PTI leader back in jail despite medical problems: lawyer

Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Yasmin Rashid's lawyer has alleged that she was returned to Kot Lakhpat Jail on Saturday after a premature discharge from the Services Hospital despite ongoing serious medical issues.

Dr Rashid, 74, a gynaecologist and cancer survivor, has been in custody since May 12, 2023, facing multiple charges tied to riots sparked by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. Her health has repeatedly faltered, with hospitalisations in May and July last year, and again last week when she suffered severe abdominal pain and breathing difficulties.

Her lawyer Rana Mudassar said she was battling stomach infection and needed oxygen support for respiratory distress. Although she underwent medical tests during her recent hospital stay, Mudassar said the authorities had discharged her without completing necessary treatment, alleging a violation of her right to healthcare. Her family and legal team were not informed of her transfer back to jail, the lawyer alleged.

Punjab Assembly Deputy Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi criticised the government's handling of the matter. He emphasised vulnerability of the former provincial minister as an elderly cancer survivor and accused authorities of neglecting her medical needs for political reasons.