KP CM Sohail Afridi stopped by police outside Adiala Jail

Updated: 3:30 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

Islamabad Police dispersed protesting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers at Faizabad Interchange, where the convoy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was also stopped. The blockades resulted in major traffic jams and significant disruption for commuters.

Updated: 3:07 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

Islamabad police dispersed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers on Tuesday night, ending an hours-long sit-in at the Chungi No. 26 checkpoint. Following the police action, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and PTI founder Imran Khan’s sisters departed from the location. The protest had caused severe traffic congestion in the area for several hours, but the main route from the airport to Islamabad was subsequently reopened to traffic.

The standoff began earlier in the day when authorities halted a convoy led by CM Afridi, which included other PTI leaders, workers, and Khan’s family members. They were en route to Adiala Jail to meet the incarcerated former prime minister during one of his two court-sanctioned weekly meeting days. Other party figures, including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja, who arrived separately, were also denied entry.

During the blockade, a visibly angered CM Afridi condemned the move as discriminatory and an insult to the 46 million people of his province. “What message are they trying to send? Do they want to separate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Pakistan?” he asked reporters, also accusing the federal government of obstructing KP’s supply of wheat, gas, and electricity.

Concerns for Imran Khan’s health were central to the attempted visit. Afridi demanded Khan be allowed treatment by his personal physicians for a “serious eye issue.” PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar later reiterated the call for access, stating that blocking roads does not resolve issues. He stressed that political problems require political solutions, dialogue channels must remain open, and Khan’s family and doctors should be granted permission to meet him.

Updated: 12:10 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

Following the blockade, the Chief Minister and his cabinet staged a sit-in protest with party workers. The demonstration caused severe traffic jams on GT Road for over five hours. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar also commented on the incident, advocating for political dialogue to resolve such issues.

Updated: 11:27 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

Authorities blocked JCT Road with shipping containers, leading to a major traffic jam and public inconvenience as the convoy of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and his cabinet was halted. Following the incident, PTI leaders have called for dialogue to resolve the ongoing political issues.

Updated: 8:27 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

The chief minister has also accused the federal government of withholding provincial funds and National Finance Commission award dues, stating this was forcing the people of KP to “make a decision.” In response, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi advised the chief minister to plead the province’s case in parliament with facts and arguments rather than issuing threats.

Updated: 8:05 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

Authorities placed shipping containers to block major arteries leading to the prison, including Srinagar Highway and GT Road, causing widespread traffic disruption. Officials stated the measures were to enforce Section 144, which prohibits political gatherings near the high-security facility.