Rawalpindi, December 4, 2025: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was once again denied permission to meet PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Thursday — the ninth such refusal by prison authorities.
The attempt came two days after Imran’s sister Uzma Khan managed to meet him following weeks of restrictions, amid heightened rumours regarding the former prime minister’s health circulating on local and foreign media. Both government officials and PTI leaders have repeatedly claimed that Imran is in good physical condition, but speculation has grown due to the authorities’ reluctance to allow visits by his family and legal team in recent weeks.
According to a statement on X by the PTI, CM Afridi arrived at Adiala Jail for a scheduled meeting but was not granted access. The party also shared a video showing the chief minister and his delegation waiting inside a designated room.
Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Afridi expressed frustration over the repeated denials. “Today is the ninth time I have come. A chief minister of a province is standing here, and not even a five-minute meeting is being allowed. The whole world is witnessing this discriminatory treatment,” he said.
He warned that the government’s actions “will be remembered,” adding: “This government won’t remain forever, and then no one will get a chance to complain.”
Asked whether he would stage another overnight protest outside the jail, the KP chief minister said Uzma Khan had already confirmed Imran’s good physical health. However, the party would now discuss its strategy regarding concerns over Imran’s mental stress.
“I have been told to play on the front foot, and that the umpires are colluding — so we will stay cautious. We will play aggressively and also keep an eye on the umpires,” Afridi remarked, using cricket terminology.
He said the authorities’ persistent refusal showed that “our coming here pains them,” adding that the PTI would continue to assert its rights. Street protests, he said, remained an option under the law and Constitution.
Responding to a question about the possible imposition of governor’s rule in KP, Afridi challenged the federal government: “What are they waiting for? Impose it today. We are not afraid.” He warned that the situation would become “unmanageable” for those attempting to remove him.
Afridi also accused the federal government of being unable to “tolerate” a chief minister from the tribal districts. Removing him, he claimed, would fuel resentment in the tribal belt. “The people of KP and Pakistan see their future in me,” he said, adding that governor’s rule would be a “win-win” for him as it would allow him to operate more freely.
