Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has criticized authorities for not allowing him to meet Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, calling it “extremely regrettable and shameful.”
Speaking to PTI Deputy Secretary Information Shaukat Yousafzai at KP House in Islamabad, Afridi said he represents the province’s 4.5 million citizens but was forced to wait for hours outside Adiala Jail. He stressed that the nation is concerned about Khan’s health and that denying family and officials access constitutes a serious human rights violation.
Afridi also criticized the federal government, saying the country is facing paralysis across institutions, rising inflation, unemployment, and hardships for farmers. He alleged that federal policies have blocked the province from receiving its dues, hampering development.
Despite this, he said, the provincial government continues its development work, and PTI will continue peaceful political efforts to restore democracy and the constitution.
Shaukat Yousafzai described Khan’s confinement and the secrecy surrounding his transfer to a hospital at night as violations of both jail regulations and human rights. He demanded that Khan’s family, KP CM, and lawyers be allowed immediate access to assure the public.
The meeting also included discussions on the possible peaceful protest scheduled for February 8, government handling of Khan’s health, and broader national and provincial issues. Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan was also present.
