ISLAMABAD: Senate witnessed heated scenes on Thursday after Opposition Leader Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas raised concerns about the health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, alleging that he has lost 85 percent vision in one eye and holding the government responsible.
During the session chaired by Presiding Officer Senator Waqar Mehdi, Abbas sought suspension of the regular agenda to discuss Khan’s medical condition.
He claimed that despite repeated complaints, appropriate treatment was not provided for three months, resulting in severe deterioration of Khan’s eyesight. Abbas alleged that Khan was treated at PIMS Hospital by a doctor who was not a specialist in the relevant condition and that an injection administered there further worsened his vision.
He demanded an independent investigation and called for Khan to be examined by qualified eye specialists in Rawalpindi or Islamabad. Abbas warned the government against escalating the matter, saying the opposition could take to the streets if justice was not served. “Do not push matters to the point where protests erupt. We are ready to face bullets if necessary,” he said.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar rejected the allegations, stating that Khan’s health was “absolutely fine” and that medical facilities had been provided in accordance with court directives.
He referred to a report submitted to the Supreme Court by Barrister Salman Safdar after meeting Khan, which, according to him, confirmed that proper care was being given and that Khan had expressed satisfaction with his treatment.
Rana Sanaullah also defended the government’s position, saying the former prime minister had received the best available medical care and that the Supreme Court had recommended further examination by a specialist if required. He accused the opposition of politicizing the issue.
The exchange led to loud protests by PTI senators, who stood at their seats in demonstration. The presiding officer directed that photographs displayed in the chamber be removed, citing prior rulings prohibiting such displays. The session was briefly disrupted due to the uproar.
Despite the tension, the Senate passed several bills, including amendments to the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951, the PEMRA Ordinance, and the Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act 1973. An amendment bill to the Hemp Control and Regulatory Authority Act 2024 was deferred until the next session.
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