PTI Calls for Imran Khan’s Immediate Transfer to Shifa Hospital for Critical Eye Care

Waqas Slam Israel’s Strikes on Lebanon Hours After Two-Week Truce Declaration 

PTI Marks April 9 by Showcasing 63 Major Achievements of Imran Khan’s Era

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary (CIS) Sheikh Waqas Akram expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating eyesight of party founder Imran Khan and reiterated the demand by his family and the party to shift him to Shifa International Hospital for proper medical treatment.

In a statement on Thursday, PTI CIS said the nation would not tolerate any negligence in the medical care of PTI chairman-for-life. He said that the details with regard to Imran Khan’s eyesight, shared by his counsel Salman Safdar, who met him in Adiala Jail on Wednesday, were extremely alarming.

He demanded that the authorities provide unhindered access to Imran Khan for his family, lawyers, and party leadership, and allow him to receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital under the guidance and supervision of his personal physicians.

Waqas called for the restoration of all the rights including access to adequate healthcare facilities, television, newspapers and meetings, who is entitled to as a former prime minister.

PTI CIS also expressed concern over the treatment of Imran Khan’s spouse, Bushra Bibi, stating that she had not been allowed to meet him despite being a former first lady.

Talking about April 9, 2022, Waqas said that the well-performing PTI government led by Imran Khan was ousted on April 9.

He stated that the country continues to pay a heavy price for toppling of Imran Khan-led government, which, he said, resulted in plunging a well-performing nation to the brink of disaster—such a deepening debt burden, a mass exodus of educated and skilled youth, soaring inflation, widespread unemployment, and the erosion of hard-won peace.

Highlighting the performance of the then PTI government, Waqas said that during its tenure the administration delivered 63 major achievements across governance, economy, welfare, foreign policy, and institutional reforms during its short tenure.

Imran Khan-led Govt’s 63 Landmark Achievements

He stated that Imran Khan became one of the first world leaders to raise the issue of Islamophobia at the United Nations, leading to the observance of an international day against Islamophobia.

He said that PTI government gave a strong response to India during heightened tensions, ended drone strikes inside Pakistan, and initiated major dam projects. He said exports were increased significantly, and policies were introduced to convert penalties and fines into avenues for investment.

Waqas further said PTI government created employment opportunities, boosted textile and IT exports, and launched the Billion Tree Tsunami environmental initiative. He claimed that farmer-friendly policies resulted in record crop production and that the Sehat Sahulat Program provided free medical treatment of up to Rs1 million for families. He also mentioned the establishment of shelters for the homeless under the Panagah project.

He noted that reforms such as the introduction of a uniform national curriculum, the Pakistan Citizen Portal for resolving public complaints, and the Roshan Digital Account for overseas Pakistanis were key milestones. He said that Pakistan’s “smart lockdown” strategy during COVID-19 received global recognition.

Among other initiatives, Waqas listed tourism promotion, the upgradation of Skardu International Airport, the establishment of Al-Qadir University, women’s protection laws, online FIR registration, promotion of e-governance, police reform efforts, completion of energy projects, welfare programs such as Ehsaas Program and Kamyab Jawan Program, ration initiatives, facilities for overseas Pakistanis, and steps to promote sports.

He stated that these measures reflected what he called an independent foreign policy, simplicity and austerity in governance, and a low-cost model of government focused on public welfare.

PTI CIS strongly condemned Israel’s breach of the ceasefire and strikes in Lebanon, calling the development deeply alarming and detrimental to regional peace.

He said that PTI welcomed the efforts of Pakistan in facilitating the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US and urged the government to press for strict observance of the ceasefire terms and to immediately raise the issue of the continued bombardment in Lebanon with the US and other concerned international actors. He warned that such actions risk derailing prospects for a permanent ceasefire and could trigger renewed conflict with devastating consequences.

Waqas stated that the strikes had resulted in the tragic loss of numerous innocent women and children. He reiterated PTI’s longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy—not military confrontation—remain the only viable path to resolving conflicts.

“We, as a party, stand firmly with the people of the region and urge all stakeholders to prioritise peace, protect civilian lives, and work towards a just and lasting resolution,” he added.