Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has welcomed the arrival of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in Lahore while issuing a clear warning against any form of disorder or unrest during the stay, it was reported on Friday.
Speaking to the media, Bukhari said the Punjab government welcomes the KP chief minister’s visit to Lahore, recalling that during the last KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s visit, he was shown Lahore’s illuminated streets.
She remarked that the KP chief minister, Sohail Afridi, should see the city’s lights, eat local food, and take photographs, and advised him to observe Punjab’s governance model and implement positive learnings upon returning to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Bukhari further claimed that members of Sohail’s own cabinet had pointed out poor sanitation conditions in Peshawar, adding that if the situation there was deteriorating, the KP chief minister seemed to be visiting Lahore to “see Pakistan’s Europe.”
She said Lahore represents a model of development and beautification.
The Punjab minister stated that the KP chief minister is free to enjoy his visit, including dining and recreational activities, describing it as either “political recreation or informational recreation.”
However, she stressed that there would be no tolerance for abusive language, chaos, or attempts to incite unrest.
“If there is misconduct, then yes, action will follow,” she warned, adding that the KP chief minister should enjoy his weekend, learn from the visit, and return peacefully.
Azma Bukhari further added that he was not a bigger political figure than “Fitna Khan,” and questioned the public response whenever calls for protests were issued.
She warned that while Lahore’s Liberty Market has been decorated with Christmas lights and a Christmas tree, any attempt to damage plants or public property under the guise of political activity would be unacceptable.
She made it clear that bringing weapons or narcotics into Punjab or Lahore under the cover of political activities would not be allowed under any circumstances.
