Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was once again denied permission to meet the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. The latest development has deepened concerns over the prolonged delay in forming the KP cabinet, as Afridi sought to consult Khan for policy guidance.
The chief minister arrived at the jail alongside PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, hoping to discuss provincial matters with the party founder. However, despite court directives allowing such meetings, the authorities refused to grant access, forcing Afridi to leave without meeting Khan.
CM Afridi Criticizes Obstruction and Federal Government
Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Afridi expressed frustration over being denied the meeting, saying he required “policy guidelines” from the PTI founder to proceed with administrative decisions. He emphasized that the obstruction was unconstitutional and warned that he intended to file a contempt petition against jail authorities.
Afridi remarked that as the “nominated and appointed chief minister” by Imran Khan, he needed direct consultation to ensure policy continuity in the province. He accused the federal government of governing through force rather than respecting democratic norms and the rule of law.
Provincial Relations and Wheat Supply Dispute
The chief minister further stated that he had received congratulatory messages from the Sindh and Balochistan leadership, as well as from senior political figures across the country. However, he lamented that Punjab’s leadership had not extended any such gesture.
“Instead of congratulations, Punjab has cut off our wheat supply, creating a flour crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Afridi alleged. He added that despite the political divide, the corps commander had personally visited to congratulate him on assuming office.
Background: IHC Directive and Previous Attempt
This is the second time Afridi has been barred from meeting the PTI founder since his election as chief minister on October 13. Previously, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had directed prison authorities to facilitate such meetings. Nevertheless, when Afridi arrived at Adiala Jail on October 23, he was also denied entry.
Following that incident, Afridi held a brief sit-in outside the prison, demanding implementation of court orders, but the situation remained unresolved.
Cabinet Formation and Political Challenges
Afridi replaced PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur after winning 90 votes in a provincial assembly session boycotted by opposition parties, including JUI-F, PML-N, and PPP. Since assuming office, the chief minister has faced mounting political pressure as his cabinet remains incomplete.
He clarified that he would address issues related to alleged corruption scandals and administrative reforms once the cabinet formation was finalized.
PTI founder Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. He faces multiple charges, including corruption and terrorism, stemming from several cases filed after his ouster through a no-confidence motion in April 2022.
Afridi’s repeated efforts to meet Khan highlight the ongoing friction between provincial and federal authorities, raising questions about political autonomy and administrative coordination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
