The Battle for Liberty: KP CM Afridi’s Charged Visit to Lahore

Lahore witnessed a day of high political drama and significant tension on Friday as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrived in the city, intent on launching the PTI’s much-anticipated street movement. What was planned as a grand kickoff at Liberty Roundabout, however, quickly turned into a testament to the ongoing political crackdown, as authorities ensured the CM did not receive ‘full Liberty’ in Lahore.

Liberty Denied: A City Under Siege?

CM Afridi’s entourage, which had been met by enthusiastic PTI supporters at various points along the way, finally entered Lahore around 4:30 pm. However, the destination for his planned speech, Liberty Roundabout, was heavily fortified. A large contingent of police had blocked all arterial roads leading to the area, effectively preventing the chief minister from delivering his address. Despite the formidable roadblocks, videos circulating on social media showed a significant number of PTI supporters, including Imran Khan’s sisters, Aleema Khan and Noreen Khan Niazi, present near the iconic chowk, underscoring the party’s defiant spirit.

Confrontation at the Assembly

Following the thwarted rally, CM Afridi made his way to the Punjab Assembly. This visit, too, was marred by altercations, with members of his entourage clashing with security officials. Tensions ran high, and several heated exchanges between PTI leaders and journalists were also reported, reflecting the charged atmosphere.

Addressing PTI lawmakers inside the Assembly, CM Afridi thanked the people of Punjab for their hospitality but did not shy away from highlighting the challenges faced during his journey. “Today, the Punjab Police were rude to our workers at Chakri Interchange, Bhera, Sargodha and Mandi Bahauddin,” he stated, adding, “Our workers, our parliamentarians, our leaders — they were harassed and arrested. This cannot be condemned enough.”

A Call to Action: "Oppression is About to End"

In his fiery address, CM Afridi launched a scathing attack on the federal government, blaming it for the deteriorating economy, rampant brain drain, and declining industrial growth. He painted a grim picture, stating, “Farmers are being driven to suicide. And what are their priorities? Making sure the PTI cannot hold rallies, stopping Imran Khan from meeting his sisters and arresting our workers.”

Earlier, speaking to the media, the KP chief minister proclaimed that “oppression is about to end” and expressed confidence that PTI founder Imran Khan would soon rejoin the people, thanks to a massive public struggle since the alleged regime change operation in 2022. He urged the masses to prepare for a mass street movement, emphasizing the need to confront oppression and fascism head-on. “We will take Imran Khan’s ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ (real independence) movement to its logical conclusion, restore the supremacy of the Constitution and law, and revive an independent judiciary and independent media,” he asserted.

CM Afridi also lambasted the Punjab government for what he termed the “unleashing of fascism” against PTI workers and their families, alleging that hundreds had been detained in a police operation that began Thursday evening.

The Government’s Stance: A Warm (But Cautious) Welcome

Amidst the political uproar, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari extended a rather ironic welcome to CM Afridi. She invited him to “see the lights, enjoy local cuisine and explore the city,” playfully suggesting he could learn from Punjab’s progress to replicate positive aspects in KP. Ms. Bukhari, referring to Lahore as the “Europe of Pakistan,” clarified that while political or informative tourism was welcome, using abusive language, creating unrest, or spreading chaos would not be permitted.

Despite the underlying tensions, the Punjab government did direct authorities to ensure “foolproof security” for the visiting chief minister during his three-day stay, instructing the police, prisons, and district administration to make comprehensive arrangements.

What’s Next for CM Afridi in Lahore?

The PTI has outlined CM Afridi’s engagements for Saturday at the Lahore High Court. He is scheduled to meet family members of party workers currently held in military custody and interact with workers who claim to have faced torture and oppression after being arrested in cases related to May 9. The day will conclude with his participation in a lawyers’ convention organized by the Insaf Lawyers Forum.

A Movement Ignites

Sohail Afridi’s Lahore visit, though marked by roadblocks and confrontations, has undeniably injected new energy into the PTI’s call for a mass movement. As the political temperature continues to rise, the events in Lahore signal a determined struggle by the PTI to keep its ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ narrative alive, even as the establishment seems equally resolute in its efforts to contain it. The battle for ‘liberty’ in Pakistan’s political landscape continues.

Source: Original Article