Sohail Afridi, Cabinet Members Taken Into Preventive Custody

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has confirmed that former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi and some members of his former cabinet have been taken into preventive custody after the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in the province. The confirmation marks a major escalation in the political fallout from the federal government’s decision to assume control of provincial affairs.

Chaudhry said the detentions took place on Sunday and added that anyone facing criminal cases would be charged and tried under the law, while others would be released. His statement came after earlier claims from provincial political figures that Afridi had been arrested, though officials had initially avoided confirming his status.

Police in Peshawar also confirmed that Afridi was in protective custody. A senior police official said eight senior PTI leaders had been taken into protective custody following the emergency measures. Those named included Afridi, Junaid Akbar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.

The crackdown extended beyond senior leaders. Police said 169 PTI workers were arrested in Swabi as part of operations in Shewa Adda, Yar Hussain, Razar, Swabi Khas, Topi, Lahor and Gadoon. Officials said the arrests were made over concerns that preparations for the party’s long march could disturb law and order.

A heavy police contingent has been deployed across Swabi, and officials indicated that further arrests could follow. The situation remains tense as authorities seek to prevent large-scale mobilisation while the province adjusts to emergency administration and expanded federal oversight.

President Asif Ali Zardari approved Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recommendation to impose emergency rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing worsening security conditions and what the federal government described as the provincial administration’s failure to adequately address terrorism. The proclamation said the province could not function in line with constitutional requirements under the prevailing circumstances.

Under Articles 232(1) and 234(1), the federal government has empowered the governor to assume provincial functions, while the chief minister, ministers, advisers, special assistants and advocate general ceased to hold office. The federal government has also authorised the deployment of army troops and assets under Article 245 to protect citizens, public property and government installations during the emergency.

The detentions are likely to deepen the political confrontation between the federal government and PTI at a time when security, constitutional authority and provincial autonomy are all under intense scrutiny. The next phase will depend on whether authorities formally charge detained leaders or release those not linked to specific cases.