In a notable development on Wednesday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi made an earnest attempt to address Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar directly, but his efforts were met with an unexpected response. Afridi approached the chief justice’s rostrum seeking dialogue, only to find that Justice Dogar had already departed for his chambers without hearing him. This incident unfolded amid ongoing legal and political tensions involving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Following the unsuccessful attempt, Afridi spoke to the media outside the court premises, explaining that his intention was to clarify PTI’s commitment to peaceful political activism. He emphasized that his approach came after all other avenues to meet the chief justice had been exhausted. Despite greeting Justice Dogar, Afridi received no acknowledgment, and after waiting for more than an hour, he expressed disappointment at the lack of even a verbal response from the court.
Elaborating on the purpose behind his visit, Afridi highlighted that PTI’s demonstrations are rooted in the constitutional right to peaceful protest rather than any form of disorder or violence. He stressed that the party’s political expression is grounded in law and order, countering narratives that paint their actions as anarchic. This visit also brought to light the unresolved issue of medical examinations for PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which have been repeatedly requested by doctors from Shaukat Khanum Hospital but remain unaddressed by the judiciary.
Adding further context, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja shared insights into the ongoing legal battles surrounding Imran Khan’s detention and treatment. Raja pointed out that although the court had mandated biweekly meetings for Imran’s lawyers and family, these sessions have not been arranged, even during Afridi’s court appearance. He also criticized the handling of older contempt petitions, describing them as dismissed without substantive action, which led to the escalation of these matters to the Supreme Court.
Raja also touched upon a separate case involving the social media platform X, where the court ordered a response on Imran Khan’s behalf without permitting Raja to meet him. He underscored the fundamental right of every party to present their case fully and transparently. Highlighting Afridi’s role as a representative of approximately 45 million people, Raja lamented that the chief justice’s departure from the court prevented this crucial dialogue from taking place.
Looking ahead, Raja affirmed that PTI remains committed to pursuing justice through the highest judicial forums available. He conveyed a strong message that the struggle for Imran Khan’s rights is not just a legal battle but one that resonates deeply with the nation and its people. This episode reflects the broader challenges faced by political actors in navigating Pakistan’s complex judicial and political landscape, where legal procedures and political expression often intersect in contentious ways.
