Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi extended an offer for talks with the federal government on Saturday, emphasizing that the ongoing political issues could be settled through mutual dialogue. This proposal followed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) decision to postpone its planned long march to Islamabad from September 27 to October 4.
The PTI, which is gearing up for a significant protest demanding the release of its jailed founder Imran Khan and the restoration of constitutional supremacy, has adjusted its strategy amid heightened security measures. Afridi questioned the rationale behind waiting for the march to initiate negotiations, suggesting that talks should commence beforehand to resolve the matter promptly.
Addressing senior journalists in Peshawar, Afridi stated, “If the federal government wishes to resolve the issue within seven days, it should do so through mutual understanding.” He further explained that the political committee had decided to allow the government some time, describing the postponement as part of a broader strategy.
When asked about the possibility of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman joining the protest, Afridi welcomed the idea, saying, “If Maulana Fazlur Rehman comes to us, we will welcome him.” On his own political future, Afridi expressed that he would not be concerned about losing his position as chief minister, stating that if disqualified, Imran Khan would decide his successor.
Earlier in the day, PTI KP chapter information secretary Shaukat Yousafzai described the march’s postponement as a tactical move. He pointed out that the federal government had deployed thousands of police officers and containers in the area, prompting the party to revise its approach. “We have changed our political strategy. We support a peaceful struggle,” Yousafzai said.
Yousafzai urged the federal government to move beyond “ego, stubbornness and the intoxication of political power” and come to the negotiating table in earnest. He criticized the government’s tendency to discuss negotiations only on television rather than in practical terms, reaffirming that PTI would engage in talks if genuine dialogue was initiated.
The PTI leader reiterated the party’s demand for proper medical treatment for the imprisoned former prime minister, as ordered by the courts. He also condemned what he described as federal interference in provincial affairs, citing the 18th Amendment which limits such involvement. “Provincial ministers are being picked up here. The federal government has created a law of the jungle,” Yousafzai remarked.
Additionally, Yousafzai condemned remarks made by Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar about CM Afridi and referenced a previous statement by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz concerning provincial autonomy.
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