Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was unable to deliver a planned address at Lahore’s Liberty Roundabout on Friday night, as security restrictions prevented supporters from reaching the venue, dampening his ongoing visit to the Punjab capital.
According to journalists who accompanied Afridi, he remained at the venue for around 30 minutes before departing with his retinue. Videos shared by the PTI on social media showed several dozen party supporters, including Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan and Noreen Khan Niazi, in attendance. Speaking with media, PTI leaders blamed the police presence for the low turnout but maintained the gathering had proven a success.
Earlier, Afridi arrived in Lahore around 4:30 p.m. and proceeded directly to the Punjab Assembly, where he addressed his party’s provincial lawmakers. The visit, however, was marred by an altercation between members of his entourage and security officials, as well as tense exchanges between PTI leaders and journalists.
In his address, the chief minister thanked the people of Punjab for their hospitality, but alleged police mistreated him during his journey. “Today, the Punjab Police were rude to our workers at Chakri Interchange, Bhera, Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin,” he claimed. “Our workers, our parliamentarians, our leaders—they were harassed and arrested. This cannot be condemned enough,” he added.
During his speech, ostensibly launching the PTI’s “street movement” on the directions of incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Afridi slammed the federal government for failing to tackle the economy, reduce migrations, and improve industrial growth. “What are their [government] priorities? Making sure the PTI cannot hold rallies, stopping Imran Khan from meeting his sisters and arresting our workers,” he claimed. He vowed the “street movement” would succeed in securing the release of Khan.
Separately, he alleged that Punjab Police had arrested “hundreds” of workers and supporters ahead of his visit to prevent the “street movement” from succeeding.
Ahead of his entry into Lahore, the Punjab government issued a notification directing authorities to ensure foolproof security for his stay in the provincial capital. Information Minister Azma Bokhari also issued a video statement welcoming him to Lahore, but warned against using the opportunity to spread chaos.
On the second day of his visit, Afridi is due to address the Insaf Lawyers’ Forum and meet family members of party workers detained for their alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots. The third and final day, per the PTI, includes a meeting with senior journalists.