Sohail Afridi Leads PTI Protest at Adiala Jail Over Imran Khan’s Health

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has initiated an indefinite sit-in outside Adiala Jail following the controversial handling of former Prime Minister Imran Khan‘s medical treatment. Over 300 members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party gathered on Thursday night to demand answers regarding Khan’s recent transfer to a hospital without any prior notification to his family or party officials.

This protest stems from alarming reports that Khan underwent a secret medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Khan was moved from his jail cell for a brief, 20-minute eye operation last Saturday. While the government asserts that the 73-year-old leader is “absolutely healthy” and consented to the treatment, PTI leaders have vehemently condemned the actions as a “criminal act of negligence.”

According to PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, the party learned about Khan’s health issues through media leaks indicating he has been diagnosed with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). This serious condition can lead to permanent blindness if not addressed in a proper medical setting. Raja criticized the government for misleading them about Khan’s health status, stating, “They lied to us saying he was fine, but now talk of an operation has come to light.” He further accused authorities of violating court orders that allow regular visits from Khan’s family and personal doctors.

Political Tensions Escalate

As the situation unfolds, CM Afridi has made it clear that he will not leave the protest site until a meeting with Khan is arranged. He articulated five pressing questions directed at the federal government:

1. Why was Khan’s health allowed to deteriorate to this extent?
2. Why was his illness concealed from his family and legal team?
3. Why were family visits denied during this critical time?
4. Why was the hospital transfer kept secret from those who care about him?
5. Why was the family not consulted before the medical procedure?

The protest outside Adiala Jail has created a charged atmosphere, with PTI supporters gathering around fires to express solidarity during the chilly winter night. KP Information Minister Shafi Jan emphasized that the sit-in will persist until at least one of the doctors recommended by the party is permitted to assess Khan’s condition. “This is an issue of the leader’s life; we will absolutely not normalize it,” Afridi warned, calling on citizens to prepare for further actions.

With February 8, 2025 marking the date for upcoming local elections and larger national protests on the horizon, the government’s management of Khan’s medical situation has emerged as a critical flashpoint. This incident has the potential to significantly alter the political landscape in Pakistan as tensions between the PTI and the ruling authorities continue to escalate. The outcome of this standoff may not only impact Khan’s health but also the broader dynamics of the country’s political future.