Opposition leaders protest outside SC for immediate hearing of Imran’s cases

Members of the opposition staged a protest outside the Supreme Court on Monday, calling for the immediate hearing of cases of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan and demanding that he be allowed to meet his family without restrictions.

Concerns about his health increased in recent weeks after it emerged in late January that he is suffering from right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), an eye condition affecting his vision. His family and party leaders have since been voicing alarm over his medical condition and access to treatment.

Among those present at the protest were Senate Opposition Leader Allama Nasir Abbas and PTI leader Salman Akram Raja, along with MNAs Amir Dogar, Shafiullah Jan, Muhammad Hussain and Shahid Khattak. The protesters gathered on the lawn outside the apex court building and held discussions there.

In a statement posted on X by the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), the participants demanded that Imran be granted meetings with his family and that a medical check-up be carried out by his personal doctors.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court appointed PTI lawyer Salman Safdar as amicus curiae to meet Imran. Safdar later submitted a report to the court stating that only 15 per cent vision remained in Imran’s right eye. The disclosure triggered sharp reactions from opposition leaders, who criticised the authorities over his treatment.

Last week, TTAP had also organised a sit-in at Parliament House, pressing for medical access and other demands related to Imran’s incarceration. The protest continued for five days before it was called off in view of the holy month of Ramazan.