Rawalpindi, November 27, 2025: Tensions flared outside Adiala Jail on Thursday after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, accompanied by senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers, staged a sit-in demanding a meeting with party founder Imran Khan.
Authorities had earlier rejected all visitor requests, despite a formal list of six names submitted by PTI General Secretary Salman Akram — a list that included Chief Minister Afridi.
CM Afridi and his delegation were stopped at the Factory checkpost, where they remained for more than three hours, unable to proceed toward the jail due to heavy police restrictions. The chief minister vowed to continue the sit-in until he was allowed to meet Imran Khan.
“I have come here eight times, always politely. We should not escalate tensions that harm the country,” Afridi told reporters, criticising what he called discriminatory treatment of KP representatives. He questioned why communication with the party founder was being blocked.
Police maintained a strong presence around the site, enforcing tight security and restricting movement at multiple checkpoints, including Dahgal, where PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai was also stopped.
Throughout the protest, PTI workers chanted slogans and demanded immediate access to the former prime minister. Senior PTI figures present included Shahid Khatak, Shaukat Yousafzai, and Meena Khan.
Afridi addressed the police directly, stressing public concern over Imran Khan’s health and urging authorities to facilitate a meeting to counter rampant rumours.
The sit-in also included the congregation of Maghrib prayers, as protesters maintained their presence into the evening.
Despite CM Afridi’s name appearing on the official visitors’ list, authorities refused to grant entry, further aggravating PTI leadership.
Party sources said such restrictions have “heightened frustration within PTI ranks,” adding that the standoff is likely to intensify if access continues to be denied.
Security outside Adiala Jail remained on high alert late into the night, with no indication of a breakthrough in negotiations between PTI and authorities.
