ISLAMABAD (MNN); A day after revelations regarding vision loss in former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) staged a sit-in outside Parliament House on Friday, demanding immediate medical care for the jailed leader.
The development came after the Supreme Court was informed that Imran Khan’s right eye had only 15 percent vision remaining. The disclosure triggered a strong reaction from PTI, following which the opposition alliance announced a protest until he is shifted to Shifa International Hospital.
In a statement on social media, TTAP declared that the sit-in would continue until Khan is admitted for treatment. The alliance said no compromise would be made on his health and that all PTI parliamentarians would participate.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser said party lawmakers reached Parliament despite hurdles and held consultations with opposition leaders including Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Shahram Khan Tarakai, and Shandana Gulzar to decide the future course of action.
Later in the evening, the protest moved to a corridor inside Parliament House under the leadership of National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Protesters reiterated their demand for Khan’s transfer to hospital in the presence of his family and personal physician.
TTAP leaders alleged that roads leading to Parliament were blocked and parliamentary lodges sealed to prevent opposition lawmakers from joining the protest. They termed the measures a sign of weakness rather than strength.
Separately, members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government staged a protest outside KP House after alleging they were stopped by Islamabad police from reaching Parliament. PTI also claimed that some party members were manhandled by police personnel.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told reporters that the opposition had the right to protest and denied that the government was behind any blockade. He assured that there would be no negligence regarding Imran Khan’s health and said the matter should not be politicized.
Chaudhry stated that Khan would be taken wherever he wished for medical examination, including Shifa International Hospital or any doctor recommended by the Chief Justice of Pakistan. He added that the incarcerated leader would be examined by eye specialists and provided the best possible treatment.
The minister dismissed claims of sudden deterioration, saying the issue had not been raised during previous medical examinations or family visits. He noted that a fresh medical report would be issued soon and said the Chief Justice of Pakistan was personally overseeing the matter.
Meanwhile, PTI demanded that the Supreme Court issue formal written orders to ensure that Khan is examined by specialists under the supervision of his own doctors. Imran’s sister Aleema Khan also urged the court to release written directions, saying implementation was not possible without official documentation.
The Awaam Pakistan party, led by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, announced it would join the TTAP sit-in, calling the denial of timely medical care immoral and unlawful. The party said it stood for constitutional rights, democracy, and rule of law, and would continue participating in the peaceful protest.
