The ongoing political standoff deepened on Tuesday after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur once again failed to secure access to former prime minister Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, marking the ninth consecutive denial. Officials confirmed that despite formal requests and scheduled timings, the KP chief minister was not permitted entry, prompting renewed criticism from PTI leaders over what they described as systematic obstruction.
The chief minister’s repeated attempts to meet the party chairman have become a point of contention, with PTI calling the denial unconstitutional and politically motivated. Party officials stated that the KP government had coordinated the visit through relevant channels, yet the jail administration maintained its stance, citing procedural restrictions and security concerns.
Tensions escalated further as PTI accused federal authorities of deliberately blocking high-level communication with Khan, arguing that such actions undermine the political process and violate the rights of elected representatives. PTI representatives insisted that the party leadership has the legal and moral right to consult its detained chairman on crucial matters relating to governance and upcoming political strategies.
The jail administration, however, maintained that all decisions were made in accordance with security protocols and established procedures. Authorities have not indicated when, if at all, a future meeting might be permitted.
With repeated denials, the issue has sparked debate over the limits of administrative discretion and the broader implications for political engagement as Pakistan navigates a polarised climate. The KP chief minister is expected to attempt another visit in the coming days.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.