Islamabad, Feb 13 (.) Amid claims of Imran Khan’s near blindness in his right eye sending ripples across Pakistan earlier in the day, Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai vowed to continue a sit-in outside the country’s parliament, “until all demands are met.”
Imran’s supporters blame medical negligence for former premier’s deteriorating eyesight.
Reiterating TTAP’s demands in a video clip on its official X account, the sit-in was initially announced a day earlier by Opposition leader in the senate Allama Raja Abbas Nasir, after the Supreme Court was informed that Khan’s right eye had only 15% vision remaining.
The claim has triggered sharp exchanges between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), with the party demanding immediate and transparent medical intervention for its founder.
In a post on X, PTI addressed Chief Justice Yahya Afridi directly, calling for “formal written directions” to ensure that Khan is examined by specialists and treated under the supervision of his own doctors at Shifa International Hospital.
“This is not politics, this is not about power. This is about Imran Khan’s life,” the party said, urging the court to issue release written orders without delay and stressing the urgency of what it described as necessary eye treatment.
Earlier in the day, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan posted that the family had yet to receive written instructions from the Supreme Court of Pakistan about the medical examination ordered during Thursday’s hearing.
“It is 1pm on Friday the 13th, and we still have not received the written order from the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” she wrote, adding that without formal documentation, the court’s February 16 deadline for an eye inspection could not be implemented.
She further questioned why written orders had not yet been issued despite the alleged high risk to her brother’s eyesight.
The protest has also drawn considerable support from the Awaam Pakistan party, whose leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail are set to join the sit-in after Friday prayers.
In a joint statement, the alliance described the demonstration as a peaceful response to the “alleged deprivation of vision” in one of Khan’s eyes and what it characterised as the government’s refusal to grant access to his personal doctors and family.
“Denying any prisoner timely and appropriate medical care is immoral, inhumane and illegal,” the opposition grouping said, noting that Khan remains the leader of one of the country’s largest political parties despite his incarceration.
The TTAP reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional rule, free and fair elections, and democratic norms.
Dr Zafar Mirza, central spokesperson for Awaam Pakistan, echoed those concerns on social media, warning that Khan’s eyesight was “at risk without urgent medical treatment” and pledged to remain party to the sit-in until he receives legally mandated care.
The developments come a day after the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a medical team to examine Khan’s eye condition and directed that he be allowed to speak with his children.
With written orders still pending, the issue has escalated into a broader political flashpoint, deepening tensions between the government and opposition at a time of already heightened polarisation, and increasing stability.
. . PRS
