Opposition Vows to Continue Protest Through Ramadan if Demands Unmet
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: A tense political standoff entered its second day on Saturday as opposition lawmakers staged a sit-in at Parliament House and other government buildings, demanding immediate and proper medical treatment for incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose vision has reportedly deteriorated sharply.
The protest, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP), centers on claims that Khan has been left with only 15% vision in his right eye due to alleged medical negligence while in prison. The demonstrations have spread to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) House and Parliament Lodges, with key opposition figures including National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi participating.
Supreme Court Intervenes Amid Health Crisis
The crisis intensified following a Supreme Court-ordered medical assessment. PTI counsel Salman Safdar, appointed as amicus curiae, visited Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail and submitted a report detailing the former premier’s condition. In response, the top court ordered that Khan be granted access to specialist eye doctors and undergo a formal examination by Monday, February 16. The court also mandated that he be allowed telephone contact with his sons.
Khan was diagnosed last month with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious condition linked to cardiovascular risk factors. He underwent a procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), which officials described as successful.
Government and Opposition Trade Accusations
The sit-in has triggered a war of words between the government and opposition. TTAP spokesperson Hussain Akhunzada claimed protesters were “trapped” inside Parliament without access to water or food, and reported the deteriorating health of PTI Senator Falak Naz.
In Lahore, Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, stated his vision had been blurry for three months and criticized authorities for barring his personal physician. “We were informed via a call last night that Imran will be treated at a hospital, but without the presence of his doctor and family members,” she said.
Opposition Leader Achakzai warned the sit-in would remain peaceful but could escalate. He demanded Khan be moved to a hospital of his choice and warned the protest could continue through the holy month of Ramadan if demands are ignored.
Government Asserts Proper Care Was Provided
The government has pushed back against allegations of neglect. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah told the Senate that Khan first complained about his eye in early January and received prompt care. He detailed a timeline of medical checks and an injection administered on January 24.
“If it is proved that medical treatment was deliberately withheld from Imran, it would constitute criminal negligence and could not be justified,” Sanaullah stated, while rejecting claims that the issue had been ongoing for four months. He asserted Khan had been examined by external doctors on 25 occasions.
Authorities have sealed Islamabad’s Red Zone, deploying heavy police contingents and barriers around Parliament House, signaling a protracted political confrontation over the jailed leader’s health.
