Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Afridi criticizes the Punjab government for preventing Tehreek-e-Insaf events while in Lahore
Pakistan: During his visit to Lahore on Friday, Sohail Afridi, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accused the Punjab province government of impeding the activities of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and accusing the provincial police of harassing party leaders and employees, according to The Express Tribune.
During his three-day journey to Lahore, the KP chief minister ran across a number of obstacles, such as temporary barricades at strategic points and police limitations on his convoy.
He told the media that he experienced rudeness and misbehavior from law enforcement, calling the scenario “undemocratic” and similar to “martial law-like conditions,” according to The Express Tribune.
Hundreds of PTI workers were allegedly prevented from joining the KP chief minister’s motorcade at Chakri and Bhera in Lahore. At the same time, police only let those who had been pre-approved to enter the Punjab Assembly.
He said that throughout his appearances, which included a visit to Liberty Roundabout, a prominent PTI location in Lahore, a number of party members were harassed and refused entry.
Despite the limitations, Afridi insisted that his travel was intended to meet PTI officials and lawmakers and carry out party operations.
According to The Express Tribune, he denounced the Punjab provincial administration, which is run by the PML-N, for causing conflict between the provinces and obstructing political processes.
The Express Tribune cited him as saying, “Such actions only increase hatred between provinces,”
According to The Express Tribune, Afridi also attacked the federal government for economic mismanagement during his speech, saying that industrial growth had slowed, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was being sold for a discount, and millions of young Pakistanis were fleeing the nation in pursuit of better prospects.
He called the current administration “fascist” and said it was only interested in limiting PTI’s political activity and stopping demonstrations for Imran Khan, the party’s leader.
According to The Express Tribune, he said, “Injustice and fascism were on full display in Punjab.”
Notwithstanding the challenges, Afridi stuck to his agenda, which included visits to party officials’ homes and talks with PTI lawmakers. He emphasized that he would stay in Lahore till Sunday in order to pursue political activities.
The K-P chief minister’s visit coincides with increased political unrest in Punjab, where PTI employees are allegedly detained and prevented from attending important events.