ISLAMABAD: The sit-in staged by lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP) entered its third consecutive day on Sunday, despite the government’s decision to shift jailed former prime minister Imran Khan to a hospital over concerns regarding his health and reduced right-eye vision.
The former ruling party has rejected any move to transfer its incarcerated founder without prior approval from his family.
A day earlier, the federal government announced that Imran — who PTI claims has been left with only 15% vision in his right eye — would be shifted to a hospital and a medical board would be formed for his assessment.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said in a post on X that the decision was taken considering Imran’s health condition.
Imran has been in jail since August 2023 and faces multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism, following his removal from office through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.
The protests are being held at the Parliament House, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House and Parliament Lodges. Several senior opposition figures, including National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, are participating in the sit-in alongside other lawmakers.
In separate statements, Achakzai and Gandapur expressed concern over reports of a possible hospital transfer. Achakzai demanded that any medical decision regarding Imran must be taken in consultation with his family and legal team, stressing that the jailed leader’s legal and human rights must be fully restored.
A PTI spokesperson said transferring Imran without involving his family and personal doctors would be unacceptable, adding that the sit-in would continue until he is shifted to Al-Shifa Hospital.
Speaking to media outside KP House, Gandapur described the eye issue as highly sensitive and said government remarks about shifting Imran were a positive step, as it remains one of the key demands of the protest. He added that the decision to end the sit-in would rest with those authorised by the PTI founder.
Meanwhile, sources said a medical panel formed for Imran’s examination could not reach Adiala Jail between Saturday and Sunday night. The panel reportedly includes Dr Amjad and Professor Dr Nadeem Qureshi. Officials said any transfer decision would be made based on the board’s recommendations.
Last month, Imran underwent a medical procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) after being diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye condition linked to cardiovascular risk factors.
According to a report submitted to the Supreme Court, Imran stated that a blood clot caused severe damage, leaving him with only 15% vision in his right eye despite treatment.