K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s condolence visit soon turned into a new dispute between PTI and Punjab authorities, highlighting the growing political tensions between the two provinces.

PTI activist Ishtiaq Ahmad died after suffering severe burn injuries during a police raid and Afridi was in Lahore on Monday to offer condolences to the family. Ahmad reportedly fell into a vat of boiling oil during the chaos. The PTI has blamed Punjab police for his death. Authorities do not accept the allegations as proven fact.

During his visit to Lahore, Afridi refused the security and protocol offered to him by Punjab authorities, saying he had come to Lahore “as an ordinary citizen” and did not need police protection. His visit, however, was marked by barricades, heavy police presence, and PTI leaders’ allegations that the delegation’s movement was obstructed.

Speaking to supporters outside Ahmad’s home, Afridi strongly criticized the Punjab government and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, alleging that the provincial government was involved in political victimization and brutality. He also said that the PTI’s proposed protest on September 27 would be within constitutional and democratic limits.

Meanwhile, PTI leaders alleged that police attempted to arrest members of Afridi's delegation and detained party workers, including women, during late-night raids. These were presented by the party as evidence of an intensified crackdown.

PTI leaders Afridi and others visited the family of Ahmad and then proceeded to Data Darbar with supporters accompanying them in a procession through sections of central Lahore. Then the rally headed for the Lahore High Court.

The political confrontation also had an immediate impact outside of party politics. Heavy traffic disruption was reported across central Lahore as the convoy and procession caused congestion on major roads and forced commuters to use adjoining streets.

Afridi’s visit has once again highlighted the widening political divide between Punjab and K-P, with both sides giving sharply contrasting narratives.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)