Islamabad: Pakistan’s political turmoil intensified on saturday after Suhail Afridi, a representative of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar), was allegedly forcibly removed from the Punjab Assembly amid scenes of physical aggression and public humiliation.
According to eyewitness accounts and local media reports, Afridi was dragged out of the Assembly premises by security personnel. Videos circulating on social media show him being pushed and manhandled, triggering widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and rights activists.
Sources said the incident occurred during a charged political atmosphere inside the Assembly, as tensions between provincial leaderships and the military-backed establishment continue to escalate. Afridi was reportedly present in an official capacity when the confrontation unfolded.
Leaders from several political parties described the incident as an attack on democratic norms and provincial autonomy. They accused the authorities of using force to silence dissent and intimidate elected representatives and their aides.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government expressed strong protest, calling the treatment of the Chief Minister’s representative “unacceptable” and “deeply humiliating.” Officials warned that such actions would further widen political divisions and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
No official explanation has yet been issued by the Punjab Assembly administration or security agencies regarding the use of force. However, government-aligned sources claimed that Afridi was removed for violating Assembly protocols, a justification rejected by opposition figures.
Political analysts say the episode reflects the worsening power struggle in Pakistan, where confrontations between elected governments, provincial authorities, and the military establishment have become increasingly visible.
The incident has added fuel to an already volatile political situation, with critics warning that repeated displays of force against political figures risk pushing the country deeper into instability.
