ISLAMABAD – The opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aaeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), continued its sit-in outside Parliament House on Friday, February 13, 2026. The protest was sparked by alarming reports regarding the deteriorating health of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, specifically a significant loss of vision in his right eye.
Protests Fueled by Ocular Health Crisis
The sit-in was organized following a report submitted to the Supreme Court by amicus curiae Barrister Salman Safdar. The report revealed that the PTI founder has allegedly lost 85% of the vision in his right eye, leaving him with only 15% sight. According to the findings:
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Khan began complaining of blurred vision as early as November 2025.
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The condition was later diagnosed as central retinal vein occlusion, a serious blood clot in the eye.
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The opposition alleges that "cruel negligence" by jail authorities at Adiala Jail prevented timely medical intervention.
TTAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and other senior leaders, including Asad Qaiser and Raja Nasir Abbas, addressed the protesters, vowing that the sit-in would not end until Khan is shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment by his personal physicians.
Government Response and Assurances
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry held a press conference outside Parliament. He dismissed allegations of negligence, stating that the government is fully committed to Khan’s well-being.
"He will be taken wherever he prefers for medical treatment. If he wants to go to Al-Shifa Eye Trust or Shifa International, the government will facilitate it. There will be no negligence," Chaudhry assured.
Despite these verbal promises, the opposition remains skeptical. Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, pointed out that as of Friday afternoon, the written orders from the Supreme Court regarding the formation of an independent medical board had not yet been released, causing further delays in treatment.
Expanding Opposition
The protest gained further momentum as the Awaam Pakistan party, led by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, announced its participation in the sit-in. The alliance maintains that providing medical care to a former Prime Minister is not a political favor but a fundamental human right.
