Shamim shahid
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained cut off from the rest of the country for a third consecutive day on Monday as activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued to block major entry and exit points of the province in protest over the treatment and transfer of deposed prime minister Imran Khan.
Despite a satisfactory medical report regarding Mr Khan’s health, PTI workers maintained road blockades across key highways connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and the federal capital, Islamabad. Protesters have been demanding that the former premier be shifted to Shifa International Hospital, though a team of experienced ophthalmologists recently conducted a detailed examination of his eyes at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi and submitted a satisfactory report to the government.
PTI leaders have approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan, seeking Mr Khan’s transfer to a hospital of his choice and relief in various legal cases. However, the protest campaign has largely remained confined to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the impact on daily life has intensified.
The continued closure of roads has disrupted supply chains, leading to shortages of fruits, vegetables and other essential commodities transported from Punjab. Thousands of commuters have reportedly been stranded at different points across the province, while patients have faced difficulties reaching hospitals. Transporters and traders have expressed concern over mounting financial losses.
Critics argue that the standoff has strained relations between the provincial government and the federal authorities, with warnings of possible disruptions in power and gas supplies further deepening tensions.
Senior officials of the civil administration, including the chief secretary and inspector general of police, have come under pressure as the blockade persists. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, along with cabinet members and lawmakers including former chief minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur — has been participating in protest activities at the entrance of Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad. The PTI chairman and opposition leaders have confined their protest to the Parliament premises.
Observers note that the prolonged agitation has compounded existing challenges in a province already grappling with security and economic pressures. On Monday, incidents of violence were reported in districts including Tank, Bannu and Shangla, resulting in casualties among police personnel. In addition, representatives of local government institutions have been staging a sit-in outside the provincial assembly building at Rehman Baba Chowk since Friday, further disrupting traffic in the provincial capital.
With Ramazan approaching, citizens have urged the authorities to restore normalcy and reopen highways to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services. Political analysts suggest that dialogue and constitutional means may offer a more effective path forward in addressing the grievances surrounding the former prime minister’s legal and medical matters.
