POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Umar Ayub, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, addressed the media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi, where he voiced serious concerns about the treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan while in custody. Ayub claimed that Khan is not being provided with proper food in jail, resulting in health issues, including vomiting.
“This is unacceptable,” Ayub stated, highlighting that the PTI founder is facing undue hardships during his incarceration. He emphasized, “We stand with Imran Khan,” indicating strong party support for their leader in these challenging times. The opposition leader also mentioned that Bushra Bibi had recently secured bail on merit and expressed optimism that Khan would also be released soon.
Ayub's remarks came amidst a backdrop of political tensions, as he announced that an arrest warrant was ongoing against him, prompting his presence at the court. He criticized the ongoing legal actions against PTI leaders, asserting that the cases are fabricated and politically motivated. “These are fake cases,” he remarked, underscoring his belief in the unjust treatment of PTI members.
During the press conference, Ayub also condemned the treatment of PTI women, mentioning that the daughter of Chaudhry Imtiaz was allegedly dragged during a confrontation. He called for the Speaker of the National Assembly and Special Committee Chairman Khurshid Shah to safeguard the rights of party members.
Adding to the concerns surrounding Khan’s health, Ayub referred to comments made by Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, who alleged that the electricity in her brother's cell had been cut off since October 3, contributing to his suffering. Aleema Khan highlighted that the food provided to Imran Khan was inadequate, causing him to vomit, raising alarms about his well-being in custody.
As the situation unfolds, the PTI leadership remains vocal about the treatment of their founder, while party members continue to rally support for Khan amidst ongoing legal battles.