ISLAMABAD: Tensions flared at the 26 Number Chungi checkpoint in Islamabad on Tuesday after police stopped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sohail Afridi’s convoy as he attempted to travel towards Adiala Jail.
The move triggered a heated exchange between the chief minister and police officials, with Afridi questioning why he was being stopped despite being an elected representative of over 45 million people.
Police officials requested the chief minister to take an alternative route via Chakri to reach Adiala Jail, but Afridi insisted on using the city route. The standoff led to major traffic disruption on GT Road, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded after the convoy was halted.
PTI workers present at the scene raised slogans against the authorities as tensions escalated at the checkpoint.
Speaking to the media at the site, Sohail Afridi said his visit was peaceful and aimed solely at meeting PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.
“We have always come peacefully and have never sought to create unrest or disorder,” he said, adding that his convoy is repeatedly stopped whenever it enters Islamabad.
He criticised the authorities, alleging discriminatory treatment towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and questioned why an elected chief minister was being denied passage.
Afridi also expressed concern over Imran Khan’s reported eye condition, calling it serious and stressing that timely and quality medical treatment was his legal and fundamental right.
He warned that such actions reflected political victimisation and would not help strengthen the democratic system.
“The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have rendered immense sacrifices for peace, and this insulting treatment at Punjab’s border is unacceptable,” he said.
The incident once again highlighted growing tensions between PTI leadership and federal authorities over access to the jailed former prime minister.
On May 11, the district administration imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for 15 days, issuing a formal notification citing security concerns in sensitive areas, including the Adiala Jail region.
According to the notification, Section 144 came into effect from midnight and remains enforced across designated sensitive zones in Rawalpindi, particularly around Adiala Jail, which has been declared part of a red zone due to heightened security concerns.
The notification states that all public gatherings, including rallies, protests, sit-ins and processions, are strictly prohibited during the enforcement period in Rawalpindi.
Authorities have also imposed a ban on carrying weapons, sticks, slingshots, petrol bombs and explosive materials within restricted areas. The measures aim to maintain law and order and prevent any potential security incidents in Rawalpindi.
The district administration said the decision to impose Section 144 was taken on the recommendation of the District Intelligence Committee after reviewing the prevailing security situation.
Officials added that enhanced monitoring will remain in place around sensitive installations, particularly the Adiala Jail vicinity, where movement and assembly will be closely regulated throughout the enforcement period.