Opposition alliance calls off parliament sit-in, demands hospital care for PTI founder

Islamabad (Web Desk): Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, head of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aiyeen Pakistan (TTAP), on Wednesday announced the end of the Parliament House sit-in over the health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan.

Talking to media outside the Supreme Court (SC), Allama Nasir Abbas said the protest had been launched solely out of concern for Khan’s medical condition, which had also been presented to the court.

The announcement followed consultations at the SC attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, with opposition leaders continuing discussions afterward on the future of the sit-in.

PTI founder’s health became a major point of contention after a report submitted by his lawyer and the SC’s amicus curiae, Barrister Salman Safdar, revealed that he was diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious eye disorder linked to cardiovascular risks.

The 73-year-old former prime minister has been jailed since August 2023 and reported losing 85% of vision in his right eye.

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

During the protest, Allama Nasir said Parliament had effectively become a “jail,” with participants facing blocked exits and restrictions. He noted that the alliance had considered a hunger strike to ensure Khan’s personal doctors could meet him.

Announcing he sit-in’s conclusion, Allama Nasir urged that Khan’s sisters be allowed to visit him and expressed hope for his recovery, saying, “God willing, his eyes will be treated.”

He also demanded that the PTI founder be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for further care.