KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrived at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi along with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Despite his official status, Afridi was denied entry and returned without meeting the imprisoned PTI leader. In contrast, Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, was allowed to visit him. Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Afridi expressed disappointment, stating that as Imran Khan’s nominated and appointed chief minister, it was crucial for him to receive policy guidance directly from the PTI founder.
He also questioned the legality of the repeated denials, saying, I am the chief executive of a province and should be allowed to meet the party’s founder to discuss governance matters. The obstruction of this meeting is beyond understanding.Afridi hinted that such actions could lead to a contempt of court case, referencing the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) earlier directive allowing such meetings.
Political and Constitutional Concerns Raised
Sohail Afridi criticized the federal government, accusing it of governing through force rather than upholding the Constitution and rule of law.He emphasized that obstructing a constitutionally elected chief minister’s access to his party leader undermines democratic norms. Afridi warned that continued defiance of court orders could escalate into a legal challenge.
Despite these challenges, Afridi maintained a composed stance, reiterating that his focus remains on forming an effective provincial cabinet to address key governance issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He explained that policy direction from the PTI founder was vital to ensure coordination between the party’s national leadership and the provincial government.
Tensions with Punjab and Cabinet Formation Delays
In his conversation with journalists, Afridi mentioned that while chief ministers and governors from Sindh and Balochistan had extended their congratulations, Punjab’s leadership had not done so. “Instead of congratulations, Punjab has cut off our wheat supply, creating a flour crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he claimed.
The KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi highlighted that he had received congratulations from several political figures and even from the local corps commander, who personally conveyed good wishes on his appointment. However, he acknowledged that administrative progress in KP has been slow due to delays in cabinet formation, a process he hoped to expedite after meeting Imran Khan.
Judicial Orders and Repeated Denials
Following his election on October 13, Sohail Afridi announced plans to meet Imran Khan to discuss provincial policy direction. However, despite the Islamabad High Court’s directive to allow the meeting, Afridi has faced repeated denials from prison authorities. On October 23, after being turned away once again, he staged a brief sit-in outside Adiala Jail, demanding that the court’s order be implemented.
This marked the third time the KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was prevented from seeing the PTI founder since taking office. The repeated rejections have fueled criticism from PTI leaders, who argue that the actions reflect political victimization.
Background of Imran Khan’s Incarceration
Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 following his conviction in the Toshakhana case, one of several legal proceedings initiated against him after his ouster through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. The PTI founder is currently facing multiple cases, ranging from corruption to terrorism. Despite his imprisonment, Khan remains a central figure in PTI’s political strategy, with party leaders frequently seeking his input on key decisions.
Afridi’s repeated attempts to meet Khan highlight the deep-rooted connection between the party’s central and provincial leadership. The chief minister has maintained that his administration’s policies must align with the PTI founder’s vision for governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Afridi’s Position and Political Outlook
Sohail Afridi, who replaced firebrand PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur as KP’s chief minister after securing 90 votes in the provincial assembly, has positioned himself as a loyal follower of Imran Khan’s leadership. His commitment to seeking Khan’s guidance underscores the PTI’s internal coherence and centralized decision-making approach.
Responding to questions about corruption allegations, Afridi said he would address such matters once his cabinet was finalized. He reiterated his focus on transparency, governance, and accountability in the province, noting that his administration’s direction would closely reflect the PTI founder’s guidance.
Political Implications of Denial
The repeated denial of a meeting between KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Imran Khan has intensified political tensions in Pakistan’s ongoing power dynamics. Afridi’s insistence on consulting the PTI founder underscores the continuing influence of Imran Khan even from behind bars.
As Afridi moves forward with forming his cabinet, the situation reflects broader issues of constitutional rights, governance, and political communication within Pakistan’s democratic framework. Whether future court directives will finally allow the meeting remains uncertain, but the KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi continues to assert his resolve to seek guidance from the PTI founder, reinforcing his loyalty and political alignment amid an evolving national landscape.
