Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has confirmed that the political leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) along with the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance fully support the planned long march to Islamabad on September 27. Afridi stated that the date was mutually agreed upon by PTI’s provincial and central leadership in coordination with allied groups.
Speaking on a current affairs programme, Afridi emphasized that all levels of PTI leadership across the provinces, as well as the TTAP alliance, are united behind the decision. This statement came in response to concerns raised by Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, who questioned why the march was scheduled for late September rather than an earlier date.
Afridi described Aleema Khan as a non-political figure who speaks from a familial perspective rather than a political one. He expressed confidence that once the rationale behind the timing is explained, she would be convinced. “Aleema Apa is Imran Khan’s sister and has no direct involvement in politics,” he noted. “We will, God willing, clarify the facts to her.”
In a significant development, Afridi also dismissed allegations from PTI leaders abroad suggesting that he agreed to the September 27 date as part of a secret arrangement. He urged those making such claims to seek clarification directly from him before airing accusations publicly, warning that such actions could mislead supporters.
Addressing a specific claim that he met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and another official on August 4 prior to announcing the march date, Afridi categorically denied it. He stated that on that day he was at the KP House in Islamabad from noon until 4:30 pm attending meetings related to provincial projects such as Pado KP and telemedicine initiatives. He rejected the suggestion that the meeting took place in Peshawar, calling the allegation baseless and unfounded.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Shafi Jan, who also serves as an aide to the KP Chief Minister, declared that the party has no alternative but to proceed with the long march aimed at securing the release of Imran Khan. Jan announced that the march will commence from Peshawar and expects participation from two million people. He described the protest as a last resort due to the party’s grievances being ignored, emphasizing that the march’s impact will resonate nationwide.
Imran Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions that he and his party claim are politically motivated. Since his removal from office in April 2022 through a no-confidence vote, he has faced multiple legal challenges, including allegations related to state gifts and an unlawful marriage case. While some convictions have been overturned or suspended, several appeals remain pending in higher courts. Imran and PTI continue to deny all charges against him.
