PESHAWAR — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Central Jail Peshawar has sparked controversy, with various reports and political circles raising questions about the nature and purpose of the visit.
The Chief Minister visited the prison on December 16, 2025, officially to review jail administration and inaugurate a new security system. However, according to internal sources, much of the security infrastructure had reportedly been completed during the previous provincial government’s tenure. It has also been claimed that the visit was arranged directly by the Chief Minister’s office rather than through routine administrative channels.
Attention has also turned toward individuals close to the Chief Minister. Among them is Khurram Khan, who is reported to hold shares in “Seventh Seas,” a company supplying goods to provincial prisons. The firm has recently come under scrutiny over its procurement and auction procedures. Separately, unverified claims have circulated regarding the alleged provision of unauthorized communication devices to inmates.
The presence of two detainees, identified as Siddique and Abdul Khaliq Afridi, during the Chief Minister’s visit has further fueled debate. Some sources allege that the detainees had financially supported the Chief Minister’s election campaign, with figures cited as high as PKR 50 million. These claims, however, have not been officially substantiated.
Administrative sources have also alleged that prison officials faced pressure to extend specific concessions to certain inmates. During the December 16 visit, the Chief Minister reportedly interacted with several prisoners, including those detained in connection with the May 9 incidents, and Siddique and Abdul Khaliq Afridi were said to be among those present.
There are additional claims that discussions were held regarding the possibility of parole for the two detainees, prompting critics to express concern over potential executive influence in legal and judicial matters.
The provincial government has so far not issued an official statement addressing these allegations. Meanwhile, opposition parties and civil society voices have called for a transparent and impartial inquiry to clarify the circumstances surrounding the visit and address concerns regarding administrative conduct.
