PTI leader Yasmin Rashid’s health deteriorates again in jail

Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Yasmin Rashid’s health has deteriorated once again in jail, her counsel said on Monday.

Rashid was shifted to a hospital last week after she fell ill in Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Her lawyer Rana Mudassar said that that the PTI leader is suffering from a severe stomach infection and breathing difficulties.

“She was forcibly discharged from the hospital on Saturday despite not having received complete medical treatment in light of her medical reports,” he claimed.

Mudassar said that Rashid was moved back to jail without informing her family or legal team and added that access to suitable healthcare is a fundamental right.

Separately, Moeen Riaz Qureshi, Deputy Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, criticised the authorities for the treatment being meted out to the veteran politician. He billed the situation as “deeply troubling,” given Rashid’s age, history as a cancer survivor, and her previous role as Punjab’s health minister.

“She urgently requires consistent medical attention. Her breathing is irregular, and she is frequently deprived of sleep. Even when provided a BiPAP machine, the electricity was reportedly cut at night, rendering it ineffective,” he claimed.

On July 12, an anti-terrorism court reserved its decision on bail applications filed by Rashid and former Punjab governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema in relation to the May 9 unrest.

Rashid has been behind bars for nearly a year in connection with several cases linked to the May 9, 2023, riots following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.