Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was once again prevented from meeting PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala jail on Thursday, marking the 10th such refusal. The repeated blockage prompted a strong outburst from the chief minister, who openly criticised both the federal government and Punjab authorities for what he called an unlawful and unacceptable obstruction.
CM Questions Repeated Denial and Slams Authorities
Afridi was stopped at the Dahgal checkpoint, where police had set up barriers blocking access to the prison. In a tense exchange with officers, he questioned why a sitting chief minister was being denied what he described as a constitutional right.
“I am not from another country; I am the chief minister of a province of Pakistan. What message are you trying to send? Who is giving these orders?” he asked in frustration.
Addressing reporters, Afridi said the continued refusals were harming Pakistan’s democratic image and alienating the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stressed that he always followed legal procedures yet was repeatedly blocked.
“We come according to the Constitution and the law, yet you stop us every time,” he said.
Condemnation Over Treatment of Imran Khan’s Family and PTI Leaders
Afridi also criticised the authorities for their handling of Imran Khan’s sisters — Aleema Khan, Uzma Khanum and Noreen Niazi — who attempted to visit the former prime minister earlier this week. He alleged that water cannons were used on them and added that PTI leader Shahid Khattak suffered a leg fracture during the clash.
“They have never taken part in politics. Using water cannons on them is inhumane,” he remarked.
The chief minister accused officials of deepening national divides by erecting barriers and denying lawful access to political leaders.
“You are increasing hatred. This is not in the country’s interest,” he warned, adding that even placing his name on the stop list would not silence him.
Afridi further questioned the government’s governance and economic approach. He warned that if corrective measures were not taken, Pakistan could soon struggle to service its debts.
He reiterated that his sole intention was to secure a lawful meeting with his party’s founder, emphasising that the ongoing restrictions were unjustified and damaging.
