PTI broadside targets govt on multiple fronts

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday strongly condemned the "continued illegal solitary confinement" of the party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, accusing the authorities of persistent defiance of judicial orders.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said in a statement that the party respected the institution of the judiciary, but the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) decision to adjourn the hearing of the plea regarding the solitary confinement of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi until August 6 was deeply concerning.

"Granting the jail administration nearly a month to submit further reports risks prolonging an already serious situation and allows those responsible for defying earlier court orders to continue their non-compliance," Akram said.

The PTI demanded the immediate removal of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the inspector general of prisons and the superintendent of Adiala Jail. "These officials are directly responsible for the continued illegal solitary confinement and for repeatedly failing to implement clear judicial orders," Akram said.

"The court itself has acknowledged the gravity of the allegations regarding violations of fundamental rights and psychological distress," Akram said, adding that the prolonged defiance of court orders by the jail administration was unacceptable and must be addressed without further delay.

The statement also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health of Imran Khan due to prolonged solitary confinement. "Reports of serious deterioration in his vision require immediate and proper medical attention by independent specialists, not superficial treatment," Akram said.

"The PTI demands his immediate transfer to a proper medical facility, full access to his personal physicians in the presence of family members, and strict enforcement of court orders regarding medical care and family access."

The PTI also condemned the terrorist attack in Balochistan in which nine police officers were martyred. Akram said the tragedy was the direct consequence of the government's failed security policies, political engineering and the complete breakdown of the state's writ.

"While the controlled media attempts to project an image of normalcy, the expansion of areas where the state has lost control and the rise in terrorist incidents across Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and other regions reflect a dangerous collapse in governance and security," he said.

Akram expressed hope that the controversial Privilege Amendment Bill introduced in the K-P Assembly would be repealed at the earliest. He said any law that curtailed freedom of expression or targeted journalists had no place in a democratic society and must be withdrawn immediately.