US flag at PTI rally fuels verbal clash between Barrister Saif and Azma Bokhari

A verbal clash erupted between Barrister Saif, the Information Advisor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari over the display of a US flag during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Swabi.

Barrister Saif blamed the “fake government” of orchestrating the event, stating that the US flag was intentionally raised as part of a conspiracy, Express News reported.

He further accused the government for resorting to 'low tactics,' asserting that such actions would not diminish Imran Khan’s popularity.

He confirmed that an investigation was underway, and the K-P government had condemned the incident. He also stated that action would be taken against the individual who raised the flag.

In contrast, Azma Bokhari criticised the PTI for the US flag being raised at the Swabi rally. “Those who once fought against US subjugation are now pledging allegiance to their US masters,” Bukhari said.

She also took aim at the party’s alleged internal disarray, claiming that after the rally's failure, PTI leaders, including K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, were embroiled in conflicts and undermining the party leadership.

Bukhari also highlighted PTI's internal division, noting that no one within the party respected the party's leadership, and internal struggles for power were intensifying.

She concluded by stating that PTI was heading towards its downfall, with a lack of direction and no clear leadership under Imran Khan’s absence.

Last week, a US flag was displayed during a PTI rally in Swabi that sparked controversy, leading K-P Chief Minister’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, to announce legal action against the PTI worker responsible.

Supporters nearby quickly urged the worker to lower the flag, with some attempting to forcibly remove it. Amid the scuffling, the flag was eventually lowered.

A video capturing the altercation soon went viral on social media, generating a mix of reactions.

Barrister Saif condemned the display of the flag, asserting that PTI firmly rejects such actions. He claimed that the flag was raised as part of a deliberate conspiracy orchestrated by the federal government.

Saif also revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly disapproved of the incident.

“The American flag was waved by agents of the fake government as part of a planned plot,” Saif remarked, adding that an investigation was underway. He further assured that action would be taken against those responsible for the flag’s display.

This incident occurred against the backdrop of PTI's hopes that US President-elect Donald Trump, upon taking office in January, could exert influence on Pakistani authorities regarding issues related to PTI founder Imran Khan.

Zulfi Bukhari, a key member of PTI, subsequently revealed plans to discuss Imran Khan's legal situation with US President-elect Donald Trump and his team.

In an interview, Zulfi, a close ally of Imran Khan, confirmed he is in regular contact with Trump’s family, including Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.

He expressed his intention to raise not only Khan's legal issues but also broader topics such as human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law in Pakistan once Trump takes office.

Zulfi added that Trump has previously voiced concerns over Khan's legal struggles, suggesting potential support for PTI’s cause.

Imran, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been imprisoned for over a year. Despite several acquittals and suspended sentences in various cases, he remains incarcerated due to ongoing legal challenges.