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KP CM Sohail Afridi Arrives in Lahore as PTI Gears Up for Fresh Street Movement
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reaches Lahore amid PTI’s renewed protest plans, receives warm welcome by supporters, while Punjab govt warns against unrest and property damage.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-26
KP CM Sohail Afridi Arrives in Lahore as PTI Gears Up for Fresh Street Movement

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrived in Lahore on Friday evening as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to launch a renewed street movement, with a public gathering expected at Liberty Roundabout later today.

Videos shared by PTI on social media platform X showed the chief minister’s convoy being showered with flowers by party workers upon arrival at the residence of senior PTI leader Latif Khosa. Addressing reporters alongside Khosa, CM Afridi acknowledged the turnout of party supporters and rejected claims that the people of Punjab do not mobilise politically.

“People say Punjab doesn’t come out, but it did,” he said, referring to the February 8 elections. “The people of Punjab and Pakistan stand with only one leader — Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, who is currently in Adiala Jail.”

Earlier footage showed Afridi’s convoy entering Lahore amid reports of road closures, halted vehicles and police deployments. Speaking to the media after crossing Ravi Toll Plaza, the chief minister alleged that several accompanying vehicles were stopped and claimed party workers from various districts were arrested. He also said media vehicles were denied entry, calling such actions undemocratic.

Responding to questions about tensions between provinces, Afridi said blocking roads and restricting political movement would only worsen relations between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also dismissed claims that PTI founder Imran Khan posed a security threat, calling him a “symbol of national unity and political stability.”

CM Afridi is also expected to visit the Punjab Assembly, where opposition lawmakers have gathered to welcome him. A formal request was submitted to the assembly speaker for administrative and security arrangements during his visit.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari welcomed the KP chief minister to Lahore but issued a warning against any abusive language, unrest or damage to public property. She said Afridi was free to enjoy Lahore’s culture and development but stressed that law and order would not be compromised.

PTI leaders, however, alleged that police raids were conducted overnight and party workers were arrested to suppress the protest. PTI Punjab leadership said the party would proceed with its movement under the directives of Imran Khan and termed the mobilisation a historic step toward demanding his release.

The party has called on workers, ticket-holders and supporters across Lahore to gather at Liberty Roundabout, where the protest activities are expected to intensify later in the evening.
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