Nationwide PTI Protests Erupt As Imran Khan Health Crisis Raises Questions Over Shahbaz-Munir Regime Role

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s health has sparked indefinite protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) across Islamabad, Karachi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI workers have been sitting on roads and raising slogans against the Pakistani government since 7 PM yesterday in Islamabad, Karachi, Swabi, and Attock, demanding that Imran Khan be shifted from jail to a hospital. Late at night, the situation worsened, with PTI workers setting tires on fire and blocking the Islamabad–Rawalpindi Highway, directly challenging Shehbaz Sharif’s government.

PTI Protests Escalate Across Cities

Similarly, in Karachi, PTI workers gathered on streets and raised slogans against Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, demanding that Imran Khan be shifted to a hospital. In Islamabad, PTI workers and leaders are staging an indefinite sit-in on Aga Khan Road in front of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, including the province’s current Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. In Karachi, PTI workers near Millennium Mall have blocked streets with similar demands. Protests are also ongoing in Swabi and Attock, where PTI workers have blocked the bridge connecting Islamabad to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Govt Forms Medical Team Amid Protests

Amid PTI’s protests, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal posted on X that Imran Khan spoke to his sons over the phone and that the government has decided to hospitalise him. According to sources, the Pakistani government has also formed a team of two doctors, Dr. Muhammad Amjad and Dr. Nadeem Qureshi — to treat Imran Khan following a Supreme Court order. These doctors are from Al Shifa Eye Hospital, a semi-military-run hospital headed by retired Maj Gen Rehmat Khan.

Sources Allege Negligence In Treatment

Sources also revealed details about why and when Imran Khan’s health deteriorated and alleged negligence by Adiala Jail authorities. According to them, Imran Khan first experienced slight blurring in his right eye in the second week of October last year, primarily due to inadequate treatment of high blood pressure in jail. From July onwards, his blood pressure reportedly remained above 160, but the medicines provided were insufficient, and the correct combination was never administered.

Delayed Diagnosis After Vision Complaints

In November, when he complained of reduced vision, instead of proper treatment, the jail superintendent allegedly restricted family visits. Proper diagnostic tests or referrals to super-speciality doctors were also not carried out, and he was only advised to use corticosteroid eye drops. As his condition worsened, on December 9, a team from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) visited Adiala Jail. Initially suspecting black cataract, they examined him using a mobile phone flashlight due to lack of equipment, prescribed medicines, and left.

CRVO Diagnosis After Administrative Delays

On January 14, Imran Khan reportedly lost vision completely in his right eye. A PIMS team visited 48 hours later and advised urgent advanced testing at PIMS, but the process was allegedly delayed due to administrative procedures and transfer of jail officials. On January 19, advanced machines were brought to Adiala Jail, where doctors diagnosed Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). Despite doctors recommending hospital admission, authorities reportedly delayed action until senior officials returned from Davos.

Treatment Began After Weeks Delay

Treatment finally began on January 24, when Imran Khan was taken to PIMS under tight security and given an anti-VEGF injection. Doctors warned of infection risk if he was returned to jail without special hygiene arrangements, yet he was taken back to his cell. On January 31, PIMS publicly confirmed for the first time that Imran Khan was suffering from CRVO but did not disclose the condition of his vision. Critics say the delay in disclosure points to withholding of key health information.

Court Steps In, Fresh Medical Oversight

On February 10, Pakistan’s Supreme Court of Pakistan appointed PTI lawyer Salman Safdar as amicus curiae to meet Imran Khan. During the meeting, Imran Khan reportedly said he could see only 15% from his right eye and that his eyes were constantly tearing. On February 12, the Supreme Court ordered the federal government to form a specialist medical team and ensure communication with his sons. The government has since formed a team of retina specialists, including doctors from Al Shifa Eye Hospital, though it has not officially announced it.