Fresh protests broke out across Pakistan on Wednesday as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan blocked key highways and staged sit-ins over concerns about his deteriorating eyesight.
Media reports said that thousands of workers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) occupied the Attock Bridge, a crucial link between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to hours-long traffic jams and effectively cutting off the province from the rest of the country.
The latest unrest follows a claim by a Supreme Court-appointed lawyer that Khan, who has been lodged in Adiala Jail since 2023, is losing his vision. In a seven-page report, the lawyer said the 73-year-old former premier has only 15% vision left in his right eye. His family has since demanded immediate access and specialised treatment for him.
PTI Demands Hospital Transfer
PTI leaders have demanded that Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for specialist care. Parallel protests were also held near Parliament and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House by the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan.
Khan's sons, Sulaiman Khan and Kasim Khan, have said their requests for visas to visit their father have not been approved.
Sisters Criticise Army Chief, Interior Minister
At a press conference, Khan's sisters — Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan — accused Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi of being part of what they called a “lethal conspiracy”. "Mohsin Naqvi is threatening us; they have tasted blood. If anything happens to Imran Khan or to us, mark my words, we will not spare anyone's future generations either,” Uzma Khan said.
Earlier, another sister, Noreen Niazi, wrote on social media that Khan had suffered “unimaginable mistreatment” and blamed his worsening eye condition on directives under what she referred to as “Asim Law”.
The allegations come against the backdrop of a long-running political rivalry between Khan and Munir. Khan had removed Munir as ISI chief in 2019 during his tenure as prime minister.
What Doctors Have Said
The government has rejected claims that Khan's health is worsening. On Monday, a government-appointed medical board said there had been “significant improvement” in his eyesight.
According to a report by Al Jazeera, two doctors who examined Khan in jail said he told them he had earlier struggled to see a clock on the wall but can now see both the clock and its hands.
PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja said, “The two doctors who met Imran in jail said he confirmed to them that he was unable to see the clock on the wall for a few weeks, but can now not only see that, but also the clock hands. According to doctors, this was an incredible improvement.”
Separately, Abdullah Hamid Gul, chief of Tehreek-e-Jawanan Pakistan, claimed that an injection administered to Khan led to improvement in his eyesight. However, Khan's family has rejected the medical board's findings and accused the authorities of denying them independent access during his evaluation.
Global Appeal From Cricket Legends
The issue has also drawn international attention. A group of former cricketers, including India's Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, appealed to the Pakistan government to ensure “immediate and adequate medical attention” for the 1992 World Cup-winning captain.
Talks, Possible Deal?
Media reports said that amid rising tensions, political backchannel talks appear to be underway. Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has claimed that Mohsin Naqvi contacted Asim Munir to secure better treatment for Khan. Geo News, citing sources, has also reported on the development.
There is also speculation in Pakistani political circles that the government may consider sending Khan abroad for treatment as part of a broader deal.
According to India.com, such discussions are gaining traction, though any final decision would rest with Khan himself. Information Minister Ata Tarar has said he has heard of similar discussions.
For now, Khan's health has become the latest flashpoint in Pakistan's volatile politics, with protests intensifying and negotiations reportedly underway behind the scenes.
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