PTI CIS demands full transparency on Imran Khan’s health, immediate access for personal physicians

Waqas expresses grief over Soldier Bazaar tragedy, urges urgent aid for victims

Criticises Punjab govt for acquiring VIP Jet for "Maryam" amid nation’s economic crisis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram has expressed profound concern over the growing anxiety among the public regarding the health of former prime minister Imran Khan, demanding that his personal physicians be granted immediate and unrestricted access to conduct all necessary medical examinations without any further delay.

In a statement issued by the PTI Central Media Department, PTI CIS said that the matter concerning the party’s founder was not merely political, but a test of national trust, human rights, and the government’s responsibility.

Sheikh Waqas stated that any ambiguity surrounding the health of a leader who commands the confidence of millions is unacceptable, adding that the government’s silence and lack of clarity have only intensified public unease rather than alleviating it.

“Imran Khan is a former prime minister of Pakistan and the voice of millions, not only within the country but across the world, and any uncertainty regarding his health and safety is intolerable,” he added.

PTI CIS emphasized that if the government has nothing to conceal, there is no justification for delaying full transparency. “We demand that Imran Khan’s personal physicians be granted immediate and unrestricted access to conduct all necessary medical examinations, including blood tests and any other required diagnostic procedures,” he demanded.

Sheikh Waqas further added that if any scans or specialized evaluations are required, he must be allowed to be taken to a hospital or diagnostic center of his choice, as it is the government’s responsibility to provide the nation with clear, verified, and unambiguous medical facts.

A significant amount of time has already been lost amid concerns over Imran Khan’s health, the party said, concluding that no further delay will be acceptable, he warned.

PTI Grieved Over Karachi Tragedy

Meanwhile, PTI CIS expressed profound grief and deep concern over the tragic incident in the Soldier Bazaar area of Karachi, where a residential building collapsed following a gas explosion, leaving at least 16 people — including women and children — dead and 14 others injured.

Sheikh Waqas said the heartbreaking loss of precious human lives, particularly innocent children and women, has left the entire nation in shock and sorrow. “We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and pray that Allah Almighty grants the departed souls the highest place in Jannah, blesses the injured with a swift and complete recovery, and grants patience to the grieving families,” he stated.

He emphasized that the tragedy was not the result of a single day’s negligence but an alleged reflection of 18 years of persistent mismanagement, weak oversight, and corruption in Sindh. As a result, he said, citizens continue to lose their lives due to illegal constructions, dilapidated structures, and the absence of safety standards, questioning how many more years are needed to safeguard innocent lives.

Sheikh Waqas reiterated that PTI demands immediate financial assistance for the affected families, along with temporary shelter, medical facilities, and comprehensive rehabilitation measures.

PTI Slams Punjab’s Luxury Jet

Meanwhile, PTI CIS severely criticized the Punjab government for what he stated acquiring a luxury Gulfstream business jet valued between $38 million and $42 million (over Rs11 billion) allegedly for the personal use of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Sheikh Waqas highlighted the glaring hypocrisy of this lavish expenditure at a time when the government publicly promotes austerity, while the nation struggles under record unemployment, back-breaking inflation, and a collapsing economy.

He questioned how a government can justify splurging on a high-end VIP jet when 45% of Pakistanis live below the poverty line, lacking even the purchasing power for basic necessities, and when the country survives on foreign loans and massive borrowing. Sheikh Waqas warned that such reckless spending exposes the government’s disconnect from public hardships, reflects a blatant disregard for citizens’ suffering. PTI CIS vowed that the people will not tolerate the squandering of public funds on personal luxury, holding those responsible fully accountable for misusing the national treasury.