LAHORE: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is set to lead a major Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf rally at Minar-e-Pakistan today, turning his Lahore visit into a high-profile show of the party’s mobilisation in Punjab.

The announcement comes amid claims that PTI’s influence in Punjab has weakened, a view Afridi rejected while addressing supporters during the second day of his three-day visit. On Friday night, Afridi reached Liberty Roundabout but was unable to address a gathering after police sealed access routes and established pickets, effectively dispersing supporters.

Speaking to party workers, Sohail Afridi said the rally would begin at 6pm and challenged rival political parties to organise similar public gatherings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said PTI’s public strength would speak for itself and even offered logistical support to opponents if they wished to hold rallies in his province.

During his stay in Lahore, Afridi visited families of PTI leaders currently in jail after being denied permission to meet them at Kot Lakhpat jail. He met relatives of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, terming their imprisonment unjust and praising their steadfastness.

Afridi also criticised the Punjab government for what he described as political intolerance, citing restrictions on his movement and interference in political activity. Addressing members of the legal community at the Lahore High Court, he expressed concern over delays in justice and alleged disregard for court orders by jail authorities.

On possible talks with the federal government, Afridi said the matter had been delegated to the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aeen-e-Pakistan, adding that while dialogue was supported, preparations for street protests would continue.

Meanwhile, police registered a case against PTI workers for allegedly blocking roads and raising anti-government slogans in the Ghalib Market area during Afridi’s arrival. Thirteen people were arrested under Sections 290 and 291 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Sohail Afridi is also scheduled to visit more families of party workers, including the home of PTI activist Ali Bilal, also known as Zille Shah, who died during a protest in 2023. Party leaders expect a large turnout at today’s Minar-e-Pakistan rally.