KP CM threatens nationwide protests if Imran Khan meeting denied

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi declared on Thursday that he will not return to Adiala jail before September 27 unless the government officially confirms a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan. Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Afridi expressed frustration, stating that the prison's conditions indicated authorities had no intention of allowing the meeting.

"I have come to Adiala for the last time before Sept 27. I will return only when the government itself confirms the meeting," Afridi asserted. He also called for the closure of important government offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, claiming they were dysfunctional and that the country's system had been paralyzed. He alleged that even government ministers acknowledged the paralysis, indicating the government's failure.

Afridi warned that if the meeting was not permitted, PTI workers would initiate countrywide road blockades starting at 10 p.m. on Thursday as part of the party's "D-Chowk" protest. He urged party members to prepare to take to the streets carrying national and PTI flags, emphasizing that the protest would send a message about the unacceptable treatment of Imran Khan since April 2022.

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I have come to Adiala for the last time before Sept 27. I will return only when the government itself confirms the meeting.

The chief minister announced plans for a major mobilization on September 27, stating he would march towards Islamabad with "two million people." He urged PTI workers and the public to focus on this date, describing it as a "nightmare" for the authorities. He claimed widespread enthusiasm, citing a large, short-notice gathering in Khyber district on Wednesday and similar street movements planned for other districts. Protests in support of Imran Khan were already held in various cities, with workers chanting slogans in his favor.

The Islamabad High Court had previously ordered jail administration to arrange meetings with Imran Khan's family and lawyers on Tuesdays and party leaders on Thursdays, but these orders have reportedly not been implemented for several months. Afridi mentioned that applications had been filed in courts for the implementation of these decisions, but the courts appeared helpless, justifying the right to protest.

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We have filed applications in courts for the implementation of the decisions, but the courts are helpless. In that case, we have every right to hold a protest.