A light-hearted exchange between PTI [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sohail Afridi over whether the party leadership looked like terrorists drew criticism on social media after the two leaders addressed PTI’s planned march on Islamabad.
The exchange came after Gohar rejected the government’s warning that PTI will be dealt with like terrorists over the party’s September 27 march which seeks the release of party founder Imran Khan.
Speaking at a press conference at the CM’s House in Peshawar, Gohar questioned whether he or the people sitting around him could be described as terrorists. “They will treat us like terrorists. Are we terrorists? Is the person sitting in front of you a terrorist? Am I a terrorist? Is this man sitting here a terrorist,” Gohar asked, pointing towards Afridi.
Afridi then replied jokingly, “You do look a little bit like one.” Gohar laughed at the response.
Afridi later explained that the remark had been a joke and defended Gohar’s position during the same press conference.
“I said jokingly that his face resembles a terrorist’s,” Afridi said, adding that Gohar, despite sometimes making harsh statements, “always talks about reconciliation and speaks positively.”
“Even he is angry these days. They have troubled us so much, these oppressors, that we are left with no other option,” Afridi said.
The remark prompted some users to question why the two leaders were joking while discussing the government’s warning to PTI and the party’s planned march.
“Wtf is this a serious press conference or a comedy show,” one frustrated user asked. Another questioned Afridi’s conduct, writing, “And can you imagine he is the CM of KPK.”
“Such non serious behavior I mean your party leader is in solitary confinement and you are doing this,” another social media user wrote. The criticism also focused on the situation in KP, with one commenter saying, “Dozen deaths in CM’s province on daily basis and he’s out there making jokes.”
Another user reacted in a lighter tone, writing, “You called Pinky Chairman a terrorist,” while another said, “Hahahah he is having fun even in serious situations.”
The exchange took place as Gohar laid out PTI’s position on the planned march, saying that the party will not go to Islamabad to conquer the capital or turn it into “Somnath” temple. He said that the supremacy of the Constitution and law would prevail when PTI will reach Islamabad and that there will be an environment of festivity.
