Ongoing negotiations between KP CM representatives and Adiala prison administration
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi continued his sit-in outside Adiala jail till late Thursday night after authorities once again denied him permission to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. Negotiations between KP CM representatives and the Adiala jail administration were underway, sources said.
The talks are being held in a private building near Faqirabad (factory) checkpoint, sources said. Officials participating in the discussions include Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Prison, Chief Minister’s Security Chief, police officials and KP MP Meena Khan.
According to sources, the KP delegation demanded a written explanation as to why the CM and other party leaders were not allowed to meet the PTI founder. They also asked for assurances regarding the health of the founder. The delegation further insisted on obtaining immediate permission for the CM and accompanying party leaders to hold the requested meeting, sources added.
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Earlier, Afridi had arrived at Adiala jail and had a heated exchange with police officers, reminding them that he had also been arrested during his previous visit. “I asked then, and I ask now: explain to me in writing why court decisions are not respected. Someone is trying to sow chaos here,” he said. “This is the eighth time I have come here respectfully,” he added, pointing out that repeated trips from Peshawar to Rawalpindi “were not easy” when meetings were not held.
After multiple attempts, the jail authorities refused to allow the meeting, prompting the chief minister to launch a roadside sit-in. Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai later joined him in a show of solidarity.
Speaking to reporters at the Faqirabad checkpoint, Afridi expressed concern over reports on social media regarding the PTI founder’s health. “If these concerns are not addressed in a meeting, the entire nation will take to the streets,” he warned. “We are sitting here. If the meeting does not take place, we will decide our next steps.” Afridi reiterated his demand for clarity. “We want to meet him and inquire about his well-being,” he said.
Afridi said the party’s concerns grew every time access to its founder was denied, warning that “we are considering our last option.” He added that unemployment was increasing and young people were leaving the country. “I will champion my province’s cause at the NFC. I will attend the meeting. The government has postponed the NFC session four times.”
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He said the PTI had used all democratic channels. “I wanted to come early for a sit-in but I was stopped by the founder’s sisters,” he remarked. According to him, peaceful protests have always been the party’s last resort. “Don’t take this lightly. They are feeling the pressure – we know that. When we are fully prepared, many people will lose sleep. Even this sit-in is disturbing them.”
TTAP chief Achakzai also responded to questions on Imran Khan’s health. “If you are worried that Imran Khan is not feeling well, just ask him on camera. He will confirm that he is fine,” he said. “If you really want to run the country properly, then ask him on camera about the rumors about his health. It will only take two minutes: he will say he is fine, people will hear him and the matter will be settled,” he added.
Commenting on the governance crisis, Achakzai added: “There is no real constitution in Pakistan. We have kept all nations together under the Constitution, but you don’t enforce it for anyone.” He criticized the refusal to allow a meeting with the KP chief minister despite a court order. “A representative has been mandated by a court for a meeting, and they are refusing permission. Where is Pakistan going?” he asked.
He further warned that nationwide sit-ins could take place if the situation persists, saying the public would assert its authority over state institutions. Describing governance as being in “a state of constitutional collapse”, he accused the authorities of failing to keep their promises and undermining respect for the provinces.
“Have you ever heard of an entire province, with its chief minister, being prevented from meeting its leader? Promises are made and then broken. Where are you taking Pakistan? What respect are you showing to the provinces?” he added.
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PTI MP Meena Khan Afridi also raised concerns over the founder’s health. “This is not an ordinary matter. This is about the health of the founder. Despite our repeated requests, we are not allowed to meet him. They must explain the reason,” she said. She added that the chief minister had earlier indicated that “all options would be used” and the sit-in was one of those options. “We want the public to see his true colors.”
Meanwhile, MP Shahid Khattak criticized the treatment meted out to the KP chief minister. “There was no plan for a sit-in. There were only seven of us. I entered the jail and gave them all the names. How can you make a chief minister representing 50 million people sit on the roadside like this?” he asked. “This is their action; we will give a reaction.”
He said the party had called a meeting at the KP House to discuss the issue, adding that the PTI would not compromise on issues related to the founder’s imprisonment, health or the “disrespect” shown to the chief minister. “This is not their father’s country. They don’t respect the Constitution or the law. If we react with force, they call us thugs. We will react, we will not let this go easily.”
Khattak said what happened on February 8 was repeated on November 23. In the recent by-elections, he claimed, 95 percent of voters abstained, saying the people of Punjab had “shown solidarity with the founder by not voting”.
