K-P chief minister seeks parliamentary unity amid Adila meeting denial

In response to the repeated denial of a meeting with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi convened a parliamentary party session to finalise the party’s future course of action. Afridi directed all MNAs and MPAs to assemble outside the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday in a show of solidarity and protest.

Speaking to party members and youth, Afridi emphasised that his goal is not personal power, wealth, or a luxurious lifestyle, but public service. “Those who polish boots are listened to, while those who stand by principles face retaliation,” he remarked, criticising the current governance culture.

Afridi revealed that despite attempting to meet the PTI founder eight times, he was denied access each time. “I visit Adiala Jail every Thursday to see the party chief, knowing the meeting will be denied, still I go. The constitution and rule of law in Pakistan have been undermined. Even Supreme Court judges write letters pointing out interference in the judicial system,” Afridi said.

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He added that he had written to both provincial and federal authorities, as well as the Chief Justice of Pakistan, requesting the meeting, but no response has been received. “Three petitions were filed, judges summoned the jail superintendent, and court orders were issued, yet the meeting was still not granted,” he noted. Afridi expressed concern over international media reports about the PTI founder’s health, saying that even in such circumstances, access was denied.

The chief minister stressed the importance of party unity and disciplined action, calling on all legislators to prepare for the upcoming protest. “The PTI founder has empowered us to decide on negotiations and protest. When the call comes, we must act. His instructions are our ultimate oath,” Afridi asserted.

Afridi also highlighted his record in governance and public service, stating, “We have recruited 6,000 teachers transparently, without any recommendations. Our governance aims to serve the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and earn their trust for a fourth consecutive mandate.”

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Expressing concern on the economic situation, he criticised the federal government for rising unemployment, inflation, and industrial slowdown. “Instead of lecturing us, they should focus on their governance failures. IMF charges show mismanagement of thousands of billions of rupees, while our focus remains on public welfare,” he said.

The parliamentary party session will also discuss strategies for Tuesday’s Islamabad High Court protest and the subsequent visit to Adiala Jail, signaling unified PTI stance amid ongoing tensions with federal authorities.