After controversial Punjab visit, CM Sohail Afridi will now tour Sindh next week

PESHAWAR: Political activity is heating up as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has officially announced a visit to Sindh on January 9. The trip comes in the wake of a highly scrutinised and controversial Punjab visit in late December, which drew both criticism and attention from the national media.

According to sources, Afridi will tour multiple cities in Sindh, participating in public gatherings and party-organised events. Observers suggest that the visit is closely linked to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ongoing street mobilisation and contact campaign, which has been intensifying in various regions of the country. Party leaders are expecting significant public engagement during the Sindh trip.

Afridi’s Punjab visit had already sparked debate across political circles. During his earlier trip, he attempted to hold a high-profile rally at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore, a move widely interpreted as a show of PTI’s continued influence in the province despite claims of dwindling support. Police restrictions prevented Afridi from delivering his planned address, and access to key areas was heavily controlled, highlighting the tense political environment.

During the Punjab visit, Afridi also met families of incarcerated PTI leaders, including former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and former Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid. Afridi criticized the Punjab government’s denying him entry to Kot Lakhpat Jail and for ignoring his requests to meet jailed party members.

The aftermath of the Punjab visit also saw formal inquiry proceedings. The Punjab Assembly, led by Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, presented a report on the disorder that occurred during Afridi’s visit to the assembly. The report described “immature behavior” by individuals of Afridi’s delegation, acts of vandalism, and inappropriate conduct, including violations at the entrance gate and encirclement of assembly members.

The Speaker stressed that proper permission and security protocols are mandatory and condemned abusive language directed at Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. While the Assembly affirmed Afridi’s visit was welcome, the report highlighted the need to identify those responsible for the disruptive behavior.

Political analysts suggest that Afridi’s Sindh visit could carry similar significance. By engaging with party supporters and coordinating street-level mobilisation, PTI aims to reinforce its presence in a province where the party faces tough competition. Official details regarding the Sindh tour, including the cities to be visited and the schedule of public events, are expected to be released by Afridi’s office in the coming days.

Web Desk