New Delhi: Pakistan witnessed fresh political turmoil on Wednesday as supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan intensified protests over concerns regarding his deteriorating eyesight in jail. Workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf blocked the Attock Bridge, a crucial link between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and staged a sit-in near Parliament in Islamabad.
The demonstrations followed claims by Imran Khan’s sisters that he was facing “unimaginable mistreatment” in prison. They also accused Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi of threatening them.
Vision concerns spark outrage
The latest unrest comes weeks after a Supreme Court-appointed lawyer submitted a seven-page report raising alarm about the former prime minister’s health. According to the report, Imran Khan, who has been detained in Adiala Jail since 2023, has been left with only 15 per cent vision in his right eye.
The lawyer stated that the family had sought immediate access to meet him, but their requests were allegedly not granted. These developments triggered widespread anger among PTI supporters, who accused authorities of neglecting the former World Cup-winning captain’s medical needs.
Supporters block Attock Bridge
On Wednesday, thousands of PTI workers occupied the Attock Bridge, effectively disrupting movement between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the rest of the country. The blockade caused long traffic jams, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for hours.
The protests escalated tensions in Islamabad as party supporters gathered near Parliament demanding transparency about Imran Khan’s health condition and prison treatment.
Sisters level serious allegations
In a press conference on Tuesday, Imran Khan’s sisters alleged that Army Chief Asim Munir and Mohsin Naqvi were part of a conspiracy to kill their brother in custody. They claimed he was being kept in isolation and denied facilities that were ordered by the court.
The controversy deepened after the government reportedly refused to allow a family representative during his recent medical evaluation. However, a medical board stated on Monday that there had been improvement in his eyesight. Media reports indicated that one of the doctors also discussed the matter with Imran’s personal physician, Asim Yusuf.
Protests for the second time in two months
This is the second major wave of protests in recent weeks. In November, PTI workers clashed with security forces in Rawalpindi amid rumours that Imran Khan had been killed inside Adiala Jail. The unrest subsided after one of his sisters was permitted to meet him.