Shahzad Rasheed
PESHAWAR — August 29, 2026: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Member of the National Assembly Shandana Gulzar Khan has demanded that the federal government immediately disclose complete and verified details of children killed or injured in the recent fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club alongside lawyer Moazzam Butt, Shandana Gulzar alleged that the actual number of casualties had not been disclosed and claimed that families of more than 50 children affected by the incident were being pressured to remain silent.
She accused the federal health minister and relevant government officials of misleading the public about the incident. She further claimed that 23 doctors had expressed no confidence in the PIMS director and had called for an inquiry into his conduct and performance.
Shandana Gulzar demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the incident, along with the publication of verified casualty figures. She stressed that the families of the affected children had a right to know the truth and deserved justice.
Addressing broader political matters, she alleged that the government was continuing what she described as a campaign of political victimization against PTI leaders and workers. She also criticized alleged restrictions on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s access to appropriate medical treatment and claimed that court directions concerning his healthcare had not been properly implemented.
She further condemned alleged violence against PTI workers, including an incident in Punjab that she claimed involved a young party worker being set on fire on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. She called for an end to violence, arbitrary arrests and what she termed extrajudicial actions against political workers.
“Pakistan can only be saved by protecting its people and upholding the Constitution,” Shandana Gulzar said, urging the government to respect constitutional rights and judicial orders.
She concluded by demanding an end to political repression, greater protection for young people, and accountability for anyone found responsible for negligence or wrongdoing in public hospitals.
