CM Sohail Afridi’s Convoy Halted Near Adiala Jail
The newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sohail Afridi, was stopped by security personnel near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Thursday. According to initial reports, his convoy was intercepted at the Dahgal checkpoint, roughly one kilometre from the prison gates.
Afridi was reportedly travelling under official protocol to meet Imran Khan, the jailed founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party However, security officials at the site denied him entry and refused to let his delegation proceed further.
Unclear Reasons Behind Security Blockade
The reasons for denying access have not been made public. Sources within the provincial administration confirmed that the chief minister was not allowed to enter the jail premises despite following the official procedure for such visits.
Observers note that this comes at a time of strained relations between the federal government in Islamabad and the PTI-led administration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The move has therefore sparked speculation about whether political considerations played a role in the incident.
Local media outlets reported that security around Adiala Jail has been significantly tightened in recent weeks, given the high-profile nature of Imran Khan’s detention. Journalists and political figures attempting to visit him have often faced restrictions or delays.
Political Context and Reaction
Imran Khan, the former prime minister and PTI leader, has been imprisoned at Adiala Jail since 2023 following multiple convictions in corruption and state secrets cases. His party continues to allege that the cases are politically motivated and part of a wider crackdown on opposition voices.
As of now, neither Chief Minister Afridi nor the KP government has issued an official statement regarding the incident. Federal authorities have also remained silent.
Political analysts believe the standoff underscores the growing friction between provincial and federal institutions, particularly over issues of governance, law enforcement, and political freedoms.
Awaiting Further Details
Sources close to the KP government say officials are seeking clarification from the Interior Ministry regarding why the chief minister’s movement was restricted. Meanwhile, PTI supporters have voiced concerns online, calling the episode another sign of political victimization.
Further updates are expected as both sides issue formal responses and as the government clarifies its position on official visits to Adiala Jail.
