‘Sohail Afridi did not threaten anyone,’ spokesperson clarifies CM’s statement

PESHAWAR: A spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has issued a statement clarifying remarks made by the CM that had caused controversy after PTI’s Abbotabad gathering yesterday.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held a political gathering yesterday, during which CM Afridi made some controversial statements with regards to the upcoming elections in the province. He alleged potential interference and issued a veiled threat.

However, according to the spokesperson, the chief minister’s comments were “taken out of context” and did not constitute a threat to any individual or group.

The clarification came after media reports suggested that CM Afridi had issued a veiled threat in connection with potential interference in upcoming elections in the province. However, the spokesperson stressed that the Chief Minister’s message was clear and rooted in a commitment to uphold the law during the electoral process.

“The Chief Minister did not threaten anyone. His statement was misinterpreted,” the spokesperson said in a written statement. “The CM simply pointed out that any interference in the electoral process is a serious crime, and strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in such activities.”

The spokesperson added that CM Afridi was reiterating a legal fact, underlining that election interference is unlawful and punishable by law. The statement was intended to ensure that the elections would be held in a free, fair, and transparent manner, without any external influence or illegal actions.

“The statement was mischaracterised for political point-scoring,” the spokesperson continued. “It is important to distinguish between addressing legal violations and making political threats. The chief minister is committed to the integrity of the election process and will take all necessary steps to prevent any unlawful interference.”

This clarification follows a wave of political backlash, with some critics accusing CM Afridi of attempting to intimidate opposition parties ahead of the elections. However, the spokesperson’s remarks suggest that the chief minister’s intent was solely to highlight the importance of safeguarding the election process and ensuring that no illegal activities take place during the campaign.

The clarification from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat seeks to defuse the controversy, while PTI supporters are hyping the statement as a threat to the federal authorities, primarily on social media.