Govt, opposition trade barbs over allegations of creating hurdles in Sohail Afridi’s visit to provincial assembly
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi alleged that the federal government was bent upon pressurising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan into submission—a course he warned was pushing Pakistan deeper into political, economic, and social turmoil.
Speaking at a press conference in the Punjab Assembly on Friday, he stated that nations collapse when their rulers focus on intimidating opponents instead of addressing real challenges. He claimed that the restrictions on meetings with the PTI founder clearly exposed the government’s misplaced priorities at a time when citizens were grappling with insecurity, inflation, and unemployment.
Afridi said he had travelled to Lahore to meet party’s organisational workers, but alleged that police at the Chakri Interchange resorted to rude behaviour and arbitrary arrests. He described the government as ‘illegitimate’ and accused it of using fascist tactics against PTI workers and elected representatives.
Regarding the economy, the K-P chief minister claimed that the stock market’s upward movement was being artificially driven by political engineering. He added that the country’s debt had gone up from Rs43 billion to nearly Rs80 trillion, while major industries were packing up and leaving the country.
Afridi mocked past claims by rulers who had vowed to sell personal belongings to clear national debt, alleging that, instead, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had been sold off. “This is the state of economic governance today,” he said, adding that ordinary Pakistanis now felt unsafe and deeply uncertain about the future.
Afridi further alleged that critical decisions were being imposed behind closed doors without transparency, while industrial activity and economic growth continued to slide. He argued that the government’s priorities had become so skewed that silencing political opponents had replaced actual governance altogether.
Condemning what he termed the harassment of PTI leaders and workers, he said both parliamentarians and activists were being subjected to humiliation and intimidation.
Read More: K-P CM criticises police barricading his way to Lahore
Earlier, confusion and tension prevailed in the Punjab Assembly amid reports that the K-P CM might face hurdles in entering the provincial legislature, prompting the opposition to warn of strong protests if any restrictions were imposed. Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly Moin Riaz Qureshi told journalists earlier in the day that Afridi and his cabinet members were guests of the Punjab Assembly.
He welcomed the K-P chief minister and said Afridi would address opposition members inside the house. Qureshi said a complete list of guests had been submitted to the assembly secretariat and warned that any attempt to stop or mistreat the delegation would trigger a protest march.
Later, assembly sources confirmed that the Punjab Assembly Secretariat formally approved the entry of K-P chief minister and his delegation. The approved list included provincial ministers, cabinet members, senators, MNAs, MPAs and other political figures. The delegation was cleared by assembly security, and Afridi was scheduled to meet opposition members and address them before leaving.
The situation inside the house turned heated when Qureshi raised a point of order, alleging that ‘fascism’ had returned to Punjab. He claimed police were carrying out night raids and arresting even teenage party workers and supporters. He alleged that the residences of senior PTI leaders, including Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed and Aslam Iqbal were raided, and claimed that their family members were taken into custody.
Questioning the government’s law and order claims, Qureshi cited an alleged murder case in which he said the accused remained at large. Qureshi demanded notice of what he termed violations of the sanctity of homes and questioned the justification for police action against PTI workers.
Opposition MPA Rana Aftab Ahmed also spoke, saying opposition members had reached the assembly despite difficulties and asserting that they were ideological politicians. He complained of restrictions on meeting the PTI founder and alleged harassment through threats of implicating family members in cases.
Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar said, he had no information about raids on workers’ homes but clarified that K-P CM had been declared a guest of Punjab and was allowed entry into the assembly.
Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar also denied any restriction on Afridi’s visit, saying that any complaints regarding police action should be taken up with the relevant authorities. Tensions escalated further before the question hour as members from both sides exchanged allegations.
Opposition MPA Waqas Maan accused the government of ordering late-night raids and turning Punjab into a ‘battleground’ ahead of Afridi’s visit. PML-N MPA Rana Arshad rejected the claims, saying peace would not be allowed to be disturbed and confirming formal approval for Afridi’s visit.
Deputy Speaker Channar later directed the provincial minister to submit a detailed written report to the house on the alleged arrests of opposition workers. Praising the decision to honour the K-P chief minister as a guest, he said opposition members had the right to welcome their leader.
The session was later adjourned due to lack of quorum, with proceedings postponed until 2pm on December 29.
