Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged concealment of medical facts related to PTI founder Imran Khan’s eye surgery and denounced what he termed police violence against PTI leaders in Karachi and Peshawar.
Addressing the 47th meeting of the provincial cabinet, the chief minister said the need for an eye operation indicated inhumane treatment in jail. He termed the alleged denial of access to doctors and family members a clear violation of the law and fundamental human rights.
CM Afridi said the KP government was formed on the PTI founder’s mandate and would continue to condemn what he described as injustice against him. He said any attempt to hide facts about Imran Khan’s health was a serious breach of human rights.
The chief minister said police violence against elected PTI representatives amounted to an attack on democracy. He described images showing the alleged torture of former MNAs and MPAs in Karachi as “deeply painful.”
He also alleged that PTI leader Ali Zaman was picked up from outside Adiala Jail and subjected to severe torture.
CM Afridi said individuals involved in violence while wearing plain clothes fell within the category of terrorism.
The KP government, he added, demanded that those responsible for torturing Ali Zaman and his companions be brought to justice.
Separately, CM Afridi announced the launch of an online open court system, saying one session had already been completed. He directed all secretaries, ministers, director generals and district administrations to hold weekly open courts.
He said at least one online khuli kachehri (open court) per week at the provincial level would be mandatory, describing the initiative as an effective way to reduce the gap between the public and the government. Citizens lacking resources or access, he said, would now be able to raise issues from their homes.
Turning to development matters, the chief minister said the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for 2026-27 was to be completed by February 15 and expressed hope that work had been finalised. He said briefings on the ADP 2026-27 would begin later this month.
CM Afridi expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work on ADP 2025-26 and directed that all projects be put on a fast track within the month.
He said all procedural requirements should be completed immediately so that relief could start reaching the public, adding that development benefits must be visible from next month.
