Punjab Assembly resolution criticises KP CM Sohail Afridi’s Lahore visit

LAHORE: A resolution has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Lahore, with its mover criticising the visit and alleging that it was aimed at creating political tension in the provincial capital.

The resolution was submitted with the digital signature of PML-N Chief Whip Rana Muhammad Arshad Chattha (PP-133), who is currently in London.

The move comes amid a dispute over Afridi’s treatment during his Lahore visit. Afridi has alleged that he was abducted by authorities and later left without security, while Punjab authorities have rejected the allegation and said he voluntarily entered a police vehicle.

The Punjab Assembly resolution describes the visit as a political show and uses the term “TikTok drama” while alleging that an attempt was made to create a false narrative around the incident.

It further alleges that Afridi entered a police vehicle himself before claiming that he had been abducted. The resolution characterises the episode as an attempt to mislead the public.

The document also criticises what it describes as inappropriate behaviour towards journalists and security personnel during the visit and subsequent press conference.

The resolution calls for political protests to remain within the Constitution and law, while opposing activities that could lead to road blockades or confrontation with state institutions.

It also refers to the May 9, 2023 incidents and reiterates condemnation of attacks and vandalism involving Jinnah House, the Corps Commander House and other military and government installations. The resolution says such incidents or confrontation with state institutions should not be repeated.

The mover also called on the KP chief minister to focus on issues facing his province, including law and order, education, healthcare and development, rather than political activities in Lahore.

The resolution expresses confidence in the leadership of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while highlighting provincial government initiatives in education, health, infrastructure, economy and public welfare.

The Lahore episode has intensified political tensions between the Punjab and KP governments. The KP Assembly has separately adopted a resolution condemning what it described as the “forcible” removal of Afridi from his security detail and placement in a police vehicle, while calling for legal action if any official is found to have exceeded authority.

The competing resolutions reflect sharply different accounts of the incident, with the KP side describing it as a violation of the chief minister’s rights and Punjab authorities disputing the allegations.