RAWALPINDI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday announced that he will file a contempt of court petition after being denied a meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, despite court orders allowing such visits.
The chief minister, accompanied by PTI lawmakers and supporters, arrived at Adiala Jail to meet the incarcerated former prime minister but was stopped by police at the Dahgal checkpoint. After waiting for hours and addressing the media, the delegation left without being allowed entry.
According to jail officials, only Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, was permitted to meet him. His other sisters — Aleema Khan and Naureen Khan, along with his cousin Qasim Khan — were reportedly stopped at the Factory checkpoint.
Speaking to reporters, CM Afridi expressed anger over the repeated denial of access, saying:
“We are submitting a contempt petition because the orders of three judges have been violated. The Supreme Court is not hearing the cases of our leaders. We urge the judiciary to uphold the Constitution and deliver justice.”
Afridi warned of a looming constitutional crisis following the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, alleging growing interference in judicial affairs. “Judges themselves have written letters complaining of external pressure,” he said, urging them to reveal who was influencing their decisions.
He lamented that cases related to Imran Khan and his wife were not being scheduled for hearing, claiming that “courts are giving judgments based on directives from others.” Responding to questions about his yet-to-be-formed provincial cabinet, Afridi remarked:
“The real question is why I am being stopped from meeting my leader, even though the people’s mandate has made me chief minister.”
The KP CM also criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for not congratulating him, saying that while Sindh and Balochistan leaders had extended goodwill, Punjab’s government was “not releasing wheat to KP,” causing shortages.
Regarding his recent interaction with the Corps Commander Peshawar, Afridi clarified it was an unofficial meeting aimed at administrative coordination. “Our stance remains unchanged, both privately and publicly. As chief executive, I meet with officials of all security agencies to discuss provincial issues,” he said, reaffirming his loyalty to PTI and Imran Khan.
On Pakistan-Afghanistan dialogue, Afridi welcomed the talks but lamented that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its tribal elders were not consulted — despite being directly affected by the outcomes.
Meanwhile, the visit saw minor scuffles among PTI workers outside Adiala Jail when a supporter from Dera Ismail Khan tried to approach the CM’s vehicle.
In a related development, Imran Khan instructed his party to move the court against the government for repeatedly blocking his visitors. His sister Dr Uzma Khan, who was the only one allowed to meet him, relayed his message to the media, stating:
“Even though the court has granted permission, only one person was allowed to see him. Imran has directed the party to file a contempt of court case immediately.”
She added that Imran had advised CM Afridi to form his cabinet soon, keep it small and efficient, and choose his own team freely, assuring him of complete trust. The PTI founder also raised concerns over the removal of two senior party colleagues without explanation and urged his legal team to “not leave the High Court until a hearing date is secured.”
“All official PTI communications will now be routed through lawyer Salman Akram Raja,” Dr Uzma confirmed.
 founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, despite court orders allowing such visits.){kind=link}