Islamabad, January 5, 2026:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi delivered a stern address at the Islamabad Bar Council, warning that Pakistan stands at a critical and perilous juncture, with potential consequences that could destabilize the nation if unchecked. He emphasized that justice is impossible without a fully independent judiciary and stressed that the restoration of judicial and media freedom is essential for the survival of democratic institutions.
Afridi condemned politically motivated cases, including Adat and Tosha Khana, describing them as some of the most egregious in Pakistan’s history, targeting not only former Prime Minister Imran Khan but the judiciary and the general public. He praised Khan’s perseverance, noting that he continues to fight the nation’s struggle from prison, emphasizing fair trials and constitutional justice rather than personal liberty.
Highlighting the ongoing oppression of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists, Afridi called for national unity, urging citizens to resist tyranny and protect democratic principles. He strongly condemned attacks on journalists, citing cases against Dr. Moeed Pirzada and Sabir Shakir as assaults on freedom of expression. Afridi warned that silence against injustice today will embolden future violations, reaffirming that resistance will persist until the last breath.
