ISLAMABAD: Senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said early Tuesday that the party’s sit-in would continue over concerns regarding the medical condition of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, particularly his eyesight, amid ongoing political tensions.
The protest, led by parliamentary figures of PTI along with members of the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), entered its fifth consecutive day.
Speaking outside KP House in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the party’s demands had been misrepresented, rejecting claims that PTI was seeking a medical report. He said the core demand was to allow the PTI founder access to his personal physician, family members, an eye specialist and treatment at Shifa International Hospital.
“Our demands did not include any report. We asked that he be allowed access to his personal doctor, a family member, an eye specialist and treatment at Shifa International Hospital,” Afridi told reporters, adding that none of the demands had been accepted. He maintained that it was the legal and constitutional right of the former prime minister to receive treatment from a physician of his choice.
Afridi said TTAP leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas had been mandated by the party founder to take decisions regarding the protest. He also said ongoing demonstrations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being organised independently by members of the public.
Meanwhile, PTI supporters staged protests at multiple locations, including the Rashakai Interchange, blocking traffic and forcing commuters to use the Grand Trunk Road. Police said the Peshawar–Islamabad Motorway (M-1) was closed due to demonstrations at the Swabi Interchange, resulting in long queues of vehicles.
Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani termed the road closures a violation of Article 15 of the Constitution, saying PTI had created hardship for citizens despite being briefed on Khan’s medical condition by authorities and doctors.
Following consultations at Parliament House, the opposition alliance decided to continue the sit-in until at least one party office-bearer is allowed to meet the jailed leader. Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the protest would continue until access is granted, a stance echoed by Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.
Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said opposition lawmakers had been briefed during a meeting by Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, adding that consultations with the party’s central leadership were ongoing. Former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur also confirmed that PTI leaders would maintain their protest outside KP House.
The government, however, rejected allegations of inadequate medical care. Speaking to media in London, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said authorities had fulfilled their responsibility by ensuring healthcare for the incarcerated former premier, accusing PTI of creating unnecessary alarm over the issue.
Meanwhile, Khan’s sons — Kasim and Sulaiman — expressed concern about their father’s health and sought permission to visit him, urging authorities to grant access after more than two years apart. Speaking to Reuters in London, they said they remained uncertain about his medical condition and called for him to be moved to a proper medical facility with access to private doctors.
Imran Khan, 73, has been jailed since August 2023 following convictions that he and his party describe as politically motivated. Several cases against him remain under appeal.