ISLAMABAD — The government on Friday assured the Senate that former prime minister Imran Khan remains in “good health” with no threat to his life, as Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers staged a second consecutive day of loud protests over unverified social media reports about his condition.
The uproar began shortly after the sitting opened, with PTI senators chanting slogans, striking their desks, and demanding immediate access for Mr Khan’s family, doctors, and lawyers. The party has claimed that a “complete blackout” surrounding the former premier’s wellbeing has persisted for weeks, intensifying concerns among supporters.
Syed Ali Zafar, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the Senate, said the public was experiencing “extreme tension” over the issue and warned of “dire consequences” if clarity was not provided. He demanded that a senior government representative brief the House. “We will not become part of the proceedings till the minister concerned comes and responds,” he declared, before PTI members walked out.
Responding on behalf of the government, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry dismissed the circulating rumours as “baseless,” saying they originated in Afghan media and were subsequently amplified by Indian outlets. Citing officials at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where Imran Khan is incarcerated, the minister said the former prime minister “is in good health, facing no threat to his life, and is being provided with all facilities.”
The clarification failed to calm the opposition. PTI senators continued their protest after returning to the chamber, chanting “release Imran Khan” and interrupting the legislative agenda. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani cautioned lawmakers to maintain order, telling one PTI member, “You cannot threaten like this.”
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The session was briefly adjourned after the House fell one member short of quorum. When proceedings resumed, the government laid the Income Tax (Third Amendment) Bill, 2025, before the Senate for recommendations to the National Assembly under Article 73 of the Constitution. The bill was later referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue.
Tensions flared again when PTI Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, instead of addressing his scheduled agenda item, spoke at length about Imran Khan’s detention, rejecting government claims that meetings with him had been taking place. He reiterated PTI’s position that the charges against their leader were politically motivated.
Imran’s allies demand immediate access for family, doctors and lawyers, warning of dire consequences amid unease among the public.https://t.co/7z0d1dB70f
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 29, 2025
With continued disruptions and ministers unable to respond in the noisy environment, session chairman Shahadat Awan adjourned the proceedings. The Senate will reconvene on Monday at 4 p.m.
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