Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has claimed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and provincial party president Junaid Akbar have been arrested, amid heightened political tensions following the reported impmergency measures and governor’s rule in the province.
The claim was shared on social media by Junaid Akbar’s team, which stated that both leaders had been taken into custody. However, the alleged arrests had not been independently verified at the time of publication.
The development comes at a time of growing uncertainty over the political and administrative situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the federal government has announced emergency measures citing security concerns.
PTI Team Reports Alleged Arrests
According to the statement shared by Junaid Akbar’s team, both Akbar and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi were reportedly taken into custody.
The announcement quickly drew attention because of the senior positions held by the two leaders within PTI and the provincial political structure.
However, no independently confirmed details were immediately available regarding the circumstances of the alleged arrests, the location where the leaders were reportedly detained or the legal grounds for any possible detention.
The claims therefore remain unverified, and further confirmation from official authorities would be needed to establish what happened.
Developments Follow Emergency Measures in KP
The reported arrests come after President Asif Ali Zardari signed a proclamation imposing emergency measures and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, 2026, following advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The federal government has cited rising terrorist attacks and concerns over the provincial government’s handling of security as reasons for the decision.
PTI has rejected the move, describing it as an attack on provincial autonomy and democratic governance. The party has also indicated that it intends to challenge the decision through legal and constitutional forums.
The political situation remains tense as the federal and provincial leaderships face disagreements over security, governance and the constitutional implications of the proclamation.
Restrictions on Sohail Afridi Reportedly Considered
Earlier reports suggested that the federal government was considering legal and administrative measures concerning statements made by Afridi.
Sources also claimed that a decision had been made to restrict his movements. However, the precise nature of these reported restrictions and whether they had been formally implemented remained unclear.
No independently verified information was immediately available to establish whether the reported restrictions were directly connected to the alleged arrest claim.
Security Tightened in Peshawar
Security arrangements have reportedly been strengthened at key locations in Peshawar, with increased surveillance around sensitive areas.
According to sources, security agencies have been directed to remain alert amid concerns over the law and order situation.
These developments follow growing political tensions surrounding the federal government’s response to security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the introduction of emergency measures.
Authorities have not, in the information provided, independently confirmed the alleged arrests of Afridi and Akbar.
Situation Remains Unclear
The claims involving the two PTI leaders have added to uncertainty surrounding the province’s political future.
Further official statements and independently verified reporting will be necessary to establish whether the arrests took place, the circumstances surrounding any detention and what legal steps may follow.
Until confirmation becomes available, the reported arrests should be treated as claims made by PTI rather than established facts.
Also read: PTI Long March Schedule for KP Announced
