Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas has called for the establishment of a joint parliamentary committee to address the sensitive issue of allowing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to meet with lawmakers and family members while he remains incarcerated at Adiala jail. Speaking passionately on the Senate floor on Monday, the PTI-backed leader emphasized the need for the government to mend its strained relationship with the former prime minister, who continues to face serious health challenges behind bars.
In a notable gesture, Allama Nasir Abbas assured the government that the opposition would not seek to topple it if it took genuine steps to improve ties with Imran Khan. “I promise that we [the opposition] would not let your government fall,” he declared, signaling a willingness to prioritize national stability over political rivalry. This statement came amid heightened tensions following weeks of protests and political unrest linked to the former premier’s detention and deteriorating health condition.
The opposition leader also highlighted a recent protest sit-in staged by opposition lawmakers at Parliament House, where they alleged that the gates were locked and parliamentarians were effectively confined inside. He questioned whether such actions amounted to an insult to the sanctity of the parliament, urging authorities to allow a tradition of “positive protest” within democratic institutions. This reference pointed to the earlier prolonged sit-ins by PTI and allied parties at both the Parliament House and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, which were organized to draw attention to Imran Khan’s reported eye ailment.
Imran Khan had claimed that he lost 85% of vision in his right eye, a condition that sparked widespread concern among his supporters and opposition parties alike. In response, the government formed a medical board to examine and treat him within the confines of Adiala jail. However, the PTI and its allies insisted that Imran be transferred to a hospital and be allowed regular visits from his family, demands that were ultimately rejected by the authorities. Following this stalemate, PTI called off its protest but announced the formation of an “Imran Khan Release Force,” signaling continued political mobilization around the issue.
During his address, Allama Nasir Abbas reiterated the opposition’s demand for proper medical care for Imran Khan, accusing the government of registering false cases against the former prime minister. He also raised concerns about restrictions placed on Imran’s family, particularly his sisters, who have reportedly been denied access to visit him. To resolve these issues, the opposition leader proposed the creation of a joint parliamentary committee tasked with facilitating meetings between Imran Khan and lawmakers, as well as ensuring his medical needs are adequately met.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders and lawmakers held a separate sit-in outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Islamabad, pressing for the early hearing of cases involving Imran Khan. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja spoke to the media outside the apex court, revealing that despite efforts to meet with the Supreme Court registrar, no appointment was granted. The protest outside the court eventually concluded later that day, after which Allama Nasir Abbas returned to Parliament House to continue his parliamentary duties.
On the other side, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah addressed the Senate, affirming that medical professionals had deemed Imran Khan’s treatment appropriate following his recent health check-up. He urged all political actors to refrain from politicizing the former premier’s health issues, emphasizing that such matters should be handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Sanaullah also reiterated the government’s openness to dialogue, highlighting that his party had sought engagement even when the opposition held power.
He stressed that democracy thrives on negotiation and compromise rather than political deadlock, calling on opposition parties to actively participate in parliamentary committees and work towards strengthening the Charter of Democracy. This appeal underscored the importance of collaborative governance and the need to move beyond partisan conflicts for the sake of Pakistan’s democratic progress.
