Suspended KP CM Sohail Afridi, Cabinet Members Taken into Preventive Custody

PESHAWAR, October 12: Suspended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and several provincial cabinet members have been taken into preventive custody following the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed on Monday.

Chaudhry said the detentions took place on Sunday at the chief minister’s residence in Peshawar. He added that individuals facing cases would be charged and tried, while those without cases would be released.

The development came a day after President Asif Ali Zardari approved emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, citing the province’s security situation.

Eight people reportedly in custody

A senior police official confirmed that eight people had been taken into preventive custody. They reportedly include Sohail Afridi, National Assembly member Junaid Akbar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.

The detentions followed growing political tensions between the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party founded by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

The federal government has defended the emergency measures by citing concerns over counterterrorism efforts in the province. PTI has rejected the government’s position and questioned the political motives behind the decision.

PTI condemns emergency measures

PTI leaders have criticised the suspension of the provincial government, arguing that the move undermines democratic representation and provincial autonomy.

Party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said the detentions should be viewed in the context of the federal government’s decision to impose emergency and governor’s rule. PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has also condemned the move.

The political confrontation intensified after PTI supporters began a march in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 4, seeking the release of Imran Khan and access to medical treatment for him. Negotiations between the government and opposition failed to produce an agreement, with counterterrorism cooperation among the key points of disagreement.

Legal action and provincial administration

Chaudhry’s statement indicates that the government intends to pursue cases against those facing charges while releasing others. However, the authorities have not publicly detailed the specific cases, if any, against each detained cabinet member.

Under the emergency arrangements, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has assumed responsibility for administering the province with the assistance of an 11-member advisory council.

The detentions and change in provincial administration are likely to deepen tensions between the federal government and PTI. Further developments are expected as authorities clarify the legal status of those in custody and the arrangements governing the province.