ISLAMABAD: Authorities sealed the Red Zone in the federal capital on Friday as opposition lawmakers staged a sit-in outside Parliament House, protesting what they described as negligence in the medical treatment of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
Heavy police contingents were deployed and barriers placed at key entry points, including Radio Pakistan Chowk, to block access to Shahrah-e-Dastoor and the parliament building. Lawmakers attempting to approach the area were stopped, and the gates of the Parliament Lodges were also shut as PTI members tried to join the protest.
The demonstration follows a report submitted to the Supreme Court by PTI counsel Salman Safdar after visiting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. The court had appointed Safdar as amicus curiae and directed him to file a report after the PTI founder claimed his vision in the right eye had deteriorated to 15 percent.
Speaking outside Parliament House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said he had barely managed to reach the premises, alleging that parliamentarians were being obstructed. He warned that if the party was not permitted to protest at the designated location, demonstrations could spread nationwide.
Gohar said Imran Khan had authorised National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead the sit-in.
Addressing supporters, Achakzai vowed the protest would remain peaceful but demanded that Imran Khan be examined by his personal physician and granted access to competent medical specialists. He called for the former premier to be shifted immediately to a hospital of his choice and suggested declaring the facility a sub-jail to maintain custody during treatment.
“Our primary concern is his health,” Achakzai said, warning that failure to make proper medical arrangements could intensify the protest. He added that ensuring timely medical care would require only a brief transfer for examination before moving him to Shifa Hospital.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that Imran Khan would be transferred to the Islamabad jail once construction of the new facility is completed, which he said is expected within two months. He stated that the prison would be equipped with full medical services and noted that the former prime minister was convicted by the Islamabad High Court.
The minister’s remarks came amid renewed debate over the PTI founder’s health and detention arrangements. Authorities had previously dismissed reports of any imminent transfer from Adiala Jail, maintaining that he was receiving security, medical care, and other facilities in accordance with jail regulations.
