Ali Hamza
Correspondent
Ali; a journalist with 3 years of experience, working in Newspaper. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2022. Graduate of DePaul University, Chicago.
During his wait, KP CM Sohail Afridi addressed reporters, took selfies with supporters, and said his government would continue pursuing “constitutional and lawful ways” to meet the PTI founder.
KP government
Newly elected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday left Adiala jail after waiting nearly two hours at a police checkpoint without being allowed to meet jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
Afridi arrived near the prison in the afternoon and waited in a nearby compound often used for press briefings. Adiala Road was closed for traffic during his visit, and heavy security was deployed around the area.
Speaking to Nukta, Afridi said he had sought official permission to meet Khan but received no response. “We told the federal government and Punjab government yesterday to arrange a meeting with Imran Khan today, but we didn’t get any response from them,” he said.
The chief minister said he had spoken by phone with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier in the day. “I’m thankful to PM Shehbaz Sharif that he called me and congratulated me. I asked PM Sharif to do a courtesy and let me meet Imran Khan. He said he would get the information and let me know, but I haven’t received any response yet,” Afridi said.
During his wait, Afridi addressed reporters, took selfies with supporters, and said his government would continue pursuing “constitutional and lawful ways” to meet the PTI founder. “Peaceful protest is our right. We’ve always done peaceful protests, and that option is still open for us,” he said.
KP government
He also discussed governance plans, saying an advisory council would soon be formed. “Pakistan is before everything; everything else comes after that,” he said.
Afridi added that efforts were underway to secure Khan’s release but declined to share details. “I can’t tell you everything openly,” he said, noting that the provincial cabinet would be finalized after consultations with Khan.
Afridi, 35, represents Khyber district in the provincial assembly, having won his seat by over 24,000 votes in the 2024 general elections. He previously served as minister for higher education and earlier as special assistant for communications and works. His rapid rise reflects his reputation within PTI as a loyal Khan supporter.
Inside Adiala jail, Khan’s Toshakhana II case hearing continued Thursday, with his family and legal team present as the defense was directed to conclude closing arguments.
Party divisions and legal pressure
According to PTI insiders, Afridi maintains close ties with Aleema Khan, the former prime minister’s sister, and is known for his hardline, anti-establishment views.
Afridi also faces legal troubles. The Federal Investigation Agency’s Cyber Crime Circle in Peshawar opened an inquiry against him in February over alleged “negative rhetoric online” against state institutions. The agency warned that such statements could incite public alarm or disorder.
KP government
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a PTI stronghold despite the party’s loss of power nationally following Imran Khan’s ouster in 2022. Afridi’s unsuccessful attempt to meet Khan highlights both the continuing tensions between PTI and the federal government and the party’s struggle to maintain unity under pressure.
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