ISLAMABAD: The leadership of Awaam Pakistan, including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, will join a sit-in outside Parliament House on Friday alongside the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP).
Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Abbas Nasir announced the protest on Thursday after the Supreme Court heard that PTI founder Imran Khan has only 15 per cent vision remaining in his right eye. The disclosure triggered a strong reaction from his party and allied opposition groups.
TTAP said it organized the peaceful demonstration in response to the alleged deterioration of Khan’s eyesight and the government’s refusal to grant access to his personal doctors and family members. The alliance added that leaders of Awaam Pakistan attended a late-night meeting where they finalized the decision to stage the protest.
“Denying any prisoner timely and appropriate medical care is immoral, inhumane and illegal,” the alliance said, emphasizing Khan’s status as a former prime minister and leader of the country’s largest political party.
Awaam Pakistan confirmed it would join the sit-in immediately after Friday prayers. The party reiterated its commitment to constitutional rights, rule of law, and democratic principles.
Court orders medical examination before Monday deadline
Meanwhile, PTI counsel Advocate Salman Safdar submitted a report to the Supreme Court after meeting Khan at Adiala jail earlier this week. According to the report, Khan said he has only 15 per cent vision left in his right eye.
During Thursday’s hearing, a two-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi ordered authorities to form a medical team to examine Khan’s eye. The court also directed officials to arrange phone calls between Khan and his children before February 16.
