TTAP ends Parliament sit-in over Imran Khan’s health

ISLAMABAD: The leader of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP), Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, on Wednesday announced the end of the Parliament House sit-in staged over the health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

Speaking to journalists outside the Supreme Court, Allama Nasir Abbas said members of parliament had launched the protest solely due to concerns about the PTI founder’s health and that the matter had also been taken to court.

The announcement came after consultations regarding the sit-in were held at the Supreme Court, where Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was also present. Sources said opposition leaders continued discussions outside the court following proceedings, while deliberations on the future course of action remained underway.

Imran Khan’s health has become a major point of contention between the government and the opposition after a report revealed he was diagnosed with a serious eye condition known as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The disorder is commonly linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease.

The report stated that the former prime minister, jailed since August 2023, complained of losing 85% of the vision in his right eye.

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Following the medical findings, lawmakers from PTI and TTAP launched a multi-day sit-in at Parliament House and KP House in Islamabad on February 13, demanding that Imran Khan be shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Allama Nasir Abbas reiterated that the alliance’s central demand remained that the detained leader’s personal doctors be allowed to meet him. He alleged that during the protest, parliament had effectively been turned into a “jail”, claiming routes were blocked and restrictions imposed on participants inside the precincts.

He said the emotions of Imran Khan’s sisters were justified and they should be permitted to meet him. Expressing hope for recovery, he added, “God willing, his eyes will be treated,” while demanding that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said he had been assigned the responsibility of leading a “street movement” by the incarcerated PTI founder. He alleged court orders were being ignored and claimed Imran Khan was still being denied access to his personal doctors.

Afridi also announced the formation of a “PTI founder release force”, which he said would be formally registered and would pursue a peaceful struggle. He added that members would take an oath in Peshawar after Eid, with a clear chain of command determined by Imran Khan.

According to Afridi, the movement would focus on the supremacy of the Constitution, democracy, and an independent media.