By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reaffirmed its boycott of Punjab’s upcoming by-elections, ordering all members and candidates to withdraw nomination papers immediately.
The party also raised urgent concerns about the deteriorating health of Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi, amid a backdrop of escalating political tensions and fears of controversial constitutional amendments.
In a statement released on Friday by its Central Media Department, PTI reiterated its decision to abstain from the by-elections, in line with directives from its patron-in-chief, Khan. The party’s Political Committee had initially planned to contest only the NA-129 seat in Lahore, vacated after the death of veteran politician Mian Muhammad Azhar.
However, Azhar’s son, Hammad Azhar, opted not to run for personal reasons, prompting PTI to enforce a complete boycott. The statement clarified that any candidate filing nomination papers under PTI’s name is acting against party orders. “PTI completely disassociates itself from any individual filing nomination papers under the party’s name,” the statement said, directing candidates to withdraw immediately.
The party emphasised its commitment to its “political and public struggle” and ruled out participation in the by-elections.
The boycott announcement coincided with growing alarm over Khan’s health, as he remains detained in Adiala Jail following his arrest in August 2023. On August 27, Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, filed a court petition stating that the former prime minister reported blurred vision and eye pressure during a recent meeting. The petition noted that Khan has not received a medical check-up since November 2024 and demanded immediate access for a medical team from Shaukat Khanum Hospital or his personal physician.
PTI criticized the government and judiciary for their “indifferent attitude” toward Khan’s condition. Although a court issued notices to the Adiala Jail superintendent and the prosecution, a hearing scheduled for August 29 was postponed to Saturday.
The party highlighted perceived double standards, noting that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was granted bail in a single court appearance upon his return to Pakistan, with cases against him later dropped. Similarly, Ishaq Dar received bail in absentia, and his cases were dismissed.
“Why is such a negligent and discriminatory approach being taken toward the health of Pakistan’s most prominent leader, who secured a two-thirds majority in the February 8, 2024 elections?” PTI asked.
The party demanded urgent access for Khan’s physician and specialists to conduct a comprehensive medical examination, asserting that the public deserves transparency about the well-being of the country’s “most popular leader.”
PTI also expressed concern about Bushra Bibi’s treatment, alleging she is being provided contaminated water for drinking, ablutions, and bathing, and called for immediate action to address her conditions.
In a related development, PTI legislator Junaid Akbar resigned as chairman of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and as a member of the Standing Committee on Energy. In a letter to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Akbar described his tenure as an “honour” and expressed confidence that the committees’ work would continue to bolster public trust in parliamentary oversight.
“I step down confident that the institutional momentum we have built will continue to strengthen public trust in Parliament,” Akbar wrote, thanking committee members, the Auditor General’s office, and secretariat staff. He pledged to continue serving as a National Assembly member and supporting democratic institutions.
PTI also voiced apprehension about the government’s reported plans to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a move the party fears could deepen political divisions. Amir Dogar, PTI’s chief whip in the National Assembly, told reporters that the opposition is bracing for contentious legislative battles in the coming days.
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