Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a sit-in outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after being denied a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan for the eighth time. The CM and his supporters gathered at Factory Naka on Thursday, attempting to demand access to the incarcerated former prime minister.
Court Orders Ignored, Afridi Claims
Afridi noted that despite Islamabad High Court (IHC) orders, he was not permitted to meet Imran Khan. He also revealed writing to the chief justice regarding the denial but receiving no response.
Originally, Afridi and party supporters planned to march to the jail itself. However, a heavy police presence stopped them at Factory Naka. At the sit-in, the CM offered prayers led by Punjab lawmaker Hafiz Farhat Abbas.
Police Blockade Sparks Frustration
Afridi criticized authorities for defying court orders. “A province is being treated like a stepmother,” he remarked, emphasizing the unfair treatment of KP, representing 25 million people. He questioned why similar actions might be tolerated in other provinces if left unchallenged.
The CM highlighted that no one has been allowed to meet Imran, including his family, lawyers, or party leaders. “Authorities need to decide who they are standing with. If they continue, we will take a final option,” Afridi warned, without providing further details.
PTI Voices Concern Over Imran Khan’s Health
The PTI expressed worry about Imran Khan’s wellbeing while in isolation. He has been barred from seeing family and lawyers for over three weeks. Former PM aide Zulfi Bukhari confirmed that no one had access to Imran since November 4, raising fears about his health and legal rights.
“We are concerned about his illegal isolation and demand immediate access for his family,” Bukhari stated, urging the government to comply.
Official Statement on Imran’s Condition
A jail official, speaking anonymously, stated that Imran Khan is in good health and that there are currently no plans to move him to another facility. However, the official did not provide further details about restrictions on visitors or meetings.
Political Implications and Ongoing Tensions
Afridi’s sit-in highlights increasing tensions between PTI leadership and authorities overseeing Imran Khan’s detention. The repeated denial of court-sanctioned meetings has fueled protests and amplified calls for transparency regarding the former prime minister’s treatment.
The KP CM’s actions underscore both the political friction surrounding Imran Khan’s imprisonment and the broader concerns over adherence to court directives. Supporters remain mobilized, demanding access and accountability while raising national attention to the situation.
