PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi Defends Son’s Asylum Move, Says He Would Also Leave Pakistan if Given Chance
ISLAMABAD: Iqbal Afridi, a member of the National Assembly from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has defended his son’s reported decision to seek political asylum abroad and stated that he himself would also consider leaving Pakistan if given the opportunity.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, Afridi responded to questions regarding reports that his son sought asylum in Italy after traveling on an official blue passport.
He said that his son’s decision was “not unusual,” adding that thousands of young Pakistanis had already left the country due to worsening conditions.
Afridi strongly criticized the country’s security and political situation, saying that frequent incidents of terrorism, bomb blasts, and instability were forcing young people to seek better opportunities abroad.
“When there is terrorism, insecurity, and no political stability, where will these children go?” he asked, adding that Pakistan was becoming increasingly difficult to live in.
اقبال آفریدی صحافیوں کی جانب سے ان کے بیٹے کے حوالے سے کئے گئے سوالات پر سیخ پا ہو گئے، بیٹے کے اسائلم لینے والے معاملے کادفاع کرتے رہے،اقبال آفریدی نے بھی اسائلم لینے میں دلچسپی ظاہر کردی، کہا یہ ملک اب رہنے کے قابل نہیں رہا،یہاں نہ امن ہے نہ سیاسی استحکام ہے،آئے روز جب… pic.twitter.com/a11nCc4bGn
— Aatif Khattak (@MalakAatifKhan) May 13, 2026
The PTI lawmaker further claimed that multinational companies were leaving the country and that the future appeared uncertain under the current circumstances.
He also stated that if he became convinced that PTI founder Imran Khan would not be released, he too would consider leaving the country if given the chance.
Earlier, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry had alleged that Afridi’s son misused an official blue passport to seek asylum in Italy, calling the incident damaging to Pakistan’s reputation.
Afridi’s latest remarks have intensified political debate over the issue, with critics questioning whether elected representatives should publicly express such views about the country’s future and stability.
