Opposition Protests in Senate Over Imran Khan’s Health, Threatens Street Demonstrations

Islamabad: The Senate witnessed tense scenes on Thursday as opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas raised concerns over PTI founder Imran Khan’s health, claiming that the former Prime Minister has lost 85 percent of vision in one eye. Abbas warned that if the matter is not addressed, the opposition would take to the streets, even risking their lives.

During the session presided over by Senator Waqar Mehdi, Raja Nasir Abbas requested to suspend the routine agenda to discuss Imran Khan’s medical condition. He accused the government of negligence, claiming that the treatment provided at PIMS was inadequate and that the Punjab government is responsible for the damage to Khan’s eye. Abbas stressed that under Islamic jurisprudence, the loss of one eye amounts to half the blood money of a human being, and called for an investigation into the matter.

Responding in the Senate, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah rejected the allegations of mistreatment. He stated that Barrister Salman Safdar’s report confirmed that Imran Khan has received all necessary facilities, including exercise equipment and three meals daily. The Chief Justice of Pakistan had reviewed reports from both Safdar and the jail superintendent, which were found consistent. Rana Sanaullah emphasized that whenever Khan raised a medical complaint, treatment was provided, and politicizing his health is a grave wrongdoing.

Following Rana Sanaullah’s remarks, PTI senators staged a protest in the chamber, standing on their seats and demanding the removal of Imran Khan’s pictures displayed by government benches. The presiding officer directed that the images be taken down, citing house rules.

Despite the disruption, the Senate proceeded with legislative business, passing amendments to the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951, the PEMRA Ordinance, and the Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act 1973. An amendment bill to the 2024 Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act was deferred to the next day. The session was adjourned until 10:30 am the following morning.