Govt to shift Imran to hospital, form Medical Board as TTAP sit-in enters day two

ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday announced that jailed Imran Khan would be shifted to a hospital for medical treatment and that a medical board would be constituted to examine him, as a protest sit-in by the Tehreek-e-Tahfuz-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) outside Parliament entered its second day.

Officials said the decision was taken in light of concerns over the former premier’s deteriorating health, particularly reports regarding serious vision loss in his right eye. The move also follows recent court proceedings in which the matter of his medical condition was raised.

The announcement comes amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders who have been staging a sit-in at Parliament House since Friday, demanding Imran’s immediate transfer to a private hospital for specialised treatment. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstration until he is provided comprehensive medical care under the supervision of his personal physicians.

The TTAP leadership has described the protest as a constitutional and humanitarian effort, alleging delays and negligence in the provision of medical treatment. Heavy police contingents remained deployed in the Red Zone, with access to key routes around Parliament restricted as authorities sought to contain the demonstration.

Government officials, however, have maintained that Imran has been receiving regular medical attention in custody and that the formation of a medical board would ensure an independent and transparent assessment of his condition. They said further details regarding the hospital transfer and the composition of the board would be shared in due course.

The development marks a significant step in the ongoing political and legal controversy surrounding Imran Khan’s incarceration and health, as tensions between the government and opposition continue to escalate.

In a statement posted on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that eye specialists would conduct detailed examinations as part of Imran’s ongoing treatment and that a comprehensive report would be submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. He urged political actors and media outlets to refrain from “speculation, baseless news, and attempts to politicise the matter for personal gain,” stressing that the issue was being handled under judicial oversight.

The development follows the apex court’s recent directives ordering that Imran be allowed to consult his personal doctors and speak to his sons after a court-mandated report revealed that he had reportedly lost 85 per cent of the vision in his right eye.

Sit-in continues under tight security

At Parliament House, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan continued their sit-in, which began after Friday prayers. The protest is being held under the banner of TTAP, an alliance of opposition parties formed to defend constitutional supremacy and democratic rights.

Simultaneously, a separate protest was underway at Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House led by provincial leaders, adding to the charged atmosphere in the federal capital.

Protesters have vowed not to disperse until Imran is shifted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for immediate treatment under the supervision of his personal physicians.

“Our sit-in is ongoing and will continue,” Abbas told reporters, alleging that food and water supplies to the protesting lawmakers had been cut off. “But we will not give up.”

TTAP leaders claimed that access to Parliament House, the Parliament Lodges and K-P House had been severely restricted, effectively confining opposition members inside. They described the measures as excessive and accused authorities of attempting to suppress a peaceful protest.

Security remained tight across Islamabad’s Red Zone, which was sealed for most traffic. Only Margalla Road remained partially open after police conducted searches of vehicles entering the area. Parliament House, D-Chowk and surrounding routes were closed, while police prisoner vans and armoured vehicles were stationed near both protest sites.

Dispute over food access

TTAP Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar told reporters that he was stopped by police while attempting to deliver breakfast to the protesting lawmakers inside Parliament House. “Even if I am not allowed to go in, food and water should at least be allowed to reach them,” he said, calling the restrictions unjustified.

TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmad Yousafzaie alleged that Islamabad Police had blocked all attempts to provide food and water, including efforts to send supplies from K-P House. Police officials did not immediately respond to these claims.

Family demands urgent transfer

Separately, Imran’s sister Aleema Khanum confirmed that authorities had facilitated a 20-minute telephone conversation between the former prime minister and his sons in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order. She said Imran was “extremely happy” to hear their voices after a prolonged period of separation.

However, she reiterated the family’s demand for his immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital, warning that delays in specialised treatment had already caused significant and possibly irreversible damage to his eyesight. “We cannot and will not tolerate any further delay,” she said, adding that immediate specialist care was essential to prevent permanent vision loss.

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party had also received information suggesting there was agreement in principle to shift Imran to Shifa Hospital. “If this is so, then there should be no delay,” he said, questioning why only limited family access was reportedly being considered.

Political and legal implications

The standoff has added a fresh layer of political confrontation between the government and opposition, with PTI leaders alleging medical negligence and the government maintaining that treatment is being provided in accordance with legal procedures and court directives.

With the Supreme Court monitoring developments and the opposition maintaining pressure on the streets and inside Parliament, the issue of Imran Khan’s health has become the latest flashpoint in an already polarised political climate.