She emphasized that Basant is a festival belonging to no political party and highlighted the city’s widespread enthusiasm, noting that children were also actively participating.

  • Non-bailable warrants issued for Aleema Khan, KP CM Afridi

    Non-bailable warrants issued for Aleema Khan, KP CM Afridi

    Courts in the twin cities on Tuesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants in two separate cases involving senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) figures, including Aleema Khanum, sister of party founder Imran Khan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

    An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Aleema Khan in connection with a PTI protest case stemming from the November 26 demonstrations. The case was registered at Sadiqabad police station.

    ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah ruled that there was no legal justification for Ms Khan’s absence from court proceedings, noting that she neither appeared before the court nor sought an exemption. Her counsel, Faisal Malik, was also absent, prompting the court to proceed with the hearing in their absence.

    The court accepted Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah’s request to include National Counter Cyber Crime Investigation (NCCI) official Salman Niaz as a prosecution witness and adjourned the hearing until Wednesday (today).

    Earlier, the same court dismissed Ms Khan’s plea seeking the removal of terrorism charges and rejected her challenge to the court’s jurisdiction under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Judge Shah ruled that the case fell within the ambit of the ATA, rejecting the defence’s argument that protest-related cases should not be tried in an anti-terrorism court.

    According to the prosecution, Ms Khan relayed a message from her brother Imran Khan from Adiala Jail, allegedly calling for nationwide protests that later turned violent. 

    Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the Faizabad protest resulted in injuries to police personnel and that gunfire struck a police van, actions which, he said, met the legal threshold for terrorism.

    The prosecution also accused the defence of employing delaying tactics, including repeated adjournment requests citing a lawyers’ strike.

    During earlier proceedings, the court ordered the unfreezing of bank accounts belonging to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and Namal University, clarifying that prosecutors had never sought their freezing.


    The November 26 protests saw PTI supporters march towards Islamabad despite government restrictions, leading to clashes with security personnel in the Red Zone.

    Following the unrest, multiple cases were registered under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act at Taxila, Sadiqabad and Naseerabad police stations. Proceedings in the Sadiqabad case are ongoing at the ATC Rawalpindi.


    Separately, an Islamabad court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in a case related to allegedly misleading statements against state institutions and damage to their reputation.


    The case was registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Authority (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA ), 2016, following allegations that the chief minister made false and defamatory claims against state institutions.



    During the hearing, Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah noted that CM Afridi had once again failed to appear despite repeated summons. The court subsequently ordered his immediate arrest and directed law enforcement authorities to ensure his production before the court. The hearing was adjourned till February 21.