Red Zone Sealed as PTI Stages Sit-In Over Imran’s Health

News Desk 

Islamabad: Security was tightened across Islamabad’s high-security Red Zone on Friday as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and supporters gathered outside Parliament House to demand immediate medical attention for party founder Imran Khan over concerns about his deteriorating eyesight.

Authorities blocked several routes leading to Parliament, including Shahrah-e-Dastoor, while barriers were placed at key entry points such as Radio Pakistan Chowk. Access to Parliament House and Parliament Lodges was also restricted, with some lawmakers reportedly prevented from reaching the premises.

The security measures came as PTI organised a sit-in to press for what the opposition party described as urgent medical care for its incarcerated founder.

Speaking outside Parliament, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan said he had faced difficulty reaching the building and criticised restrictions on lawmakers. He warned that failure to allow the party to hold its protest at the designated location could lead to demonstrations spreading to other parts of the country.

Gohar said Imran Khan had authorised National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to lead the protest.

Addressing protesters, Achakzai said the demonstration would remain peaceful but called for immediate steps to address Imran Khan’s medical concerns. He demanded that Khan’s personal physician and family members be allowed to meet him and urged authorities to transfer him to a hospital of his choice for a medical examination.

“Our biggest demand is the PTI founder’s health,” Achakzai said, referring to a report presented before the Supreme Court which claimed that Khan’s right-eye vision had significantly deteriorated, with only 15 per cent eyesight remaining.

He proposed that a hospital could be declared a “sub-jail” to allow Imran Khan to receive treatment while remaining in custody.

The protest follows proceedings in the Supreme Court concerning Khan’s health. PTI counsel Salman Safdar, who was appointed amicus curiae, was directed to visit Adiala Jail after the former prime minister raised concerns about his medical condition.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government plans to shift Imran Khan to a new jail in Islamabad once construction is completed, which he expected to take around two months.

Naqvi said the proposed facility would have comprehensive medical services and confirmed that Khan would eventually be transferred there, citing his conviction by the Islamabad High Court.

The statement comes weeks after authorities had rejected reports that Khan would be moved from Adiala Jail, saying at the time that he was receiving security and medical care in accordance with jail regulations.

With PTI demanding immediate medical intervention and authorities maintaining tight security around Parliament, the issue of Imran Khan’s health has added to political tensions in the capital, with party leaders warning of further escalation if their demands are not addressed.