ISLAMABAD – October 22, 2025:
The federal government has urged the Punjab administration to facilitate a meeting between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, to expedite the formation of the KP provincial cabinet.
The development was confirmed by Huzaifa Rehman, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, during an interview on DawnNewsTV.
“The federal government has asked the provincial government to arrange this so the cabinet there (in KP) can be formed,” Rehman stated. He clarified, however, that while no directive can be legally imposed due to provincial autonomy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally requested Punjab authorities to allow the meeting.
Imran Khan, incarcerated since August 2023, is currently serving time at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case and faces additional charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, stemming from the May 9 protests.
Afridi Denied Access to Imran Khan
Last week, CM Afridi was denied access to Khan during a visit to Adiala Jail. Afridi has repeatedly stated that he would only announce his cabinet after consulting Imran Khan, whom he regards as the party’s ultimate decision-maker.
“I have sent letters to the federal and Punjab governments and even petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) — but I’ve received no response,” said Afridi during Monday’s KP Assembly session.
“This is unacceptable. If my request continues to be denied, I will challenge the federal government and boycott meetings called by it.”
Afridi claimed he had also personally requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a phone call to facilitate the meeting but received no assurance.
Legal & Political Dimensions
Imran Khan’s lawyers and party members have long protested limited access to the PTI founder in jail, describing it as a violation of democratic norms and infringement on party leadership’s operational freedom.
SAPM Huzaifa Rehman says prime minister has “urged” the provincial authorities and the federal government has also requested to “do this as soon as possible”.https://t.co/RkuO7VLyw8
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) October 21, 2025
Afridi has formally approached the Islamabad High Court seeking legal permission to meet Khan. Meanwhile, Rehman expressed optimism that the meeting would soon be arranged, adding that the Punjab government was working on a mechanism to fulfill the “necessary formalities.”
“As per my understanding, the meeting will be held soon,” said Rehman.
Background
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Sohail Afridi was elected as KP chief minister last week following a delayed session of the provincial assembly.
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Imran Khan remains at the center of PTI’s political strategy, despite incarceration and mounting legal troubles.
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The delay in cabinet formation in KP has caused administrative inertia, with PTI leaders stressing the urgency of completing the process.
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