Fresh protests erupt in Pakistan over Imran Khan’s health, sisters accuse Mohsin Naqvi of threats

PTI supporters blocked key routes and staged sit-ins near Parliament in Islamabad, while Khan’s sisters accused powerful figures in the state apparatus of threatening them and conspiring against the jailed former prime minister.

Protests escalate across key routes

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ramped up demonstrations by occupying the Attock Bridge, effectively severing the main road link between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The blockade caused massive traffic disruption, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for hours.

Simultaneously, the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan continued its sit-in near Parliament and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in the capital.

At the centre of the unrest is a single demand: shifting Imran Khan from prison to Shifa International Hospital for specialised medical treatment.

Eyesight concerns trigger public anger

The renewed unrest follows a report submitted last week by a Supreme Court-appointed lawyer, which stated that the 73-year-old former prime minister, lodged in Adiala Jail since 2023, has lost significant vision in his right eye.

According to the report, Khan was left with only 15 percent eyesight, fuelling fears over irreversible damage and prompting his family to seek immediate medical access.

Despite these concerns, Khan’s relatives say repeated appeals have been ignored, pushing PTI supporters onto the streets once again.

Imran Khan's sisters level serious allegations

Adding to the volatility, Khan’s sisters publicly accused Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and interior minister Mohsin Naqvi of orchestrating what they described as a “lethal conspiracy” against the former premier.

At a press conference, Uzma Khan alleged intimidation and issued a stark warning, claiming the family was being threatened.

Another sister, Noreen Niazi, said Khan’s health deterioration was the result of what she termed “Asim Law,” pointing to long-standing animosity between the former prime minister and the army chief.

Imran Khan’s sisters accuse Asim Munir and Mohsin Naqvi of orchestrating a “lethal conspiracy” against the ex-PM. Photo: Facebook/@PTIOfficialISB

Government and doctors offer different picture

The standoff has been further complicated by conflicting medical assessments.

A government-appointed medical board recently claimed that Khan’s eyesight had shown notable improvement.

According to PTI leaders briefed by doctors who examined him, Khan was now able to see objects he previously could not.

However, the government’s refusal to allow a family representative during the medical evaluation has deepened mistrust.

Khan’s relatives have outright rejected the board’s conclusions, insisting that the situation is far more serious than authorities admit.

Global attention and sporting icons speak out

The controversy has drawn international attention, with several legendary former cricketers appealing to the Pakistani government to ensure adequate medical care for the 1992 World Cup-winning captain.

Their intervention has amplified scrutiny on Islamabad’s handling of Khan’s detention and health.

Protests return after brief lull

This marks the second major wave of protests in two months linked to Khan’s well-being.

In November, violent clashes erupted in Rawalpindi amid rumours that he had died in custody.

Those protests subsided only after one of his sisters was allowed to meet him in jail and reported that he was alive but held in solitary confinement.