Islamabad: Political tension has increased again in Pakistan regarding the meeting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in jail and his health. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has warned that protests will be launched across the country if party leaders are not allowed to meet Imran Khan in Adiala jail. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the party MPs will go to jail to meet Imran Khan on Thursday. He claimed that in case the meeting does not take place, the whole of Pakistan will turn into D-Chowk by 10 pm.
What is PTI’s complete plan?
Sohail Afridi said in the press conference on Monday that all PTI MPs will reach Adiala jail on Thursday and try to meet Imran Khan. This step is being taken by the party at a time when resentment is increasing among the supporters regarding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and his health condition. Afridi said that if the meeting of party leaders is banned, the scope of the protest will not be limited to Islamabad only.
Why increased concern about Imran’s health?
PTI has been continuously claiming that jailed Imran Khan should get better medical facilities and the right to regular meetings with family and party leaders. Party leaders have also raised questions regarding his health and eye problems. Afridi said that his demand is not for any political meeting but to provide necessary medical facilities to Imran Khan. He demanded the government monitor his health and ensure proper treatment in jail.
Did Imran’s family also put any condition?
PTI has said that Imran Khan’s family has assured the government that there will be no political discussion during the meeting in jail. The party says that after this assurance, the government should allow the leaders to meet Imran. Afridi has appealed to the government to allow the meeting on this basis. According to the party, the biggest issue at the moment is Imran Khan’s health and getting him proper medical care.
What allegation was made against Shahbaz Sharif government?
Sohail Afridi also targeted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior members of his government. He said that if anything happens to Imran Khan in jail then the Prime Minister and key people of the government will be held responsible for it. PTI had earlier also been raising questions on the government regarding the way Imran Khan was kept in jail and the restrictions imposed on meeting him. However, all the party’s allegations regarding Imran Khan’s health have not been confirmed by the government.
How long has Imran Khan been in jail?
73-year-old Imran Khan has been lodged in Pakistan’s Adiala jail since August 2023 and several cases are pending against him. There were massive political demonstrations in Pakistan after his arrest. There were also clashes between PTI supporters and security forces on several occasions. In this political background, the party has been continuously demanding the release of Imran Khan.
Will PTI supporters take to the streets again?
The party’s latest warning is likely to increase political tension in Pakistan. Even before this, PTI supporters have taken to the streets on the issue of Imran Khan’s arrest and meeting him in jail. In early August, on the completion of three years of Imran Khan’s imprisonment, protests took place in many cities of Pakistan and news of the arrest of more than 100 supporters was reported. Now everyone’s eyes are on whether the conflict between the government and PTI increases over Thursday’s proposed meeting.
