Protests in Pakistan (Representative image)
Hospitals in Islamabad Brace for Potential Crisis Ahead of PTI Protest
Hospitals in Islamabad have been instructed to prepare for a potential “humanitarian crisis” and a “mass casualty incident” in anticipation of a protest planned by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, on September 27.
While the government has not explicitly linked these hospital preparations to a crackdown on PTI protesters, official documents have highlighted the need for readiness in the face of possible emergencies. The terminology used indicates serious concerns about the scale of violence or unrest that could arise during the demonstration.
Imran Khan’s family detained
Eight members of Khan’s family were reportedly detained within 24 hours. The children were later released after several hours, according to Aleema Khan’s son Shershah Khan, while Khan’s sisters remained in custody. The hospital preparations also came as authorities detained Khan’s three sisters – Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan – along with other members of his family, while several PTI leaders and workers were also arrested ahead of the planned march on Islamabad. The arrests have come amid continuing concerns from Khan’s family and supporters over his health and prison conditions.