PESHAWAR( The COW News Digital) Newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, has taken immediate notice of the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activist Sanam Javed, just hours after assuming office on Tuesday.
According to official sources, CM Afridi summoned Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to his office and sought a detailed report on the circumstances surrounding Sanam Javed’s arrest. The chief minister instructed the IGP to submit a comprehensive report within 24 hours, emphasizing transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
Afridi’s move came shortly after his oath-taking ceremony at the Governor House in Peshawar, where Governor Faisal Karim Kundi administered the oath of office. Political observers note that his prompt action signals a shift toward addressing politically sensitive issues in the province and responding to public sentiment, particularly within the PTI’s support base.
Sanam Javed, a prominent PTI activist and social media influencer, has remained a symbolic figure in the party’s ongoing political struggle. Her repeated arrests and detention in recent months have drawn criticism from human rights groups and PTI supporters alike, who allege that she has been unfairly targeted due to her outspoken views.
Chief Minister Afridi, known for his populist approach and grassroots connections, reportedly emphasized during his meeting that “rule of law and justice must prevail” and that no individual should face arbitrary detention. He assured that the provincial government would ensure fair treatment for all political workers regardless of their affiliation.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have not yet released an official statement regarding the latest arrest of Sanam Javed, though reports suggest she was taken into custody in Lahore last week on charges related to public order violations. The provincial administration is expected to coordinate with Punjab authorities as part of the inquiry.
Afridi’s quick response has sparked discussions in political circles, with analysts describing it as an attempt to consolidate PTI’s position in the province and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Meanwhile, supporters of PTI have taken to social media to praise the chief minister’s action, viewing it as a sign that their concerns are being heard at the highest provincial level. The government is expected to issue an official statement following the submission of the police report.
