Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi faced an unexpected hurdle on his journey to Lahore on Thursday. Officials from his office confirmed that Punjab Police personnel stopped his convoy at a barricade set up near Chakri. The KP Chief Minister was traveling to attend a session of the Punjab Assembly.
Afridi Decries 'Fearful' Tactics at Barricade
Speaking directly at the site where he was stopped, Chief Minister Afridi did not mince words. He strongly criticized the erection of the barricades, interpreting them as a clear indicator of apprehension from the Punjab authorities. "Sealing accommodation and meal areas is a clear sign of fear," Afridi stated. He emphasized that the officials implementing these measures were "not elected representatives of the people."
Afridi framed the incident as a deliberate attempt to stifle political opposition. He alleged that blocking the movement of public representatives was a tactic to suppress legitimate political activity. "The public knows that fearful rulers make decisions behind closed doors," the Chief Minister remarked, directly challenging the transparency and democratic spirit of the Punjab government's actions.
PTI's Mobilization Plans and Punjab's Warning
This confrontation on the road followed a firm declaration of political intent from the KP Chief Minister. According to a statement issued by the KP Chief Minister’s Secretariat on December 24, Afridi had earlier addressed workers of the Insaf Students Federation (ISF). He told them that the PTI and its affiliated bodies "ground their politics in resistance."
Afridi revealed that preparations for a significant political mobilization in Lahore were already underway, guided by the party's founder, Imran Khan. He urged youth activists to prioritize discipline and strong organisation over raw emotions, stating that the success of any street movement hinges on a robust structural foundation. He directed the ISF to activate student bodies across universities and colleges and stressed that organizational work must be solidified at the ward, union council, and district levels, as the party's true strength lies at the grassroots.
In response, Punjab MPA Rana Arshad presented a starkly different perspective. While stating that the KP delegation would be welcomed in Punjab, he insisted they must "follow the law." Arshad referenced the previous visit of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, alleging, "When Gandapur arrived, he took out an AK-47 and broke vehicles in Shahdara." He warned that armed individuals or groups would not be treated as being above the law.
Arshad clarified that peaceful protest, even on sensitive dates like May 9 or February 8, is permitted. However, he issued a clear warning: "There will be no space for instigators." He concluded that while the KP Chief Minister should attend with proper protocol and security, he should "not turn the Punjab Assembly into a political rally venue."
Journey Concludes with Lahore Arrival
Prior to the barricade incident, Afridi's journey included a stop in the Bhera area, where a luncheon was hosted in his honor. Party workers reported that supporters gathered at the venue, enthusiastically chanting PTI slogans. Despite the delay at the police checkpoint, officials confirmed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister later reached Lahore. After attending the Punjab Assembly session, he was scheduled to visit Liberty Market, marking the end of a politically charged day.
