World ( The cow news digital ) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Iqbal Afridi has come under scrutiny after reports surfaced that his son allegedly sought political asylum in Italy while traveling on a blue diplomatic passport, according to officials speaking at a Senate committee meeting.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry revealed the matter during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, stating that the son of PTI Member of the National Assembly Iqbal Afridi traveled to Europe on an official blue passport before applying for political asylum in Italy.
Talal Chaudhry criticized the move, saying it had damaged Pakistan’s international reputation and raised serious concerns regarding the misuse of official travel documents. He added that such actions negatively impact the country’s image abroad and force the government to reconsider policies regarding the issuance of blue passports.
“The government has already reduced the number of blue passports being issued,” the minister told the committee, emphasizing that stricter controls may be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
During the committee proceedings, several lawmakers questioned the government’s broader response, arguing that an individual case should not result in restrictions affecting others. Committee members urged authorities to identify and take action against those directly involved instead of implementing blanket measures.
Reacting to the allegations while speaking to journalists, Iqbal Afridi defended his son and questioned why the issue was being highlighted selectively. He asked authorities to disclose how many other Pakistani citizens or public figures had previously sought political asylum abroad.
“First tell the nation who else has obtained political asylum overseas before my son,” Afridi said. He further remarked that if conditions in the country continue to deteriorate, people may increasingly look for opportunities outside Pakistan.
The revelation has sparked political debate and renewed discussion over the use of diplomatic and official passports by politicians and their families. Critics argue that such privileges should be monitored more closely, while supporters of Afridi insist the issue is being politicized.
The development comes at a time when Pakistan is already facing diplomatic and political challenges internationally, making controversies involving official documents particularly sensitive for the government.
