Islamabad, Nov 27 — Mounting tensions between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the administration deepened on Thursday as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the party was now considering its “last option” after he was once again denied permission to meet PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. According to local media, this was Afridi’s eighth attempt to secure a meeting with Imran Khan.
Speaking to reporters, Afridi expressed frustration, stating that despite November 27 being scheduled for the hearing of Imran Khan’s cases, the date was abruptly shifted to December 20. He said that since October 27, Imran Khan’s sisters, doctors, lawyers, and senior PTI leadership had not been allowed any access to him, raising growing concerns within the party.
Afridi questioned the authorities’ intentions, saying, “They should decide which side they stand on. If this attitude continues, we are considering the last option we have—and we will adopt it.” He emphasized that it was deeply troubling that despite having formal orders from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) permitting the meeting, he was still blocked from entering the prison.
The chief minister revealed that police stopped him at Factory Naka, the same location where PTI workers had staged a sit-in earlier in the week after being denied access to Imran Khan. He said the situation was “worsening by the day” and accused authorities of refusing to follow court orders.
Meanwhile, Adiala Jail officials issued a statement on Wednesday clarifying that Imran Khan had not been shifted from the facility and remained “in good health.” The statement dismissed rumours circulating on social media about his deteriorating health or relocation, calling them “baseless.” According to officials quoted by The News International, Imran is receiving complete medical care and his well-being is being ensured.
Imran Khan, incarcerated since August 2023, faces multiple charges including corruption and terrorism following his ouster from power through a no-confidence motion in 2022. His detention and the repeated denial of family and legal visits have sparked widespread concern among PTI supporters.
PTI leadership has also called on the government to clarify circulating rumours regarding the former premier’s health. The party noted that Imran Khan’s sisters have not been allowed to meet him for several weeks, prompting anxiety about his condition and whereabouts. Social media speculation, particularly on X, even included claims of Imran Khan’s death—claims the PTI has urged the government to “clearly dismiss.”
The party has demanded that the authorities immediately facilitate a meeting between Imran Khan and his family, arguing that transparency is essential in such a sensitive matter.
With tensions escalating, Afridi’s remarks about a “last option” indicate that PTI may intensify its political pressure in the coming days, potentially triggering further confrontation between the party and the government.
