K-P PA in rage over Punjab police conduct

Resolution demands action against officers over CM's mistreatment

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution, condemning the alleged detention and removal of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi by Punjab police in Lahore and called for an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation.

The resolution, moved by Law Minister Aftab Alam, was adopted by a majority vote.

It said stopping the elected chief minister, restricting his movement and allegedly separating him from his security detail constituted a serious violation of his dignity, personal liberty and security, as well as provincial autonomy.

According to the resolution, the chief minister was taken away in a police vehicle and later dropped by the roadside. It called on the federal government to investigate the incident and seek an explanation from the Punjab government.

The House also demanded that the roles of police officers and personnel involved be determined and that CCTV footage, video recordings, CTD records and other evidence be examined. It said strict action should follow if any official was found to have exceeded legal authority.

The resolution stressed that political differences could not justify restricting the movement of an elected chief minister of another province, warning that such actions could undermine federal-provincial relations and democratic norms.

The House suspended its routine agenda to discuss the incident, along with the health and legal cases of PTI founder Imran Khan.

Law Minister Aftab Alam accused Punjab Police of humiliating the KP chief minister, alleging that he was taken away in a police van and left without security. He said the incident was an attack on the sanctity of the House and national unity.

Other treasury members also condemned the incident. Housing Minister Dr Amjad alleged that Punjab Police had become a "state within a state" and said political differences were being used to target the PTI.

Local Government Minister Mina Khan Afridi said the chief minister had gone to Lahore to offer condolences to the family of a slain party worker but was stopped on the road. She alleged that he was taken away in a police vehicle and left in an isolated area.

MPA Major Sajjad Barakwal called for the matter to be raised at the national level, saying the people of KP were not against Punjab or Punjabis but opposed what he termed a particular governing mindset.

Several lawmakers also demanded Imran Khan's release and criticised the handling of his cases. They maintained that political differences should not be allowed to undermine constitutional rights or inter-provincial harmony.

Riaz Khan urged all political forces to work together for the country's security and future, while Arif Ahmadzai said the treatment of an elected chief minister was unacceptable under any circumstances.