Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday urged the people of Pakistan to facilitate the ongoing flood relief efforts nationwide, vowing his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would play its role for flood victims without any discrimination.
In a message issued through his lawyers from Adiala Jail, he pointed to the role of climate change in the ongoing crisis. “I have always endeavored to raise awareness regarding climate change and the devastation it brings,” he said, recalling the “Billion Tree” plantation project had aimed to address this through reforestation. “Trees are the true guardians of the environment. Rapid progress on such projects must be made a national priority,” he said.
Khan further expressed condolences about the loss of lives and infrastructure in Afghanistan following an earthquake earlier this week and reiterated his concern over the deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan.
The PTI patron-in-chief demanded an immediate halt to drone strikes and military operations targeting terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the provincial government must vigorously resist such actions,” he said.
Referring to his party’s decision to boycott by-elections in constituencies vacated after the disqualification of lawmakers convicted in cases pertaining to the May 9, 2023 riots, he appreciated all those who had withdrawn their nomination papers or resigned from parliamentary committees. “I further instruct them that if they have any vehicles or privileges still in use, they must return them immediately,” he said, adding the PTI would stage a rally after the flood situation is resolved.
He also vowed he would not be deterred by any pressure, adding he would continue to fight for “real independence.”
Health concerns
Also on Tuesday, a medical report of Khan surfaced, stating he was suffering from tinnitus and vertigo and needed minor treatment for issues concerning his teeth. In light of the report, the PTI has demanded Khan be allowed access to his personal physician, claiming his symptoms are worsened by “isolation” and he requires dedicated care.