Ajrak Topi Controversy as KP CM Slams Sindh Government in Karachi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sparked debate after saying the ajrak topi controversy reflected poor treatment by the Sindh government. He made these remarks during his visit to Karachi. As a result, his comments drew strong reactions from supporters.
Afridi had arrived in Karachi to attend political events and address legal professionals. He also led a rally at the Mazar-i-Quaid a day earlier. However, he said official behavior contrasted sharply with public hospitality.
Speaking to the Sindh High Court Bar Association on Monday, Afridi thanked members for their warm welcome. He praised the diverse crowd, which included Pashtuns, Balochis, Kashmiris, and others. Therefore, he highlighted unity among people from different backgrounds.
Criticism of Sindh government conduct
In contrast, the KP chief minister criticized the Sindh government’s actions during his stay. He said officials disrespected Sindhi symbols like the ajrak and topi. According to him, this hurt Sindhi cultural values.
Afridi said every Sindhi would condemn such actions. The audience responded with loud support. In addition, he accused authorities of ignoring constitutional limits.
He claimed institutions across Pakistan were weakening. For example, he alleged that justice was being sold, while national assets were mismanaged. As a result, public trust continued to decline.
Judiciary, protests, and economic concerns
Afridi said people still looked to the judiciary for hope. However, he alleged that court orders were ignored, including one allowing him to meet PTI founder Imran Khan. Therefore, he said protest had become unavoidable.
He defended peaceful protest politics as a constitutional right. He also claimed judges and officials were avoiding accountability. In addition, he criticised overseas wealth accumulation by elites.
The chief minister said Imran Khan had directed him to mobilise public support. He urged people to stand for the rule of law. “Rights are never handed over,” he said, stressing collective struggle.
Afridi also alleged discrimination against provinces, including blocked passports of leaders. Finally, he warned about economic decline, rising unemployment, and increasing migration. The ajrak topi controversy now adds to wider political tensions.
