Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi addresses a video message on January 27, 2026. SCREENGRAB
PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Monday that PTI workers were present on the streets without a formal protest call from Imran Khan’s party as opposition lawmakers continued their sit-in outside Parliament House demanding treatment of the jailed PTI founder under the supervision of his trusted doctors.
Amid these protests, the KP CM, who belongs to the PTI, issued a statement clarifying that the party’s strategy was clear: it wanted to limit the protest plan to Parliament.
According to Afridi, lawmakers led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas are holding a peaceful sit-in in front of Parliament House. “Despite the suspension of several parliamentarians, the sit-in continues and no official protest call has been issued,” he said.
He said the fact that not a single flower pot was damaged proves that PTI’s protest is civilized, constitutional and within the bounds of law.
He warned that if any attempt is made to infiltrate protestors with disruptive elements to create mayhem, the responsibility will rest squarely with the government. Afridi said that the party is currently going through a difficult phase as Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are unjustly imprisoned.
“Though workers may be emotional, they have been asked to exercise patience and restraint. PTI is not a mob but a disciplined political party with a clear chain of command. Any decision regarding protests or future strategy will be taken only by Imran Khan’s nominated leadership,” he said.
He said that once an official call is given, the public reaction will be such that no power will be able to stop it. However, he emphasized that the current issue is solely about Imran Khan’s health and not political maneuvering.
Meanwhile, an opposition party alliance – TTAP – announced on Monday that it would continue its sit-in at Parliament House until its demands are met. After a meeting, PTI leader Asad Qaiser said consultations were underway on the next course of action.
He said the alliance decided to continue the sit-in until their demands are met. “Our demand is that PTI founder’s personal doctor be allowed to meet him,” he said.
After the opposition alliance’s decision, the sit-in resumed outside parliament, with parliamentarians shouting slogans at the main gate.
Earlier, during a consultative meeting, the members expressed serious concerns over a propaganda campaign on social media and issues raised by PTI founder’s sisters.
Some members demanded clarity on whether the party would be led by Imran’s sister Aleema Khan and the PTI founder’s family or by the political committee.
