ISLAMABAD: The Senate witnessed fresh uproar on Friday after a resolution seeking improved medical care for jailed PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan was rejected through a voice vote.
The opposition protested the decision and demanded a head count, claiming it had greater numbers in the House, but the request was not entertained.
The resolution, moved by Senator Aon Abbas Buppi and presided over by PPP’s Shahadat Awan, called for shifting Imran Khan to a high-standard hospital for a comprehensive medical examination, allowing access to his personal doctors, and ensuring regular family visits. Opposition members staged a noisy protest in front of the chairman’s dais, accusing the government of inhumane treatment.
Responding to the criticism, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the PTI founder was receiving regular medical check-ups in jail. He stated that jail doctors examine him every second day and that 25 medical board reviews had been conducted. He rejected claims of prolonged complaints about an eye ailment, saying the issue was raised only in early January and was promptly addressed.
He urged PTI to approach the Supreme Court if it had concerns, assuring that any court directives would be implemented, and maintained that a report submitted to the apex court indicated the former premier was satisfied with prison conditions.
Leader of the Opposition Allama Raja Nasir Abbas urged that Imran Khan’s health be treated as a humanitarian matter, proposing that senators from both treasury and opposition benches jointly visit him and report back to the House. Calling for an end to “dirty politics,” he nonetheless alleged criminal negligence in the former premier’s medical treatment, claiming the examining doctor was not a retina specialist.
PTI parliamentary leader Barrister Ali Zafar termed the situation “deliberate endangerment” of Imran Khan’s health, alleging prison authorities failed to provide proper treatment for a serious eye condition despite repeated complaints. He cited constitutional protections — including the right to life,
dignity and equality — arguing that the state bears full responsibility for the health of a detainee. He demanded immediate transfer to a fully equipped hospital, access to personal doctors and family, and transparent, independent monitoring of medical care.
Senator Kamran Murtaza of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUIF) supported the opposition’s stance, warning that the former prime minister’s eyesight was at risk. He endorsed the proposal for a joint visit and suggested options such as parole, bail, hospitalisation or declaring his residence a sub-jail, urging authorities to adopt a course consistent with democratic norms.
PTI Senator Dost Muhammad said he was willing to donate one of his eyes to Imran Khan, whom he described as the country’s most popular leader, and voiced serious concern over his health.
During the protest, PMLN Senator Pervaiz Rasheed responded that Imran Khan is a convicted individual, alleging that questioning court rulings amounted to contempt of court.
Another PMLN lawmaker, Nasir Butt, criticised PTI members, saying Imran Khan had previously mocked political opponents for falling ill in jail and accused the party of hypocrisy.
