CM Sohail Afridi to hold ‘power show’ at Minar-e-Pakistan today

LAHORE: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is set to lead a large public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan today, turning his Lahore visit into a high-profile demonstration of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) continued influence in Punjab.

The announcement comes amid claims that the party’s support in the province has weakened, a notion Afridi dismissed. So far, his visit has faced heavy restrictions from law enforcement. On Friday night, he reached Liberty Roundabout but was unable to deliver a planned address as police had sealed off access routes and set up pickets, effectively dispersing the gathering.

RALLY AS A POLITICAL STATEMENT

Addressing supporters on the second day of his three-day Lahore trip, Afridi announced that the rally would begin at 6 PM, highlighting it as a demonstration of PTI’s mobilisation strength in Punjab. He also issued a direct challenge to rival political parties, inviting them to organise a comparable event in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, even offering logistical support if needed.

“They can choose any venue,” Afridi said. “Let’s see who can gather more people. I will even arrange transport if required.”

VISITS TO FAMILIES OF JAILED PTI LEADERS

CM Afridi visited families of PTI leaders who are currently incarcerated, after being denied entry to Kot Lakhpat jail. He met with relatives of former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed. PTI-released visuals showed Afridi interacting with Qureshi’s children at their home.

He also criticised the Punjab government for ignoring his formal requests to meet jailed party members, calling their imprisonment “wrongful” and praising their resilience as a source of inspiration for PTI workers.

POLITICAL INTOLERANCE AND JUDICIAL CONCERNS

Speaking to reporters, Afridi accused the Punjab government of political intolerance, highlighting restrictions on his movements and interference with lawful political activity. He also addressed the legal community at Lahore High Court (LHC), expressing concern over what he described as a paralysed justice system and violations of constitutional rights.

Afridi cited court orders that were allegedly ignored by jail authorities, portraying this as an example of contempt for the judiciary. He reaffirmed PTI’s commitment to judicial independence and constitutional supremacy, warning that the party was preparing for possible street protests under guidance from its leadership.

TTAP AND FUTURE PROTESTS

When asked about potential negotiations with the federal government, Afridi said the responsibility for dialogue or protest had been delegated to the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP). He confirmed that while PTI supports dialogue, preparations for street mobilisation would continue at full scale.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated on the ground, with police registering a case against PTI workers for allegedly blocking roads and chanting anti-government slogans in the Ghalib Market area during Afridi’s arrival. Thirteen individuals were arrested under Sections 290 and 291 of the Pakistan Penal Code for causing public inconvenience.

Afridi is also scheduled to visit additional families of party workers and the home of PTI activist Ali Bilal, also known as Zille Shah, who died during a 2023 protest. Party officials expect large crowds to attend Sunday’s Minar-e-Pakistan rally.