Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly speaker Babar Saleem Swati has formally raised concerns over the alleged ill-treatment of KP lawmakers during a recent visit to Lahore. He said the incident caused serious resentment among elected representatives and should be examined to fix responsibility.
In a letter written to Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, Mr Swati described the events as unfortunate and avoidable. A similar letter was also sent by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
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According to the letter, the KP delegation visited the Punjab Assembly on the invitation of the opposition leader. Mr Swati said the delegation, which included the chief minister, cabinet members and MPAs, faced repeated obstructions from the outset.
خیبرپختونخوا اسمبلی کے اسپیکر کی پنجاب اسمبلی کے اسپیکر کو وزیرِاعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا کی سربراہی میں اراکینِ اسمبلی پر مشتمل وفد کے دورۂ پنجاب اسمبلی کے دوران پیش آنے والے افسوسناک واقعے پر خط
خیبرپختونخوا اسمبلی کے اسپیکر بابر سلیم سواتی نے پنجاب اسمبلی کے اسپیکر ملک احمد خان کو… pic.twitter.com/qL2LxV5CC8
— Babar Saleem Swati (@BabarSaleemSwat) December 30, 2025
He alleged that the delegation was stopped at multiple security checkpoints far from the assembly building. Several members, including cabinet ministers, were allegedly restrained, while only a few were allowed to proceed after prolonged coordination.
The letter stated that even after reaching the main assembly building, members of the delegation were again stopped, pushed and physically restrained by security staff. Mr Swati claimed that scuffles broke out, during which some lawmakers were dragged and manhandled.
He further alleged that Chief Minister Afridi was subjected to misbehaviour and prolonged waiting, forcing him to return to his vehicle. The speaker said the conduct appeared deliberate and aimed at causing embarrassment to an elected constitutional office-holder.
Mr Swati also criticised the repeated questioning, demands for identification and what he termed aggressive behaviour by security personnel. He said such treatment was inconsistent with parliamentary norms and inter-provincial courtesy.
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The letter also raised concerns about the conduct of some individuals identifying themselves as journalists. Mr Swati alleged that provocative questioning worsened the situation and undermined the dignity of the official visit.
Calling the incident damaging to inter-provincial relations, the KP Assembly speaker urged his Punjab counterpart to investigate the matter. He stressed the need to preserve parliamentary dignity and ensure such incidents do not recur.