Afridi alleges police brutality

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday accused the Punjab government and police of political victimisation and brutality during his visit to Lahore to offer condolences to the family of a slain Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist, Ishtiaq Ahmad.

Afridi rejected security and protocol offered by the Punjab authorities and said he had come to Lahore as an ordinary citizen. Addressing media and PTI workers outside Ahmad’s home, he said, “Punjab is mine, Pakistan is mine. I have come here as an ordinary citizen. I refuse to accept your security; I do not need your protection.”

Ahmad had died after suffering burn injuries during a police raid while preparations were under way for Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH). The PTI has alleged that the police were responsible for his death, claiming that he had suffered burns over 70 per cent of his body after falling into a vat of boiling oil amid chaos. He later died despite treatment.

Tensions rose outside the deceased activist’s residence as Afridi, accompanied by PTI Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, encountered barricades and a heavy police presence.

“We have not come here to hold any political gathering or procession,” Afridi told police personnel. He accused the Punjab police and government of causing the death, saying the deceased was innocent. “The Punjab police and the illegitimate Punjab government burned Ishtiaq Ahmad in hot oil; he was innocent and had done no wrong, yet he was killed,” the CM alleged.

Afridi also criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, referring to her concerns over security threats.

“The fake chief minister of Punjab claims she feels threatened by the three provinces of Pakistan but not by India, which is a shameful attitude,” he said.

“I am from Punjab, and Punjabis are mine. I have no threat from Punjab. The people of Punjab despise you. I am the people’s chief minister and I enjoy being among the people,” he added.

Speaking about the PTI’s planned September 27 protest, he said the party’s struggle would remain within democratic and legal limits. He said the Constitution was the guarantor of national cohesion and equal rights and rejected violence and lawbreaking.

“We do not support violence or lawbreaking; our only demand is that courts and relevant institutions make impartial and fair decisions in accordance with the Constitution and law,” he said.

Afridi called upon citizens to participate in the September 27 protest, saying people would come out to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and their rights.

The Punjab Home Department had imposed a ban on large gatherings under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code until September 17. The order also prohibited rallies, demonstrations and the display of weapons, while exempting weddings, funerals and court proceedings.

PTI leaders also alleged that authorities had obstructed their movement.

Opposition Leader Moeen Qureshi claimed that the K-P chief minister’s convoy was repeatedly stopped and attempts were made to arrest members of the delegation.

“An attempt was made to arrest me, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Senator Aoun Abbas. Moreover, the police prevented us from going to the deceased’s home to attend the funeral,” he said.

PTI Punjab Information Secretary Shaukat Basra also accused the provincial authorities of carrying out late-night raids and detaining hundreds of party workers, including women. The leaders alleged that the police had maintained a heavy presence during the funeral and rushed the rites to prevent family members and party workers from gathering.

After offering condolences to the family, Afridi and other leaders proceeded towards Data Darbar in a rally.A large number of PTI supporters joined the procession as it passed through Mochi Gate, Lohari Gate and Bhatti Gate amid heavy police presence. After offering prayers at the shrine, Afridi proceeded with supporters towards the Lahore High Court to attend a function hosted by lawyers.

The movement of the convoy and rally disrupted traffic in several parts of central Lahore. Severe congestion was reported around the railway station, Mall Road, Lower Mall Road, Regal Chowk, GPO Chowk and Circular Road, while traffic diversions forced commuters to use adjoining neighbourhood streets.