PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday accused the “powers-that-be” of attempting to push the PTI into confrontation, but asserted that the party would remain peaceful despite mounting pressure. He said the PTI would never shy away from sacrifice, but had no intention of engaging in conflict.
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Addressing a press conference at the CM House, Mr Afridi claimed that systematic efforts were underway to corner the PTI. He alleged that peaceful protesters had been targeted and that state institutions were being used to isolate the party. He also criticised what he called the unfair treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The chief minister said Imran Khan was being kept in solitary confinement and denied access to visitors, including his own sisters. He recounted how he spent an entire night outside Adiala jail after international media raised concerns about Mr Khan’s health, yet authorities did not permit a meeting.
Once bitten, twice shy.
‘Whatever these people [the military regime] are doing to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its government, and particularly to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, is to create a situation that should head towards confrontation. We will in no way fall for it, but we will not… pic.twitter.com/J359EJphtf
— PTI Canada Official (@PTIOfficialCA) November 30, 2025
Mr Afridi announced weekly peaceful protests outside the Islamabad High Court every Tuesday, with all PTI parliamentarians joining Mr Khan’s sisters before proceeding to Adiala jail. He added that KP would strictly follow directives issued by the party leadership and would protest delays in court proceedings.
Commenting on governance, he criticised the federal government for placing him on the Passport Control List, while other chief ministers received travel privileges. He added that decisions taken “behind closed doors” had damaged KP and urged the Centre to consider provincial input for lasting peace.
On the upcoming NFC meeting, the chief minister said KP would strongly advocate for its rights, particularly regarding the unpaid share for merged tribal districts since 2018. He announced awareness sessions in universities to inform students about the issue.
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Separately, Special Assistant Shafiullah Jan echoed concerns about Imran Khan’s health and said attempts were being made to silence the PTI founder. He emphasised that good governance, especially in education and health, remained CM Afridi’s top priority.