K-P CM warns against politicising Imran Khan’s health

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday referred to a directive of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, saying that under the orders of the chief justice, incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan’s treatment should be completed by February 16.

Afridi, reacting to the recent tensions following the surfacing of a report on Khan’s eye condition, took to the social media platform X and said the matter should not be politicised, stressing that treatment must proceed in line with court directives.

He called for calm and restraint amid concerns over his health, urging party workers to remain peaceful and vigilant while pressing for his immediate medical treatment.

Read: PTI stages rally over Imran’s health

Political temperatures rose sharply after a seven-page report submitted to the Supreme Court detailed the living conditions of the PTI founder at Adiala Jail, quoting him as saying he had lost 85% vision in his right eye. The report triggered strong condemnation from the PTI, which termed the alleged denial of proper medical care “grave and inexcusable negligence,” claiming his treatment had been limited to basic eye drops for months despite a worsening condition.

In a major development, the federal government assured the apex court that Khan would be provided access to specialist eye doctors for a fresh medical assessment and allowed telephonic contact with his sons, Kasim and Sulaiman. The assurances were given during a hearing on facilities available to the incarcerated leader at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail before a two-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan.

Within hours, the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), in which PTI is a key stakeholder, announced a sit-in outside Parliament. Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mehmood Achakzai warned that the government would be responsible if anything happened to Khan before their demands were met. PTI’s central leadership is leading the protest, with MNAs, MPAs and senators directed to participate, adding that the sit-in would continue for an indefinite period if necessary.

Further intensifying the row, PTI leaders alleged that Khan was taken to the hospital without proper consent and without consulting his personal physicians or family. The party demanded immediate access to trusted doctors, possible transfer to a reputable hospital for specialised treatment, restoration of family visitation and legal access, and accountability of jail officials. It also warned of a wider public movement and possible legal action if its demands were not addressed, urging international human rights organisations and the media to take notice of what it described as medical and mental torture.

In a statement addressed to “my fellow Pakistanis,” K-P CM Afridi said Khan’s health was “above politics” and vowed neither to politicise the issue nor allow others to do so.

“Imran Khan’s health is more important to me than politics. I will neither politicise it myself nor allow anyone else to do so,” Afridi said, acknowledging the “grief and anger” among supporters.

The statement urged party workers to turn their emotions into strength. “In difficult and delicate times, one has to fight with wisdom and composure. Your hidden strategy is your greatest strength,” he said.

Describing Khan as “not an ordinary person,” the K-P CM noted that he is a former prime minister and the lifelong chairman of the country’s largest political party. He alleged that “a mockery has been made of his health, which is an unforgivable act,” and stressed that his best possible medical treatment was now the top priority.

Read More: TTAP sit-in

“No one should think that I will sit idle until Imran Khan receives treatment,” Afridi added.

Party workers who had taken to the streets without an official call were asked to remain peaceful wherever they were and to support fellow workers nearby. The statement cautioned that Khan’s opponents, whom it accused of subjecting him to “medical terrorism,” could attempt to infiltrate protests to provoke violence.

“We must keep an eye on disruptive elements and continue peaceful protest,” Afridi said, warning supporters not to believe any negative or false propaganda unless confirmed by Khan’s family or the party.

The K-P CM assured the public that Khan’s treatment would be conducted under the supervision of his personal physicians and in consultation with his family, while also stressing the need to ensure his security alongside treatment for his reported eye condition.