PESHAWAR: KP CM Sohail Afridi has formally protested what he described as “ill-treatment” during his recent visit to Punjab, warning that such actions risk damaging federal harmony and public confidence in provincial institutions.
In a detailed letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Afridi said the manner in which his December 26 visit to Lahore was handled reflected deliberate actions rather than administrative lapses. The KP chief minister had travelled to Punjab for a three-day visit to participate in political engagements, including a planned appearance at the Punjab Assembly.
Afridi wrote that the events surrounding his visit, particularly at the Punjab Assembly, were inconsistent with the dignity of a constitutional office and violated the principles of inter-provincial respect. His visit was overshadowed by altercations between members of his delegation and security officials, with both sides trading blame for the confrontation.
Allegations of protocol violations
In the letter, Afridi said he visited Punjab in his capacity as the elected chief minister of a province representing over 40 million people, but was met with discourtesy, unnecessary hostility, and serious protocol deviations.
He criticised what he called an excessive security posture, including detentions and what he described as enforcement “theatrics,” arguing that these measures projected intimidation rather than cooperation. Afridi also claimed that public areas, including food streets and markets in Lahore, were sealed during his stay without justification.
Concerns over social media campaign
The KP chief minister further alleged that a coordinated social media campaign accompanied and followed his visit, with insinuations linking him to narcotics being circulated online. He said these allegations were amplified by accounts perceived to be aligned with the Punjab government.
“The use of state-linked digital platforms to circulate or amplify defamatory insinuations against a sitting chief minister of another province is unacceptable and institutionally indefensible,” Afridi wrote, adding that such conduct undermines federal unity and sets a dangerous precedent.
He urged the Punjab government to ensure that similar administrative and digital conduct is neither repeated nor normalised, and that accountability is enforced where necessary.
Punjab, federal responses
Responding on Geo News programme “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath”, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry rejected the allegations, saying the KP chief minister was provided full security during his Lahore visit. He remarked that Punjab enjoyed peace and functional institutions, adding that there was much for the KP leadership to learn from Punjab.
Chaudhry also questioned KP’s governance performance, noting that the province had received significantly higher federal funding in recent years but still lagged behind Punjab in service delivery.
KP Chief Minister’s Special Assistant on Information Shafi Jan, appearing on the same programme, maintained that the events at the Punjab Assembly were deliberate and said only two police vehicles were deployed for Afridi’s security. He denied that any actions by the KP delegation were incompatible with the chief minister’s dignity.
Punjab Assembly inquiry
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said an inquiry committee report into the scuffle would be forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Citing the report, he stated that individuals accompanying the KP chief minister were not on the approved visitors’ list and accused them of causing chaos inside the House.
Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari also alleged that members of Afridi’s entourage pushed security guards, damaged doors, and forcibly entered the assembly.
