PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed senior police and government officials to submit a report within 10 days on the whereabouts and legal status of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, following a petition challenging his alleged detention.
The high court issued a written order in response to a petition filed by Afridi’s brother, Muhammad Amir, seeking his recovery. The petitioner maintained 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 his unlawful confinement.
During the proceedings, the court sought clarification from the respondents on whether Afridi had been arrested or nominated in any criminal case.
The court directed the inspector general of police, the capital city police officer (CCPO), the chief secretary and the home secretary to submit a report within 10 days detailing Afridi’s whereabouts and legal status.
The officials have been asked to clarify the circumstances surrounding the chief minister’s alleged detention and provide the relevant information to the court.
The petition seeks judicial intervention for Afridi’s recovery and challenges the legality of his reported detention. The petitioner argued that any restriction on the chief minister’s liberty must have a lawful basis, regardless of the prevailing administrative or constitutional arrangements in the province.
The high court adjourned further proceedings until November 3, when the matter is scheduled to be taken up again.
The case comes amid political tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following developments surrounding the provincial government and the imposition of emergency measures. The court’s order seeks an official account of Afridi’s status before further proceedings.
