PESHAWAR: Close family sources have claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of the National Assembly Iqbal Afridi has crossed the border into Afghanistan after going into hiding. However, his reported arrival in Afghanistan has not been independently confirmed.
Afridi, who has faced allegations of delivering hard-line speeches against the federal government and inciting young people towards confrontation, has reportedly gone out of contact. His alleged disappearance has raised fresh questions about his political role and style of politics.
Critics argue that political leaders who use strong language against the federation and urge young supporters to remain prepared to fight, face violence and make sacrifices should also be accountable for their statements and political decisions.
Political opponents have criticised the reported development, saying that leaders who encourage confrontation and expose party workers to risks should take responsibility for the consequences of their political rhetoric.
According to critics, if reports of Afridi’s alleged escape to Afghanistan are confirmed, the development could intensify debate over a political approach in which supporters are urged to make sacrifices while the whereabouts of their leaders remain uncertain.
In a related development, an anti-terrorism court in September 2026 ordered the blocking of passports belonging to Afridi and other PTI lawmakers in connection with a case related to the November 26 protest.
The court’s order reportedly covered 24 PTI members of the National Assembly.
However, the judicial action does not establish that Afridi travelled to Afghanistan or crossed the border. His alleged departure and current whereabouts remain unverified.
