Pakistan Chief Justice Walks Out as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Attempts to Address Court

Islamabad – Chief Justice of Pakistan Sarfraz Dogar walked out of the courtroom on Wednesday after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi attempted to speak directly to him during a hearing, according to reports from The Tribune and Daily Ausaf .

Attempt to Address the Court

Afridi explained to the media outside the court that he sought to address the Chief Justice after being unable to secure a meeting through official channels . He stated he greeted the Chief Justice, but received no response. After waiting for over an hour, Afridi attempted to speak, but the Chief Justice left the chamber.

Concerns Regarding Imran Khan’s Case

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s attempt to address the court was related to concerns surrounding the case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Afridi stated that a request for a medical examination of Khan by doctors from Shaukat Khanum Hospital had not been addressed .

Legal Team Faces Obstacles

Salman Akram Raja, PTI Secretary General, echoed Afridi’s concerns, stating that the Islamabad High Court had turn into “a closed door” for the party’s legal team . Raja explained that despite court orders for regular meetings between Khan, his lawyers, and his family, these meetings were not arranged. He also noted that petitions regarding Khan’s medical checkup were not being heard, leading the legal team to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Raja further explained that a previous court directive allowing him to meet with Imran Khan before a hearing on a social media case was ignored, and the court proceeded with the case without his input.

Incident with Mobile Phone Recording

An individual accompanying the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister had their mobile phone confiscated by police after recording a video of Afridi inside the court building. The video was deleted before the phone was returned .

A press conference featuring CM Afridi and Salman Akram Raja was also held outside the Supreme Court in Islamabad .