Parliament clashes over Imran Khan access as opposition threatens protests

Debate over access to jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan dominated proceedings in both the National Assembly and the Senate on Friday, as opposition lawmakers threatened protests while the government firmly rejected demands for a parliamentary oversight committee.

In the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai demanded clarity on when Imran Khan’s family would be allowed to meet him and when he would receive medical treatment of his choice. He warned that the opposition would begin protests from Monday if their concerns were not addressed.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan stated that Imran Khan had been in custody for nearly three years and alleged that the party was being denied equal treatment despite repeated court interventions. He said the party had approached the Supreme Court and High Courts multiple times, but claimed that court-directed procedures and agreements were not being implemented.

In the Senate, opposition senators including Raja Nasir Abbas and Azam Swati called for the formation of a bipartisan parliamentary committee to visit Imran Khan and other political prisoners. They argued that restricted access and prolonged incarceration were worsening political tensions in the country.

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However, the government, represented by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, rejected the proposal, stating that prison matters fall under established legal and judicial frameworks and cannot be subject to parliamentary interference.

He said meetings with prisoners are already regulated under mechanisms approved by the Islamabad High Court, allowing visits twice a week under defined schedules. He also claimed that medical treatment provided to Imran Khan was based on recommendations from a medical board formed on the advice of PTI’s own doctors.

Opposition lawmakers also raised concerns about Imran Khan’s health and conditions at Adiala Jail, with Senator Faisal Javed comparing his access to medical facilities with those previously granted to other political leaders.

The session ended amid heated exchanges, with both sides reiterating their positions, and the Senate adjourned until Monday.