PTI Political Committee Calls for Release of Detained Leaders, Seeks Medical Access for Imran Khan

Committee expresses concern over political arrests, rising terrorism and economic hardship; stresses party unity, discipline and consultation on future strategy

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Political Committee has called for the immediate release of detained party leaders and workers, demanded proper medical facilities and family access for former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, and expressed concern over the country's political, security and economic situation.

The demands were made at a meeting of the party's Political Committee, which reviewed the treatment of Imran Khan and his family, arrests of party leaders and workers, alleged political victimisation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rising incidents of terrorism and the economic difficulties facing the public.

In a press statement issued by PTI Central Media Department on Monday, the committee termed the detention of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, provincial assembly speaker and other elected representatives unlawful and called for their immediate release. It said keeping elected representatives in custody undermined democratic principles and disregarded the public mandate.

The meeting also expressed concern over reports regarding the possible transfer of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi to hospital, saying their families should have been informed about any such medical arrangements. It demanded full implementation of the Supreme Court's directions concerning Imran Khan's medical treatment, regular updates for his family and access for relatives to meet him. Similar medical facilities and family visitation rights were sought for Bushra Bibi.

The committee strongly condemned the arrest of Imran Khan's sisters and demanded their immediate release, along with permission to meet and inquire about his health. It said families should not be deprived of the right to meet their detained relatives.

The meeting also raised concerns over the arrest of MNA Adil Bazai and other party leaders and workers, particularly those detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) provisions. It demanded the release of all detained party members and called for an end to arrests based on political differences.

The committee further criticised the re-arrest of individuals who had already been released under court orders, saying such actions raised questions about respect for judicial decisions and the rule of law.

It also condemned raids and alleged vandalism at the residences of former federal minister Omar Ayub Khan, Sher Ali Arbab, Shah Ahmed and other PTI leaders. The committee said targeting the homes and families of political opponents was unacceptable and called for an end to harassment and raids against party workers.

Discussing the security situation, the committee condemned the growing incidents of terrorism and called for effective measures to protect citizens. It said safeguarding the lives and property of the people was a fundamental responsibility of the state.

The committee, however, stressed that counterterrorism measures should not be used as a means of political victimisation and that the fundamental rights of political workers, citizens and supporters of opposition parties must be protected.

On the economic front, the meeting expressed concern over rising inflation, petroleum prices and high electricity bills, saying the increasing cost of essential commodities, transport and energy had placed an additional burden on low- and middle-income households.

The committee also questioned the gap between the reported LPG procurement price of Rs238 per kilogram and its alleged retail price of up to Rs700 per kilogram. It urged the relevant authorities to investigate the pricing difference, monitor the market and take action against profiteering.

It called for meaningful relief in petroleum and electricity prices, a reduction in excessive power bills and measures to make LPG and other essential commodities affordable for ordinary consumers.

The committee said economic policies should focus on providing relief to the public rather than adding to the financial difficulties of households already struggling to meet basic expenses.

Reaffirming its political position, the committee said the PTI would continue its struggle for Imran Khan's release, restoration of democracy, supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law.

It also rejected the impression of divisions within the party, maintaining that its leadership and workers remained united under Imran Khan's leadership and committed to his political vision.

The committee emphasised the need to strengthen consultation with parliamentarians, the party's parliamentary group and other relevant stakeholders. It said their suggestions and concerns would be given due consideration while finalising the party's future political strategy.

The meeting also stressed the importance of maintaining organisational discipline, deciding that action would be taken against anyone violating the party's established policies and rules. It said irresponsible public statements made outside the party's agreed position and breaches of organisational discipline would not be overlooked.

The committee decided to finalise the party's future strategy at the earliest and present it to party workers and the public. It reiterated that the PTI would continue its political struggle despite the prevailing challenges, with a focus on public rights, democracy and constitutional supremacy.