Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has written a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, expressing concerns over what he described as “inappropriate treatment” and excessive security measures during his recent visit to Punjab.
Afridi’s letter details several incidents he says occurred during his provincial visit, which he called “a violation of protocol” and “an affront to the public mandate.”
Concerns over protocol and security
According to Afridi, officials in Punjab displayed “unacceptable behaviour” toward him during his tour. He highlighted that security arrangements were “unnecessary and excessive,” causing disruptions that made it difficult for citizens to access public services.
“My treatment during the visit undermined the public mandate,” Afridi wrote, adding that he condemned the orchestrated social media campaign that followed his trip, calling it “unacceptable state-endorsed character assassination.”
He also raised concerns about the logistical arrangements and the conduct of local officials, suggesting that the events were organised in a way that created difficulties for the public rather than facilitating engagement.
Punjab government responds
In response, Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bukhari urged Afridi to focus on the needs of his own province rather than seeking attention through controversy. She said the Punjab government had exercised patience and restraint during the visit.
Bukhari described Afridi’s actions as “habitual” and accused him of attempting to score political points and gain “cheap publicity.” She said that throughout his stay in Lahore, Afridi was accorded full protocol and that his claims of mistreatment were exaggerated.
“Everywhere he went, he received proper protocol. Our officials acted professionally,” Bukhari said, adding that Afridi should prioritise the citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rather than indulging in point-scoring at the provincial level.
The exchange reflects rising tensions between the two provincial governments, with Afridi criticising Punjab’s handling of his visit and Bukhari dismissing the allegations as politically motivated.
