Our protectors have turned into killers: Afridi condemns Imran Khan’s jail treatment

Peshawar: Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi on Sunday alleged that systematic efforts are underway to suppress jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Addressing a public gathering in Kohat district, about 65 km southwest of Peshawar, Afridi warned the federal government that if Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party heads to Islamabad's D-Chowk again, they will return “either with freedom or in shrouds.”

What did Afridi say about party readiness?

Afridi urged PTI workers to remain prepared whenever a call is given, emphasising the party's commitment to its cause. He recalled last year’s protests at D-Chowk, which ended in clashes with police, resulting in the deaths of six security personnel and injuries to dozens more.

Is Imran Khan being suppressed in jail?

The chief minister alleged that systematic efforts were being made to suppress 73-year-old Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 on multiple corruption charges. He claimed that even meetings with judges were being obstructed and stated that those entrusted with safeguarding the public mandate had “robbed it” instead. Afridi added, “Our protectors have turned into our killers.”

Afridi’s denied meeting with Khan

Afridi noted that the Adiala jail administration had denied him permission on Thursday to meet Khan for the tenth time. He further alleged that both Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were being subjected to mistreatment in jail.

What are Afridi’s claims on government corruption and debt?

The chief minister also accused the federal government of massive corruption, estimating it at Rs 5.3 trillion. He added that Pakistan's total debt had surged to Rs 80 trillion.

The statements by Afridi come amid heightened political tensions in Pakistan, with PTI continuing to challenge the federal government’s authority while advocating for Khan’s release.

PTI inputs