Azma welcomes Afridi, but with warning

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Friday struck a mix of welcome and warning as she greeted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on his arrival in the provincial capital, saying he was free to enjoy the city but would not be allowed to foment unrest, use abusive language or damage public property.

Otherwise, she said, the K-P CM was welcome to enjoy lights, cuisine and culture.

Speaking to the media, Bukhari said Afridi had full permission to visit Lahore for tourism, learning or political engagement, but stressed that law and order would not be compromised under any circumstances. "We will extend warm hospitality to guests," she said. "But guests must behave like guests."

Recalling previous PTI visits to Lahore, she said former K-P chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur had earlier been shown "the lights of Lahore", adding that Afridi should also observe Punjab's development and progress and replicate whatever positives he saw back home in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Calling Lahore "the Europe of Pakistan", she said that if conditions in Peshawar were poor, visiting Lahore for learning and recreation was welcome.

However, she cautioned that the K-P chief minister would not be allowed to spread chaos, incite unrest or use abusive language during his stay. She further warned that bringing weapons or drugs into Lahore would not be tolerated, and said that any attempt to vandalise public property would be dealt with strictly.

Referring to the festive atmosphere in the city, she noted that Liberty Market had been beautifully decorated with lights and a Christmas tree.

Taking aim at PTI's protest politics, Bukhari said Afridi was "not a bigger leader than 'Fitna Khan' (Imran Khan)" and claimed that the public response to protest calls during Afridi's visit would be even weaker than what the PTI founder had previously faced.

She also expressed regret that Lahore police had contacted the K-P chief minister's staff earlier in the day but did not receive any response.

Her remarks came as CM Afridi, after arriving in Lahore earlier in the day, claimed that "oppression is about to end" following his meeting with senior PTI leader Latif Khosa.