LAHORE: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi dismissed claims from the opposition that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has lost political footing in Punjab. He challenged rival parties to a ‘show of strength’ by simultaneously holding public rallies. Without specifying which party, he invited the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to demonstrate who could attract a larger crowd at their respective gatherings. “We will hold a public rally at Minar-e-Pakistan at 6 pm tomorrow (Sunday), and I challenge them to do the same to determine who can muster a larger crowd. If that is too soon, we can give them a week for preparations. They can choose a venue of their choice. Let’s see who can bring more people,” he stated. He also offered to set up a stage for the PML-N in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and, if needed, provide transportation for their supporters as well. “They can hold a rally in KP, and I will hold one in Lahore,” he added. Afridi made these remarks while addressing the media during his visits to the families of several jailed PTI leaders, including former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed. These visits came after authorities denied him access to meet them at Kot Lakhpat jail. Afridi further expressed concerns about the treatment of PTI leaders, stating that the Punjab government’s refusal to permit him to meet them was indicative of a ‘wrongful’ incarceration. He emphasised that their resilience has strengthened the party’s resolve. “They are standing with PTI founder Imran Khan despite health concerns and sustained pressure,” he said, describing these leaders as a source of courage for PTI workers. He criticised the Punjab government for showing a “rude and hostile attitude” towards his visit, stating that the restrictions on his movement reflected political intolerance. When asked about the possibility of talks with the federal government, the KP Chief Minister noted that PTI founder Imran Khan had assigned responsibility for negotiations or protests to the opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP). While he expressed support for dialogue efforts, he also mentioned that he had been instructed to prepare for a street movement, and he would intensify those preparations. Later that day, Afridi continued his outreach by visiting the families of other party leaders and activists. He was unable to visit former Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema’s residence after being denied entry into the cantonment area, according to PTI lawyer Naeem Panjutha. Additionally, the KP CM visited the home of PTI senior leader Hammad Azhar to offer condolences to the family of the late former Punjab Governor Mian Azhar and prayed for the departed soul. He also visited Imran Khan’s residence in Zaman Park, where Khan’s sisters were also present. Expressing emotion at his leader’s home, he stated, “There is a little happiness right now because we are here alone; however, our leader will soon be with us when I come here next time. I do not make tall claims, but I will continue my struggle for the freedom of the PTI founder.” Copyright Business Recorder, 2025