Opposition lawmakers in Pakistan continued to protest for urgent medical treatment for Imran Khan for the second consecutive day. In response, the Pakistani government announced plans to form a medical board and transfer Khan to a hospital due to his deteriorating health condition.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry made this announcement following two days of protests by the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and the PTI at Parliament House and KP House in Islamabad. The demonstrators demanded immediate treatment for Khan.
Furthermore, the government permitted Khan, currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail and experiencing vision problems in one eye, to speak with his sons for 20 minutes over the phone in compliance with a Supreme Court directive. A PML-N minister, in a tweet on Saturday night, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring Khan’s treatment and urged the PTI not to politicize health issues.
The government emphasized its responsibility to provide all prisoners with necessary facilities as per the law. It confirmed the formation of a medical board for Khan’s treatment and allowed him to communicate with his children via telephone. The government reiterated its dedication to fulfilling obligations and urged the PTI to show restraint instead of exploiting Khan’s health situation for political gain.
Similarly, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that specialized eye specialists would conduct further medical procedures for Khan at a dedicated medical center. He emphasized the need to avoid speculations and politicization of the issue, highlighting that a detailed report would be submitted to the Supreme Court as per their directives.
PTI leader Asad Qaiser stated to Dawn that the protest would continue until Khan is transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad and a family doctor is included in the medical board.
TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed Yousafzai echoed these sentiments, expressing reluctance to accept a potential transfer of the former premier to Pims hospital in the federal capital. Another leader, speaking anonymously, emphasized a lack of trust in ministers Tarar and Chaudhry, stating a wait for the final decision.
Aleema criticizes SC for delay
Earlier, Aleema Khanum, Imran’s sister, criticized the Supreme Court for alleged delays in ensuring government compliance with its orders.
She advocated for immediate action, including Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital and treatment under his personal doctors’ supervision.
Aleema Khan also confirmed Khan’s conversation with his sons, noting his happiness upon hearing their voices.
Opposition protest persists
Opposition leaders, staging a sit-in at Parliament House, claimed the premises had been transformed into a ‘prison’, with restricted entry and exit for all, including lawmakers.
The protest, led by TTAP Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai and other prominent figures like PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Senator Ali Zafar, Asad Qaiser, and Junaid Akbar, continued inside parliament, as reported by Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas in a video posted by TTAP.
In a social media post, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja described Parliament House, Parliament Lodges, and KP House as ‘jails’ and demanded freedom, alleging the state’s apprehension of their street protests.
