Pakistan Opposition Ends Protests, Focus Shifts to Imran Khan’s Health
Islamabad, Pakistan – An opposition alliance in Pakistan called off days of sit-in protests Wednesday, citing a slight improvement in the health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains imprisoned on corruption charges. The protests, which began February 13th, centered on demands for better medical care for Khan and access to his preferred physicians.
The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-in-Pakistan (TTAP), a coalition including Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, staged demonstrations at parliament and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad. While the alliance has dispersed, pressure remains on the government to address concerns surrounding Khan’s well-being.
“Thanks to God, there is a minor improvement compared to the situation before,” said Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, during a press conference announcing the end of the protests. He emphasized the need for Khan’s personal doctor to be allowed to examine him and for treatment to be provided at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
The situation highlights a growing political tension in Pakistan, where Khan, despite his imprisonment, continues to wield significant influence. He was convicted in August 2023 on corruption charges and sentenced to 14 years in prison, with numerous other cases still pending. His supporters allege the charges are politically motivated, a claim the government denies.
Recent reports on Khan’s health have been conflicting. A medical team’s assessment on February 15th indicated partial vision in both eyes – 6/24 in the right eye unaided, improving to 6/9 with glasses, and 6/9 in the left eye unaided, reaching 6/6 with glasses. However, Khan’s family and the PTI have rejected this report, insisting on an independent evaluation by his own doctors.
The Supreme Court has been involved, hearing petitions related to Khan’s case and access to medical attention. A plea for a meeting with the former premier was recently denied, though the court had previously tasked a PTI lawyer with assessing Khan’s condition.
Beyond the immediate health concerns, the TTAP is signaling a potential shift in strategy. “In the next stage, we can take different measures as TTAP, and we will do so as we have time,” Abbas stated, hinting at future actions.
Adding another layer to the political landscape, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the formation of a “Release Force” aimed at securing Khan’s freedom. Afridi, speaking outside the Supreme Court, described the force as committed to a peaceful struggle for democracy, constitutional supremacy, and a free press. He stated the force will take an oath on February 22nd in Peshawar and will ultimately report directly to Khan.
This move comes amidst reported internal dissent within the PTI, with Afridi addressing those seeking his removal, stating that “honour and disgrace come from God alone.”
The situation in Pakistan is being closely watched internationally. The country, a nuclear-armed nation of over 240 million people, has a history of political instability. The ongoing concerns about Khan’s health and the potential for further unrest raise questions about the future of Pakistani democracy. The upcoming start of Ramadan is also a factor, with the TTAP citing the holy month as a consideration in their decision to end the sit-ins.
[Image of Imran Khan in jail – sourced from The Hindu article]
[Embedded Tweet from a prominent Pakistani journalist commenting on the situation – example, replace with actual tweet]
Pakistan’s political temperature remains high as opposition ends protests over Imran Khan’s health. The formation of a “Release Force” adds another layer of complexity. #PakistanPolitics https://t.co/EXAMPLE
— Example Journalist (@ExampleHandle) February 18, 2026