State Minister Aqeel Malik Says PTI Leaders Were Informed About Founder’s Checkup, Criticizes Political Exploitation

**Islamabad:** Barrister Aqeel Malik, State Minister for Law and Justice, stated that some senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were informed about the medical checkup of PTI founder, but none of them visited the hospital. Speaking on Express News’ program *Center Stage*, he said that the founder undergoes routine medical checkups, and PTI leaders are attempting to exploit his health issue for political gains, which will not succeed.

He assured that the founder’s health is stable, there was no life-threatening situation, and the treatment was carried out voluntarily with his consent. Barrister Aqeel Malik emphasized that previous medical issues, including dental and shoulder treatments, had also been addressed, and there is no cause for concern.

Criticizing PTI, he said that the party’s leadership displayed condemnable behavior and their political tactics would not succeed. He alleged that PTI registered 14,000 people in Tirah for their February 8 protest, including 6,000 dummy entries to misuse allocated funds for political purposes. He further claimed that out of the 14,000 registered, 6,000 were not actual residents of Tirah and did not qualify for registration.

Responding to accusations, he said the federal government was falsely blamed and denied any orders for military operations in Tirah, accusing PTI and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister of misleading the public and media. He stressed the need for proper coordination between provincial and federal authorities in security matters and intelligence operations.

Barrister Aqeel Malik concluded that the upcoming tribal council (Jirga) on Sunday should proceed with full engagement, emphasizing transparency and accountability regarding PTI’s actions.