RAWALPINDI (MNN); Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was once again denied permission to meet the incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan on Thursday, marking the 10th consecutive refusal by Adiala Jail authorities. Meanwhile, divisions within the PTI deepened over whether to continue prolonged sit-ins outside the prison, as concerns grow that ongoing protests may harm Imran’s situation.
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday when Rawalpindi police sought legal advice on registering an FIR against PTI leaders and activists for their protest outside Adiala Jail. At the same time, the party submitted a privilege motion in the National Assembly over alleged police action against its workers and expressed serious concern about rumors of Imran Khan’s possible transfer to another jail.
PTI leaders, along with other opposition parties, warned that attempts to sideline Imran Khan or clamp down on peaceful demonstrations would only heighten political instability.
Within the party, opinions differ sharply. One faction believes sustained sit-ins could pressure the government, while another suggests holding short, symbolic protests to avoid giving authorities any excuse to shift Imran Khan. Some leaders fear that a staged incident or false-flag operation could be used to justify transferring the former prime minister from Adiala Jail.
A senior PTI leader claimed that despite Punjab leaders consistently mobilising workers to attend protests, the KP chief minister often reaches Adiala with only a few supporters. He added that significant resources are spent by Punjab-based members travelling to Rawalpindi, whereas KP leaders have a shorter journey but appear less active.
Some party members argued that they should conserve their energy for decisive political moments, as meeting requests with Imran are routinely rejected.
Another MNA complained that since Aleema Khanum took control of PTI’s social media operations, any leader proposing a practical strategy is targeted online. He questioned why Aleema, despite having non-bailable warrants, is not being arrested, while workers face police action. He also claimed that certain quarters have hinted that if the party reduces tensions, meetings with Imran may be allowed in coming weeks.
He added that when Aleema led a recent sit-in, around 20 party vehicles were damaged and several others had their keys confiscated by police, preventing leaders from leaving the area.
Some PTI members say that earlier instructions from Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, delivered through Mashal Yousafzai, advised ending Adiala Jail protests and shifting demonstrations to the Islamabad High Court. However, after Aleema Khanum later claimed Imran had issued no such directive, protests resumed outside the jail.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram acknowledged that the party had originally decided to halt the protests, but later chose to stand with Aleema Khanum out of solidarity, given her being Imran’s sister. Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser dismissed reports of divisions as mere disinformation, saying all decisions would be made under the leadership of Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
At Adiala Jail on Thursday, KP CM Sohail Afridi was again stopped from meeting Imran Khan despite court orders. Speaking to reporters, he expressed frustration that an elected chief minister was repeatedly denied access to his party’s founding chairman. He also condemned the use of water cannons on Imran Khan’s sisters who were holding a peaceful protest, questioning whether this signalled that KP was being treated differently.
Afridi warned that both federal and Punjab governments would face consequences once PTI returns to power. He said that efforts to politically sideline Imran Khan have been ongoing for three years but have repeatedly failed. He urged the authorities to hold talks with Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, who have Imran’s mandate to negotiate.
Earlier on Wednesday, police used water cannons to disperse protesters, including Imran’s sisters Aleema, Uzma, and Noreen, who were staging a sit-in after being denied access to their brother. Several senior PTI leaders also joined the demonstration.
Despite repeated attempts, PTI leaders have been consistently blocked from meeting Imran Khan, even though courts have permitted visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Last week, however, Uzma Khan was allowed a brief meeting, after which she stated that Imran was in good health.
