Khawaja Asif: PTI Founder in Good Health, Warns Against Politicizing Illness
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 21st Aug, 2026) Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday stated that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was in good health and urged the PTI to refrain from using his health issues for political gain.
Responding to a query by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan in the National Assembly, Asif said the PTI founder’s sister had recently met him in jail, confirming his health condition. He also noted that the former prime minister’s personal physician had access to information regarding his health.
Asif claimed that while the PTI founder suffered from minor blood pressure and other age-related issues, there was no cause for alarm as he was recovering and being examined by doctors. He assured that reports on the founder’s health would be made public and urged against unnecessary worry.
The minister criticized the politicization of health issues in the past, citing examples where political opponents had mocked genuine illnesses of leaders like former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He reminded everyone of his own experience in prison, stating that he had undergone surgery at a government hospital without demanding private treatment.
Asif implored the PTI to demonstrate political maturity and restraint by not exploiting health issues for political leverage. He prayed for the PTI founder’s well-being and longevity, emphasizing that there was no immediate concern regarding his health.
He also emphasized the need for political leaders to uphold consistent principles and avoid selective use of health-related matters for political gain.
Earlier, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan had stated: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had instructed its workers, supporters, and leaders not to visit Shifa International Hospital. They were also asked not to create any situation that could disrupt the PTI founder’s treatment or inconvenience other patients.
He revealed that the PTI’s political and core committees had held meetings and directed members to respect the Supreme Court’s order and maintain a peaceful environment around the hospital. Barrister Gohar emphasized that the PTI stood for important national interests, including relations with Israel, Iran, and India, and called on all parties to consider the matter in the spirit of democracy. He reaffirmed the PTI’s commitment to democratic and constitutional processes.
