Muhammad Amanullah — September 15, 2026
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during his visit to Lahore, saying she should not consider the people of Punjab a threat and claiming that her concerns lie with people from other provinces.
Afridi said he had no fear of the people of Punjab and described the province as his own, while expressing solidarity with the people of Punjab and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers.
Afridi Addresses PTI Workers in Lahore
Speaking to PTI workers at Do Moria Bridge in Lahore, Sohail Afridi said Punjab belonged to him as well and that he considered the people of the province his own.
“Punjab is mine, and I belong to Punjabis,” Afridi said, according to reports.
He said he did not feel threatened by the people of Punjab and maintained that he stood with the people of the province.
The KP chief minister also launched a strong political attack on the government of Maryam Nawaz, claiming that the people of Punjab had rejected her government.
Criticism of Maryam Nawaz
Afridi alleged that Maryam Nawaz was in power on the basis of what he described as “fake votes” and claimed that the people of Punjab had not accepted the current provincial government.
His remarks came amid continuing political tensions between the PTI and the federal and Punjab governments.
Afridi also criticised Maryam Nawaz over her reported concerns regarding security threats, saying he believed the people of Punjab posed no threat to her.
“Punjab Is Mine, and I Belong to Punjabis”
During his interaction with PTI workers, Afridi repeatedly expressed his connection with Punjab.
He said there was no distance between him and the people of the province and that he had no reason to fear Punjab’s residents.
The KP chief minister also met PTI workers and discussed the current political situation, while supporters gathered around him during his Lahore visit.
Afridi Criticises Punjab Police
Sohail Afridi also strongly criticised the Punjab Police over the death of PTI worker Ishtiaq Ahmed.
He alleged that Ishtiaq Ahmed was killed during a police operation while preparations were under way for Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
Afridi said he did not want security from the Punjab Police, arguing that he did not trust the force under the prevailing circumstances.
“I do not need security from those who martyred our worker,” Afridi said, according to reports. (Daily Lead Pakistan)
The allegations regarding the circumstances of Ishtiaq Ahmed’s death have been made by PTI and Afridi, while the incident has become a major point of political confrontation between the PTI and Punjab authorities.
Afridi Visits Ishtiaq Ahmed’s Family
During his Lahore visit, Sohail Afridi also went to the residence of deceased PTI worker Ishtiaq Ahmed, where he met the bereaved family and offered condolences.
The KP chief minister expressed sympathy with the family and condemned what he described as the treatment of the deceased worker.
Reports said police had arrived in the Chamra Mandi area before Afridi’s arrival, with security arrangements tightened around the location. (Dunya News)
Afridi also assured the family of his support and assistance.
Nearby Shops Closed
Security arrangements were intensified in the area ahead of the KP chief minister’s arrival.
According to reports, police deployed a significant number of personnel in the Chamra Mandi area, while nearby shops were also closed before Afridi reached the location.
Authorities monitored movement in the area amid the presence of PTI workers and supporters.
Section 144 and Security Measures
The district administration also announced that Section 144 would be enforced in the area.
Officials said restrictions would be implemented to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
The measures increased administrative monitoring of gatherings and political activities in the area during Afridi’s visit.
Political Tensions Between KP and Punjab
Sohail Afridi’s Lahore visit comes amid continuing political tensions between the PTI and the federal and Punjab governments.
His statements against Maryam Nawaz and the Punjab Police have further highlighted the growing political confrontation between the two provincial administrations.
The situation became more sensitive following the death of PTI worker Ishtiaq Ahmed and the allegations made by PTI leaders regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
The political confrontation also intensified during Afridi’s Lahore visit, when PTI leaders and workers accompanying his convoy faced police action. Afridi later protested inside a police prisoner van after demanding the release of detained party workers. Punjab authorities, however, rejected the PTI’s allegations and described the episode as political theatrics. (Business Recorder)
Focus on September 27 PTI Protest
Afridi has also linked his Lahore activities to the PTI’s planned September 27 political movement.
During his visit, he urged supporters to remain politically active and said the September 27 protest would be an important test of whether political decisions in Pakistan were being made according to the people’s mandate or through what he described as rigging and coercion. (Daily Lead Pakistan)
The KP chief minister’s Lahore visit therefore carried both political and symbolic significance, as he criticised the Punjab government, questioned the role of the Punjab Police and met the family of a deceased PTI worker.
Political Situation Remains Tense
Sohail Afridi’s statements indicate that political tensions between the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Punjab government remain high.
His criticism of Maryam Nawaz, his rejection of Punjab Police security and his allegations concerning Ishtiaq Ahmed’s death have added another dimension to the ongoing political confrontation.
With the PTI preparing for its September 27 political movement, further exchanges between the party and the Punjab government are expected in the coming days.
