Islamabad High Court had restored twice-a-week meeting rights for the former premier.
Afridi Barred from Meeting Imran Khan Despite IHC Order
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was prevented on Thursday from meeting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, despite a clear directive from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Earlier in the day, a larger bench of the IHC — led by Justice Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar — had reaffirmed the court’s March 24 order allowing the former premier to hold two meetings per week with his family and party members.
However, when CM Afridi arrived at Adiala Jail, his convoy was stopped at the Dahgal checkpoint near the facility. Despite possessing court permission, he was denied entry, forcing him to leave after a brief symbolic sit-in outside the prison gates.
Court Directives and Hearing Details
During the IHC proceedings, the bench also heard 11 petitions submitted by PTI leaders concerning the denial of visitation rights.
The court directed Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum to facilitate the meetings in accordance with the previously approved list submitted by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja.
A heated exchange took place between Raja and Anjum during the hearing.
Raja alleged that the earlier court order had “never been implemented even once,” while the jail superintendent countered that “regular meetings” were held but no official list was received from PTI.
CM Afridi’s Protest and Remarks
Following the hearing, CM Afridi proceeded directly to Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan.
After being turned away by authorities, he spoke to reporters, expressing deep frustration over the apparent disregard for judicial orders.
“This is not my weakness — it shows the helplessness of the judiciary itself,” Afridi said, questioning why clear court instructions were not being followed.
He clarified that his visit was constitutional and consultative, meant to seek policy guidance from his party leader on governance matters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“For two years, I haven’t met my leader. This meeting was vital for policy direction. No cabinet will be formed without Imran Khan’s advice,” Afridi stated.
Later, the PTI shared videos on social media showing Afridi and other leaders sitting on the ground outside Adiala Jail, calling the act a “symbolic sit-in” in protest of the denial.
Official Reaction from KP CM Secretariat
In a statement issued afterward, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Secretariat confirmed that despite the IHC’s explicit permission, Afridi was not allowed to meet Imran Khan.
The statement added that the chief minister had followed all legal and administrative protocols, including reaching out to the Punjab Home Department, the federal government, and even the Chief Justice of Pakistan, before approaching the IHC.
Afridi reiterated his loyalty to the PTI founder, saying he would implement Imran Khan’s instructions “in letter and spirit.”
Political Talks in Jail: IHC Restores Ban
In a separate development, the Islamabad High Court restored the ban on political discussions by prisoners, suspending a previous ruling by a single-member bench that had nullified the restriction.
The larger bench, headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, ruled that the earlier decision by Justice Sardar Ijaz Ishaq—which permitted political speeches in jail—was no longer valid.
The restored ban means inmates, including political figures, cannot engage in political dialogue or deliver statements while in custody.
Analysis
The episode highlights a deepening standoff between the judiciary, provincial government, and prison authorities, with PTI claiming that the establishment is intentionally blocking communication between its leader and party leadership.
Legal observers say the situation underscores broader questions about rule of law, transparency, and political rights of incarcerated leaders in Pakistan.