If Jail Superintendent Disobeys High Court Orders, What Remains of Constitution and Law, Asks KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi

PESHAWAR: Sohail Afridi has raised serious concerns over the implementation of judicial orders, questioning the authority of the constitution if even jail officials refuse to comply with High Court directives.

Addressing a provincial assembly session held at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, the chief minister said that if a jail superintendent does not follow the orders of the High Court, then the relevance of the constitution and rule of law comes into question.

He stated that what is happening with his party today could happen with any other political group tomorrow. Afridi added that when constitutional paths are blocked and people are pushed into a “dead end,” protest remains the only option left.

Referring to political and legal developments, he said there is a clear difference between imprisonment for ideology and imprisonment for corruption. He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his sacrifices for democracy, while criticizing later political developments and constitutional amendments that, according to him, weakened democratic institutions.

Afridi claimed that a campaign was launched against him as soon as he was nominated as chief minister, calling it an insult to the province. He said he has a right to meet PTI founder Imran Khan, but despite approaching multiple institutions, no relief was provided.

He further alleged that although a three-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court granted permission for meetings, the superintendent of Adiala Jail refused to implement the orders.

The chief minister claimed that both Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are facing serious health issues in custody and are not being allowed to meet family members or doctors. He alleged mistreatment and said that in the past, political prisoners were given better facilities and access to families.

Afridi warned that if all constitutional routes are blocked, protest becomes inevitable. He reiterated that the struggle for “real freedom,” judicial independence, media freedom, and supremacy of the constitution will continue until the release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi.