On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) issued a decisive order for the immediate reopening of all highways and intercity roads blocked by PTI protesters. The court expressed severe annoyance over the “administrative paralysis” that has cut off Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the rest of the country for five consecutive days.
As of Wednesday, February 18, police have begun a large-scale operation to clear major arteries, though some tension remains at key interchanges.
The Court’s Verdict: “Life Over Politics”
A two-member bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Farah Jamshed summoned the KP Inspector General (IG) and Chief Secretary to explain the five-day gridlock.
- Hardship & Fatalities: The petitioner’s counsel informed the court that the blockades had caused patient deaths in ambulances and prevented students and daily wagers from reaching their destinations.
- Constitutional Rights: Justice Ijaz Anwar remarked, “The entire country is open, but KP is shut. This is against our own people.” He emphasized that the right to freedom of movement is a fundamental constitutional guarantee.
- The Directive: The court rejected the IG’s request for a two-day “fix” period, ordering that roads be opened immediately and a compliance report be submitted by Wednesday (today).
Imran Khan, who is currently in a Pakistani jail, left doctors stunned. 😳
Doctor : “The vision in your right eye has decreased by 85%.”
Imran Khan : “Yes, I am aware.”
Doctor : “We need to operate on your eye, otherwise, you will loose your sight completely.”
Imran Khan :… pic.twitter.com/BYgcO5WGto
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) February 17, 2026
Current Road Status (Wednesday Update)
Following the court order, the KP Police and district administrations launched a midnight operation to restore traffic flow.
| Location | Status | Notes |
| Hazara Motorway | OPEN | Reopened at Havelian & Muslimabad interchanges. |
| GT Road (Attock Bridge) | OPEN | Barriers removed; connectivity to Punjab restored. |
| D.I. Khan Highways | OPEN | Major routes to Mianwali and Bhakkar cleared. |
| Peshawar-Islamabad (M-1) | TENSE | Protesters at Swabi (Anbar) remain. Police crackdown expected today. |
| Kohat-Pindi Road | PARTIALLY BLOCKED | Protests continue near Khushal Garh; commuters advised to use G.T. Road. |
Political Context: Why the Blockade?
The protests were triggered by reports of Imran Khan’s deteriorating health in Adiala Jail, specifically a report claiming he has lost significant vision in his right eye.
- The Demand: PTI workers insist the blockades will only end once Khan is moved to a private hospital (Shifa International) for treatment by his personal physicians.
- The Counter-Argument: The PHC noted the irony of the ruling party in KP (PTI) protesting against its own citizens, causing a potential shortage of essential goods just days before Ramadan.
Legal Escalation
Beyond the PHC, a separate petition has been filed in the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) by citizen Khawaja Azhar Rashid. The petition seeks to declare the road closures unconstitutional and warns of a humanitarian crisis if goods supply is not restored before the start of the holy month.
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