Rawalpindi: Lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP) continued their sit-ins for a fourth consecutive day on Monday amid growing concerns over the health of PTI founder Imran Khan, particularly his eyesight.
The sit-ins are being staged at the Parliament House, Parliament Lodges and KP House, resulting in the complete closure of Constitution Avenue.
TTAP leaders said the protest would continue until the incarcerated former premier is shifted from Adiala Jail to Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital for treatment.
Imran Khan’s health became a new flashpoint between the government and the opposition after a report submitted by his lawyer and Supreme Court amicus curiae Salman Safdar revealed that the PTI founder had been diagnosed with a serious eye condition known as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
According to the report, Imran has complained of losing up to 85% of the vision in his right eye. CRVO is a condition more common among older adults and is associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. The former premier has been in jail since August 2023.
Following the disclosure, PTI leaders and members of Imran’s family demanded that he be transferred to a hospital for specialised care.
Opposition figures participating in the sit-ins include National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
A day earlier, sources told Geo News that Imran underwent an hour-long medical examination by five senior doctors inside Adiala Jail. The sources said the pain in his right eye had eased considerably and further improvement is expected with continued treatment. The medical examination report has been forwarded to the relevant authorities.
The examination was conducted to meet a judicial deadline set by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which directed submission of a complete medical report by February 16.
Meanwhile, jail authorities have sent Imran’s medical record to the Punjab Home Department, including details of his vital signs, blood pressure, pulse, temperature and blood sugar levels.
Separately, the former prime minister has approached the Islamabad High Court seeking suspension of the sentence in the Toshakhana-2 case and release on bail on medical and humanitarian grounds.
Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are currently serving 17-year sentences in the Toshakhana-2 case, which involves the alleged under-priced purchase and subsequent sale of luxury state gifts.
A separate application has also been filed for early hearing of a plea seeking suspension of the sentence in the Al-Qadir Trust case, also known as the £190 million scam.
