Islamabad, October 20, 2025: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday overruled the registrar office’s objections to a petition filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who has sought permission to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan in Adiala Jail.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the case and issued notices to the interior secretary, the Punjab Home Department secretary, the inspector general of police, and the superintendent of Adiala Jail, directing them to submit their responses by October 23.
Afridi had approached the IHC on October 17, two days after taking oath as KP chief minister. A day earlier, he obtained protective bail from the Peshawar High Court and went to Adiala Jail to seek a meeting with the imprisoned PTI founder. However, jail authorities denied his request.
Following the refusal, Afridi moved the IHC, but the registrar’s office initially objected to the maintainability of his petition.
During Monday’s proceedings, Afridi’s counsel Advocate Ali Bukhari argued that the objections were unfounded. After hearing his submissions, the court overruled the objections and issued notices to the concerned authorities.
In his plea, Afridi maintained that consultation with the PTI founding chairman is crucial for the formation of the provincial cabinet and guidance on governance matters. He stated that as the elected chief minister representing a population of 45 million, it is his constitutional right to seek direction from his party leader.
The petition noted that the PTI, which won 92 seats in the 2024 general elections, holds a strong public mandate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It added that a meeting between the CM and the party founder was essential in view of the province’s law and order and economic challenges.
