Afridi Raises Alarm Over Manhandling of Imran Khan’s Sisters in Punjab

ISLAMABAD_ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has written to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz over the alleged manhandling of PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters and obstruction of his court-approved visitation rights.

Afridi’s letter comes after he was denied access to meet Imran for the seventh time, and police reportedly detained and roughly handled Imran’s sisters outside Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, two days prior. The KP CM highlighted that judicial orders explicitly permit close family members and nominated individuals to meet Imran on designated days. “Despite these clear instructions, authorities have repeatedly failed to comply,” he said.

He described the reported treatment of Imran’s sisters as “particularly disturbing,” emphasizing that they are private citizens, not political actors. Afridi criticized the practice of forcing elderly family members to wait on roads nearly a kilometre away, calling it inappropriate and unacceptable.

Afridi demanded full implementation of court directives, urging Punjab authorities to ensure safe and dignified access for visitors, and to hold accountable those obstructing or mistreating family members. He also stressed establishing a mechanism for orderly, legally compliant future meetings.

Imran Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 in a £190 million corruption case, with additional trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to May 9, 2023, protests. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed concern over the alleged incidents, urging a transparent inquiry and the protection of the rights, safety, and dignity of all involved.