Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ended its sit-in protest at Chungi Number 26 in Islamabad following successful negotiations with the capital’s police on Wednesday. The Islamabad police’s SSP Operations confirmed that discussions between PTI leaders and law enforcement concluded with an agreement to reopen the blocked road, allowing traffic to resume.
Among those present at the protest were Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, who departed the site after the demonstration was dispersed. The protest aimed to show solidarity with Imran Khan, who recently underwent a medical examination at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where he is currently imprisoned.
The medical team’s visit followed an unsuccessful attempt by KP Chief Minister Afridi to meet the former prime minister at the prison. Imran Khan has been incarcerated since August 2023 after convictions in multiple cases he maintains are politically motivated. Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022, Khan has faced numerous charges, including allegations related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage. Some of these convictions have been suspended or overturned, while appeals in other cases remain pending. Khan continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The blockade caused significant traffic disruptions, with vehicles stranded in long queues across various routes in the capital, bringing traffic to a near standstill for approximately six hours. Addressing the media at Chungi Number 26, Chief Minister Afridi criticized the authorities for preventing him and his cabinet members from meeting Imran Khan, describing the action as “discriminatory.” He emphasized that their intention was to meet Khan peacefully and praised party workers for maintaining restraint throughout the protest.
Afridi highlighted that meetings between Imran Khan and his family, lawyers, and personal doctors are fundamental human rights. He also pointed out Khan’s serious eye condition, insisting he should receive treatment at a hospital of his choice. The KP chief minister noted that Khan had previously shown generosity by permitting medical treatment for political opponents, stressing that the current demands were solely for basic human rights.
Furthermore, Afridi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing provincial issues and restoring stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to enhance peace in the province, alongside political initiatives aimed at securing the release of Imran Khan and other detained PTI leaders.
