Afridi arrives at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail but is barred from meeting PTI founder, despite Islamabad High Court’s directive.
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi left Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail today after being denied permission by prison authorities to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, despite a clear order from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to allow such meetings.
Court’s Order Ignored by Jail Authorities
Earlier in the day, the IHC directed the superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure that PTI leaders, including CM Afridi, were granted access to Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023. The IHC’s ruling followed petitions filed by PTI leaders, including Afridi, who requested meetings with the jailed PTI chairman to discuss “policy matters” and the formation of the newly elected provincial government in KP.
A bench of the IHC, led by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, along with Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Azam Khan, had specifically ordered the implementation of a March 24 decision, which permitted PTI leaders to meet with their party’s founder in jail.
Afridi’s Protest at Dahgal Checkpoint
Despite the court’s clear instructions, CM Afridi’s convoy was halted at the Dahgal checkpoint near Adiala Jail by the police, preventing him from meeting Imran Khan. In response, Afridi staged a brief sit-in at the checkpoint, demanding the implementation of the IHC’s orders.
Speaking to journalists outside the jail, Afridi expressed his frustration, stating, “I have the right to meet my leader and seek policy guidance, as the people of KP have voted for Imran Khan’s ideology.” He added that he would wait for instructions from Imran Khan, even if he was not allowed to meet him.
Background on Imran Khan’s Incarceration and Court Orders
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned on charges including corruption and terrorism, was sentenced in the Toshakhana case in August 2023, one of many legal cases filed against him since his ouster as prime minister in April 2022. Despite being incarcerated, Khan’s political influence remains significant, and his party’s leadership, including CM Afridi, has consistently sought to consult him on matters of governance.
In March 2023, the IHC had reinstated the right for PTI leaders to meet with Imran Khan twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, under prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, the IHC had strictly prohibited any media interactions following these meetings to prevent any public statements from being made by the attendees.
Conclusion
The ongoing refusal by jail authorities to honor the IHC’s order has raised questions about the implementation of judicial decisions and the treatment of political leaders in custody. As CM Afridi continues to press for a meeting with Imran Khan, the situation underscores the broader challenges facing PTI in its pursuit of political direction amidst the legal battles surrounding its leader.
