ISLAMABAD: Leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other opposition parties, including Salman Akram Raja, Asad Qaiser, Taimur Jhagra, Zubair Umar and Sanaullah Baloch, addressed a press conference

Salman Akram Raja stated that the PTI founder was brought to a hospital in the darkness of night and then taken back, while neither his family nor his personal doctors were informed about his condition.

He alleged that “medical terrorism” was being carried out against the PTI founder and strongly condemned it, announcing nationwide protests by the parliamentary party and all affiliated organizations.

He added that lawyers last met the PTI founder in October, while Salman Safdar was later allowed a special meeting.

Raja said that the matter has been taken to the Supreme Court and urged the Chief Justice to take notice and hear their petitions.

He also stated that Bushra Bibi is suffering from an eye condition and should be allowed to meet her family.

Referring to a 2024 High Court decision regarding meetings with the PTI founder, he said that despite the ruling, no consistent access has been granted, and even his sisters have not been allowed to meet him since December.

Asad Qaiser said the PTI founder should receive medical treatment in accordance with the law and alleged that his rights are being violated.

He claimed that the public’s right to vote was taken away and questioned the benefits of the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments.

He stressed that Parliament should represent the true will of the people.

Qaiser also highlighted the plight of farmers in Punjab, saying growers of wheat, sugarcane, and kinnow are facing severe difficulties, contrary to claims of development.

He further stated that there is no rule of law in the country and reaffirmed that PTI will continue its political struggle.

Zubair Umar said the opposition has prepared detailed economic proposals across ten sectors.

He criticized the government, saying it has failed after four years and is still dependent on external borrowing.

He claimed that Pakistan is witnessing historically low investment, with companies relocating abroad.

He added that foreign exchange reserves stand at $16 billion and warned of a worsening electricity crisis.

Umar stated that economic performance should be judged by GDP, while alleging that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected Rs610 billion less than its target.

He also claimed that poverty and unemployment are at their highest levels in the region, and criticized rising fuel prices and heavy taxation on the salaried class.

Sanaullah Baloch said Balochistan is rich in resources but has been neglected.

He emphasized that the province’s mineral wealth is not being utilized for regional development and called for restoration of public trust through justice.

He added that 62% of the population, comprising youth, has been ignored.

Taimur Jhagra questioned the government’s economic sovereignty, asking what reforms it has introduced if even fuel prices cannot be set without IMF approval.

He stated that foreign investment has declined by 30% compared to last year and criticized the government’s borrowing strategy.

Jhagra raised concerns about the education sector, saying austerity measures have affected 60% of children.

He also criticized rising circular debt, electricity losses, and alleged mismanagement in LNG agreements.

He claimed that hospitals in Punjab are reusing syringes and argued that government spending priorities are misplaced.

Jhagra further highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provides 15% of the country’s gas and cheap electricity from Tarbela, yet dues have not been paid for decades.

Raja said that IPP agreements made by previous governments became a source of corruption.

He cited the Sahiwal coal power plant as an example, stating that despite being non-operational, payments are still being made under capacity charges.

He alleged that those who speak the truth are targeted and removed through false allegations.

He concluded by saying that political struggle requires sustained effort, comparing it to a Test match rather than a T20, and emphasized that resisting oppression requires collective national effort.