Tensions escalated outside Adiala Jail on Thursday as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, along with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers, staged a sit-in demanding a meeting with party founder Imran Khan.

Authorities had denied access to all visitors, despite a list of six names submitted by PTI General Secretary Salman Akram, including CM Afridi.

CM Afridi and his delegation remained at Factory checkpost for over three hours, prevented from marching towards the jail by the police.

The chief minister vowed to continue the sit-in until access to Imran Khan was granted.

Police maintained a heavy presence around the protest site, keeping security on high alert as PTI workers chanted slogans throughout the demonstration.

Party leaders present included Shahid Khatak, Shaukat Yousafzai, and Meena Khan. Afridi addressed the police, emphasising public concern over the founder’s health and urging authorities to facilitate a meeting to dispel rumours. The sit-in included the congregation of Maghrib prayers at the protest site.

Earlier, Afridi criticised what he called the discriminatory treatment of KP representatives and questioned why public dialogue with the party founder was being blocked.

“I have come here eight times, always politely. We should not escalate tensions that harm the country,” he said.

Security measures around Adiala Jail remained stringent, with police blocking access at multiple checkpoints, including the Dahgal checkpoint, where Shaukat Yousafzai was stopped.

CM Afridi’s name was included on the official visitors’ list, but authorities continued to prevent entry, heightening frustration among PTI ranks.