Forgotten: Critically injured PTI supporter gets no love from party
Hussain suffered injuries when a bus carrying PTI marchers from Lahore turned over near Shakarparian Chowk. Hussain’s uncle Sajid Jehangir, 35, was among the two who died in the accident. His cousin Ali Raza, 21, was also seriously injured. Raza has now has been shifted to Lahore.
The 21-year-old Hussain is a resident of Punjab Society, Bandya Wala Pul, Lahore. A plumber by profession, he is a son of a retired school teacher who cannot come to see him due to his own poor health.
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (SZAB) Medical University Vice-Chancellor Prof Javed Akram said Hussain underwent a five-hour surgery after his stomach, large intestine, spleen and liver were severely damaged in the accident. His both legs have also been fractured. “We are making best efforts to save him.”
“On Sunday, the doctor told me to call mother to Islamabad to see him because his condition was serious,” said his elder brother Sabir Hussain.
No PTI official has visited Hussain. He has not received even a ‘get well soon’ message from the party he had come to support. PTI President Javed Hashmi is admitted a few yards from Hussain. Party office bearers visit Hashmi every day. But still, the family’s support for Imran Khan is unflinching.
“Hussain belongs to a poor family. That is why he is ignored by the party which had brought him to Islamabad. Had he been born into a wealthy family they would have come to enquire about his health too,” said Zaryak Baig, a well-wisher of Hussian who is living with his family in the hospital. “The party has not announced financial assistance for the family.”
“We get food from the hospital cafeteria and spend night on the floor outside the surgical ICU. We have no other place to go to,” said Sabir Hussian.
The boy’s mother Sajida Parveen said, “I tried to stop him from going with the ‘Azadi March’ but he did not listen to me. He was very enthusiastic.”
She recalled that before leaving for Islamabad Hussain’s last sentence was, “I am going to support my leader to create a ‘Naya Pakistan’. For that, I might have to stay there for a week or a month, but you do not worry. I will be back.”
On Tuesday, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique , Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Deputy Convener Farooq Sattar, MQM’s parliamentary leader in the Senate Babar Ghauri, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad and Shireen Mizari of PTI visited Javaid Hashmi who has been admitted to Pims.
According to Pims spokesperson Dr Ayesha Eshani, Hashmi’s health is improving. His blood test reports are clear. Hashmi had left the hospital in the afternoon to attend a party meeting, to be back late night.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2014.
COMMENTS (5)
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I went to meet Sajid and Arshad along with Hafiz Farhat Abbas (PTI Lahore, leader from their costincy) and Usman Dar (senior PTI leader). Sajid was in critical stage, Hafiz Farhat arranged for his brother gave them money. Ambulance for Arshad was arranged from PIMS to Sargodha. ALl paid by Hafiz Farhat.
Hafiz Farhat contest on PP155
Dear Tribune,
I am a worker of PTI from DHA, Lahore (UC-07 Walton Cantt). I know Sajid Hussian and his family since he has volunteered with me as a Tabdeli Razakar in the GE 2013. I feel that the information given in your report doesn't give the true picture. I was not in the same bus with Sajid Hussian and came to know about the terrible news the next day. Since then we the workers, elected members of the union council and the PTI Cantt. Town management has been in regular contact with the family. Sajid was in critical situation when brought to PIMS and required a platelet transfusion, we also arranged about 15 bottles of blood for him from time to time. Keeping in view the family's financial constraints the president of PTI Cantt. Town took upon himself all the hospital expenses which we feel is our duty. The party couldn't arrange better accommodation for the attendants and we will try to collect funds for that as-well, but at the same time you should keep in mind that the capital is swarmed from outsiders and accommodation is an issue for every one. Regarding the senior leadership not visiting the hospitalized worker. All of us know that these are crucial days and the senior leadership is occupied with the sit-in. Imran Khan himself is aware of the matter and therefore sent his sister Mrs. Aleema Khan to visit the patient. Also Fauzia Qasuri and few other female MPAs have also visited him. We are sure that PTI's leadership like always will take care of it's workers and as soon as they get time IK will himself visit him. The reporter should investigate the facts before giving such a negative picture and should ask for the point of view of the other party before such maligning.
Salman Ali Khan
Dearest Hussain, I wish you a complete and speedy recovery!
The last two paragraphs seem to be misplaced or are from another article.
Thank You Sehrish for highlighting this issue.Such dedicated workers are an assett to any political party.Inshallah we will do everything to help this family.I am informing my family friends in Islamabad to visit him and communicate that we love him very much and ready to help in any way he wants.Imran Khan would also visit him as soon as possible.