NDC Voices Serious Concern Over PTI Founder’s Medical Condition
The National Dialogue Committee (NDC) has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating health of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. The committee cited serious risks to his wellbeing, particularly in light of the government’s recent admission regarding his eye operation. The concern was formally conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday.
The statement followed a key meeting of the NDC held in Islamabad. The committee comprises former PTI leaders and senior political figures. Those present included Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail, Mahmood Maulvi, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, former minister Mohammad Ali Durrani, former Karachi mayor Waseem Akhter, and veteran politician Munir Ahmad Khan.
During the meeting, participants discussed Imran Khan’s health, prison conditions, and what they termed a lack of transparency by authorities. The NDC warned that the situation has caused anxiety among the public and raised concerns at the international level regarding Pakistan’s human rights record.
Demand for Independent Medical Board and Family Access
The NDC demanded the immediate formation of an independent medical board to assess Imran Khan’s health. The committee also called for an urgent meeting between Imran Khan and his personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan. It further demanded that meetings with his family members and sons be facilitated without delay.
According to the NDC, these steps are necessary to ease the mental distress of Imran Khan’s family and supporters. The committee said such measures would also help counter what it described as ongoing international defamation of Pakistan over fundamental human, legal, and democratic rights.
In a joint statement, NDC leaders strongly criticized the conduct of the federal and Punjab governments. They described the treatment of the jailed PTI founder as undemocratic and contrary to the ruling coalition’s public stance on prisoner rights. The committee accused the government of failing to uphold its own principles.
The NDC pointed out that the ruling parties had previously opposed politicizing health matters. However, it said the same standard was not being applied in the cases of Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and other political detainees. The leaders called this approach discriminatory and politically motivated.
Condemnation of Government Conduct and Achakzai’s Remarks
The committee demanded equal treatment for Imran Khan, referencing the formation of a medical board for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. It said Imran Khan should be granted identical facilities, including access to his personal doctor.
The NDC warned that any harm to Imran Khan’s health would make the entire ruling coalition accountable. It stated that the right to health is a fundamental and inalienable right of every prisoner under the law. The committee said it reserved the right to pursue legal action if negligence continued.
The statement further accused the government of concealing facts regarding Imran Khan’s declining eyesight. It alleged that misleading statements were issued for days, indicating deliberate attempts to defame state institutions. The NDC termed this a dangerous strategy that could provoke public anger and harm national interests.
The NDC also strongly condemned opposition leader Mahmood Achakzai’s remarks downplaying Imran Khan’s health concerns. It labeled him the government’s “B-team” and accused him of acting in coordination with ruling parties. The committee said his silence and statements proved he was not fulfilling the role of a true opposition leader.
The NDC announced it would continue exposing the conduct of both the government and opposition. It also urged PTI and opposition leaders to jointly organize a sit-in outside the Prime Minister’s House to press for Imran Khan’s rights.
