PTI lawmaker alleges actual Pims death tally being concealed, parents harassed

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MP Shandana Gulzar Khan has accused the federal government of concealing the true number of children killed and injured in the fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad. Speaking at a press conference, she, along with lawyer Moazam Butt, claimed the parents of over 50 children affected by the incident were being silenced and pressured to stay quiet.

Gulzar alleged that the federal health minister, and other officials, were providing misleading information about the fire and the victims. She demanded the government to disclose full details of the victims and demanded an independent inquiry into the Pims incident. She alleged that the Pims director was protected by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and should be removed despite complaints.

Gulzar also claimed that the government was silencing PTI leaders and workers through state institutions and violence against young people for their political beliefs. She criticized the treatment of PTI leader Imran Khan, stating he should have been treated at Shifa International Hospital but was taken to Pims instead. She rejected the government's claim that PTI workers blocked roads around Shifa, saying the party told workers not to gather near the hospital.

She also alleged a PTI worker in Punjab was burnt alive and not properly reported by the media. Gulzar expressed concern over the country's critical situation, stating Imran Khan was needed to "save Pakistan". She criticized the government's handling of the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and demanded the withdrawal of cases against Khan and provision of his constitutional rights.