Punjab govt directs police to tighten security for KP CM’s three-day visit amid heightened vigilance
The Punjab government has ordered comprehensive security arrangements for the arrival of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, as he is set to reach Lahore today for a three-day visit.
Police across the city have stepped up preventive measures in anticipation of his movements.
The Punjab government has instructed the police to ensure foolproof security for Chief Minister Afridi during his stay in Lahore. Following these directives, Lahore Police has initiated security planning and coordination at multiple levels.
Officials confirmed that the police are treating the visit as a high-security engagement.
Coordination with KP CM’s team
Lahore Police has formally contacted the security team of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister. However, according to sources, the final schedule of Afridi has not yet been shared with Lahore Police.
Security planning is therefore being carried out provisionally, keeping multiple possible routes and locations in view.
Preventive detentions
In anticipation of any disruption, Lahore Police has begun detaining individuals with a prior history of mischief, road blockages, protests, and vandalism. Sources said that more than 600 history-sheeters have so far been taken into custody.
Police have also launched targeted search operations in sensitive areas along routes linked to Sohail Afridi’s arrival.
Lists of suspects previously involved in protests and vandalism have been shared with the Safe City Authority. Using facial recognition cameras, the authority will help identify accused individuals.
Police sources said arrests will continue once identification is completed through surveillance footage.
Three-day visit begins today
Sohail Afridi is scheduled to arrive in Lahore today for a three-day visit. As part of his political engagements, he will reach the Punjab Assembly and meet the parliamentary party of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab.
According to sources, the KP chief minister is also likely to visit several locations, including Liberty Chowk. He is scheduled to address lawyers at the Lahore High Court Bar Association on Saturday.
In addition, Afridi is expected to visit the residences of senior political figures Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, Mahmudur Rasheed, Hammad Azhar, and Ijaz Chaudhry.
Police officials said security arrangements will remain on high alert until the final program is formally shared. Authorities emphasized that all measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of the visiting chief minister and maintaining law and order in the city.
