ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strictly instructed all its workers and officials to fully adhere to the party’s decision to boycott the Punjab by-elections, directing all candidates to immediately withdraw their nomination papers.
In a statement issued by its Central Media Department on Friday, the PTI categorically reiterated that the party would completely boycott the Punjab by-elections, in accordance with the instructions of PTI Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan, and will not take part in the poll process under any circumstances.
The Political Committee of the party in its recent meeting had decided that PTI will field its candidate for the constituency NA-129, Lahore, which had fallen vacant due to the passing away of veteran politician Mian Muhammad Azhar; his son Hammad Azhar has already announced not run for the NA seat, citing personal reasons.
It was also emphasised that all candidates must immediately withdraw their nomination papers amidst reports that some individuals have submitted papers using PTI’s name. The party instructed all the candidates to immediately withdraw their nomination papers, as the party’s political committee had already announced a complete boycott of the upcoming by-elections in Punjab.
The party instructed all its workers and officials to fully comply with its decision to boycott the by-elections. It stressed that anyone who has already submitted nomination papers must withdraw them immediately. The statement clarified that PTI completely disassociates itself from any individual filing nomination papers under the party’s name.
It reaffirmed that the PTI remains steadfast in its political and public struggle and will not take part in the Punjab by-elections under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, PTI expressed deep concern over the “indifferent attitude” of the current government and judiciary regarding the health condition of former prime minister Imran Khan. The party highlighted the issue with urgency, noting that on August 27, 2025, Aleema Khan filed a petition in court stating that during a meeting at Adiala Jail, Imran Khan complained of blurred vision and pressure in his eyes.
The petition also revealed that he has not undergone a medical check-up since November 2024. It demanded that a medical team from Shaukat Khanum Hospital or his personal physician be allowed to examine him without delay.
However, the party noted that although the court had issued notices to the Adiala Jail superintendent and the prosecution, and scheduled the hearing for August 29, it was once again postponed until today (Saturday), further deepening public concern over Imran Khan’s health.
The PTI questioned the apparent double standards, pointing out that when a ‘convicted criminal’ like Nawaz Sharif returned to the country, a Nadra team was dispatched to the airport for his biometric verification; he was granted bail in a single court appearance, and cases against him were subsequently dropped.
Similarly, the statement highlighted that Ishaq Dar was granted bail in absentia, and his cases were also dismissed. The party questioned why such a negligent and discriminatory approach is being taken toward the health of, what it claimed, Pakistan’s most prominent leader, the head of its largest political party, who secured a two-thirds majority in the February 8, 2024 elections.
The PTI demanded that the matter of Imran Khan’s health be treated with utmost seriousness, calling for immediate access for his personal physician and other specialist doctors to conduct a thorough medical examination and necessary tests.
The party emphasised that the public has a right to be informed about the health of the country’s most popular leader and to be reassured about his well-being. It also expressed deep concern over the health and treatment of Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, alleging that she is being provided with contaminated water for drinking, ablutions and bathing.
Meanwhile, PTI legislator Junaid Akbar has tendered his resignation as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and as a member of the Standing Committee on Energy to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
“I write to tender my resignation from the position of Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), as well as from the Standing Committee on Energy (Power Division), with a sense of fulfilment and responsibility,” he stated in his resignation letter received by the Speaker.
He stated that it has been an honour to serve in this constitutional role, overseeing public financial accountability and reinforcing parliamentary oversight. “I extend my sincere gratitude to all members of the Committees, the Auditor General’s office, and the Secretariat staff for their commitment to transparency and due process. I step down confident that the institutional momentum we have built will continue to strengthen public trust in Parliament.”
Junaid further stated, “I remain committed to serving the people of Pakistan in my capacity as a Member of the National Assembly and will continue to support all efforts aimed at strengthening accountability and democratic institutions.”