Protest Plan for December 2
Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) has announced that its parliamentarians will stage a protest outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Adiala Jail on December 2. The announcement was made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi during a press conference at the CM House in Peshawar. He clarified that only members of parliament will participate in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi protests, while party workers will hold a separate demonstration in Swabi.
Call for Peaceful Demonstrations
Afridi emphasized that the provincial government is committed to peaceful protest in pursuit of justice. He accused opponents of trying to push PTI towards confrontation, but said the party has consistently chosen non‑violent methods despite facing violence against its workers.
Concerns Over Imran Khan’s Detention
The Chief Minister alleged that PTI founder Imran Khan has been kept in solitary confinement since November 4, without access to his family, lawyers, party leaders, or doctors. He recounted that when alarming reports about Khan’s health surfaced recently, PTI leaders gathered outside Adiala Jail requesting a brief meeting for Khan’s sisters, but were denied permission throughout the night.
Protest Linked to Legal Proceedings
Afridi said PTI lawmakers will protest outside the IHC to demand early hearings of cases involving Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, before moving to Adiala Jail to express solidarity with Khan’s family. He warned that if meetings are again denied, the party will announce its next course of action.
Allegations of Contempt and Restrictions
Despite court permission for Afridi to meet Khan in jail, the Chief Minister claimed the administration blocked the meeting, calling it contempt of court. He also staged a sit‑in outside Adiala Jail with party workers. Afridi criticized restrictions placed on him, including the suspension of his passport, while alleging that other provincial leaders receive preferential treatment.
Defence Against Propaganda
Addressing questions about his family land in Tirah, Khyber District, Afridi rejected allegations of personal ownership, calling them propaganda aimed at diverting attention. He accused the federal government of spreading misinformation to undermine PTI’s provincial administration.
Criticism of Federal Government
Afridi claimed PTI secured a third consecutive term in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to strong governance and service delivery, urging federal leaders to focus on their own performance instead of targeting the province. He alleged that the federal government is withholding over PKR 3 trillion in dues, while corruption worth PKR 5.3 trillion has been highlighted in IMF reports. He further criticized the collapse of the textile industry and the exodus of industrialists and youth abroad
Call for Inclusive Peace Policy
On security, Afridi reiterated that sustainable peace requires consultation with all stakeholders. He argued that decisions made behind closed doors have harmed stability, and demanded a comprehensive, long‑term policy involving provincial governments to resolve unrest permanently.