Opposition ties end of parliament protest to independent medical checkup of Imran Khan

ISLAMABAD: A protest camp set up by opposition lawmakers inside the Parliament House complex has entered its fourth day, with leaders refusing to call off the sit-in until they receive what they describe as “credible and independent” confirmation about the health of former prime minister Imran Khan.

The demonstration, led by senior figures from the opposition alliance, has become a focal point of political tension in the capital. While two related protest sites in the high-security Red Zone have already been dismantled, the main sit-in continues; over what opposition leaders say is a matter of public trust rather than political maneuvering.

DEMAND FOR INDEPENDENT MEDICAL EVALUATION

At the heart of the dispute is the opposition’s insistence that Imran Khan’s personal physician be allowed to conduct an independent examination. Lawmakers say they are awaiting a fresh medical report expected to be submitted to the Supreme Court, but argue that official updates alone are insufficient to satisfy public concern.

Speaking to Samaa TV, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja described access for Dr. Asim Yousuf as the alliance’s “primary demand.” According to Raja, the doctor has previously visited Adiala Jail multiple times and should be granted permission again to assess the PTI founder’s condition firsthand.

“The nation will only be reassured when his personal doctor examines him,” Raja said, framing the issue as one of transparency rather than confrontation.

“PUBLIC CONFIDENCE” CENTRAL TO PROTEST

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, echoed similar sentiments. He said the sit-in cannot end without clarity regarding the treatment being provided, particularly concerning reported issues with Khan’s eyesight.

Abbas argued that individuals trusted by the public should be allowed to meet the former prime minister, adding that without such access, doubts would persist. His remarks suggest that the protest is being positioned as a test case for transparency in the treatment of incarcerated political figures.

SCALED-DOWN PROTESTS, BUT TENSIONS LINGER

The sit-in at Parliament House is being overseen by veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai. Meanwhile, two other protest sites: at the Parliament Lodges and outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House; have been wound up. With roads in the Red Zone reopened and traffic restored, authorities appear eager to project a return to normalcy.

Yet the continuation of the main sit-in signals that political friction remains unresolved.

A BROADER POLITICAL MESSAGE

Beyond the immediate medical concerns, analysts note that the protest reflects a deeper struggle over narrative and legitimacy. By demanding independent medical verification, the opposition is attempting to shift the debate from partisan politics to issues of institutional credibility and human rights.

With a new medical report expected in court, the coming days could prove decisive. For now, opposition leaders maintain that the protest will persist until they are convinced that transparency, and not political expediency, guides the handling of Imran Khan’s health.