ISLAMABAD (MNN); The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan continued its sit-in at Parliament House on Friday, a day after reports surfaced that PTI founder Imran Khan had suffered significant vision loss in his right eye.
The protest began after Friday prayers and continued past midnight. Initially staged outside Parliament House, demonstrators later moved into the main hallway of the building and announced plans to spend the night there.
Speaking in a video message, TTAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai said the protest would continue until their demands were met, particularly the transfer of Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical treatment. He remarked humorously that if the protest prolonged, they were prepared to continue even throughout Ramazan.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had been informed that Imran Khan’s right eye retained only 15 percent vision, prompting strong reactions from his party. The opposition alliance reiterated that no compromise would be made on his health.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser said party lawmakers reached Parliament despite obstacles and held consultations on the future course of action. He stated that providing the best medical facilities was Imran Khan’s constitutional right and warned of further steps if demands were not fulfilled.
TTAP leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar alleged that roads leading to Parliament were sealed and parliamentary lodges closed to prevent lawmakers from joining the protest, calling the measures a sign of weakness.
Meanwhile, members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government staged a separate protest outside KP House after claiming they were stopped by Islamabad police from reaching Parliament. PTI also alleged mistreatment of its lawmakers, including incidents involving party officials.
The party demanded that the Supreme Court issue formal written orders to ensure Imran Khan’s medical examination under the supervision of his personal doctors at Shifa International Hospital. His sister Aleema Khan questioned the delay in written directives, citing urgency due to the risk to his eyesight.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the opposition had the right to protest and denied government involvement in any blockade. He assured that Imran Khan would be taken wherever he preferred for treatment, including Al-Shifa Eye Trust, and that no negligence would occur.
Chaudhry dismissed claims of sudden deterioration, noting that the issue had not been raised during earlier examinations. He said a fresh medical report would be issued soon and that Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi was personally overseeing the matter.
Separately, leaders of Awaam Pakistan, including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, announced they would join the sit-in. The party termed denial of timely medical care to any prisoner immoral and unlawful and pledged to continue participating in the peaceful protest.
