Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Claims Abduction by Authorities Amidst Political Tensions

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, has made alarming allegations of being abducted by authorities during a recent visit to Lahore, an assertion that has been swiftly contested by Punjab officials.

Afridi claimed on Monday that he was taken against his will and later abandoned by the roadside after pressure was applied for his release. He suggested that this incident was part of a broader conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country, asserting, "They want to divide the country." However, Punjab's Information Minister, Azma Bokhari, countered these claims, stating that Afridi had willingly boarded a police vehicle.

Conflicting Accounts of the Incident

In a video published by Bokhari, Afridi appears to walk toward the police vehicle voluntarily, despite the chaos of PTI supporters surrounding him. She explained that the police acted under the impression that they were being attacked, which led to the vehicle driving away from the scene.

Party Reactions and Accusations

Following the incident, Shafi Jan, KP's Minister for Information, accused the Punjab Police of attempting to forcibly abduct Afridi, separating him from his security detail and taking him to a secluded area. He condemned the actions as undemocratic and unconstitutional, framing them as an attack on the foundations of the federation. Meanwhile, the PTI party voiced their outrage over the incident, labeling it an affront to the dignity and mandate of their constituents.

As tensions escalate, the PTI urged its supporters to remain peaceful in their responses, emphasizing the need for respect across all provinces amidst rising political divisions.

Source: www.dawn.com