The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed senior police and government officials to submit a report within 10 days clarifying the whereabouts and legal status of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The order follows a petition challenging his alleged detention and seeking his recovery.
The high court issued the written order in response to a petition filed by Afridi’s brother, Muhammad Amir. The petitioner alleged that the chief minister was being held in illegal detention and argued that neither the imposition of an emergency nor governor’s rule could justify unlawful confinement.
During the proceedings, the court sought clarification from the relevant authorities on whether Sohail Afridi had been arrested or nominated in any criminal case. The officials have been asked to provide details about his whereabouts, legal status and the circumstances surrounding his reported detention.
The court directed the inspector general of police, the capital city police officer (CCPO), the chief secretary and the home secretary to submit the required report within 10 days. Their response is expected to provide the court with an official account of the chief minister’s status.
The petition seeks judicial intervention for Afridi’s recovery and challenges the legality of his reported detention. The petitioner maintained that any restriction on the chief minister’s liberty must have a lawful basis, regardless of the administrative or constitutional arrangements in the province. These assertions remain allegations presented through the petition.
The Peshawar High Court adjourned further proceedings until November 3, when the case is scheduled to be heard again. The matter comes amid political tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following developments involving the provincial government and emergency measures. The court’s order seeks clarification from the authorities before the proceedings continue.
