Islamabad: Political tensions in Pakistan escalated sharply after a dramatic confrontation unfolded inside the Punjab Assembly, where security personnel and members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were involved in heated scuffles. The situation spiralled when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrived at the assembly complex along with party colleagues and supporters, triggering disorder within the premises.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media showed scenes of confusion and aggression, with security staff forcefully trying to control the crowd. Senior KP minister Meena Khan Afridi was seen being pushed and restrained as he attempted to intervene during the altercation. Supporters of PTI rushed in, protesting what they described as excessive use of force by assembly security.
According to reports from Pakistani media, entry into the Punjab Assembly was initially restricted, allowing access only to individuals whose names appeared on a pre-approved list. However, as more PTI supporters gathered, tensions rose, leading to shouting matches and physical confrontations inside the building.
The unrest comes at a time when PTI is preparing to intensify its political campaign in Lahore. On the same day, Sohail Afridi was reportedly stopped from entering Liberty Chowk, a key location where the party had planned a public mobilisation event. PTI leaders later alleged that Punjab Police deliberately blocked their movement to prevent the gathering.
PTI leadership maintained that Afridi’s visit to Lahore is part of a broader street movement aimed at asserting political pressure. Party officials claimed that despite attempts to obstruct them, supporters continued to rally behind their leaders, welcoming Afridi earlier at the residence of senior PTI leader Latif Khosa.
