Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi declared on Friday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will proceed with its planned protest march to Islamabad regardless of any obstacles such as roadblocks or confrontations. Speaking at a press conference held at the KP Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Afridi criticized the presence of officials from other provinces operating within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alleging clashes between these personnel and local government employees.
He questioned the implications of such actions, asking whether the KP administration had lost faith in its own police force and if authorities from other provinces were now being deployed within KP. Afridi expressed concern that these developments were undermining the federal structure and accused the authorities of adopting policies that weaken the federation.
In a notable allegation, Afridi claimed that nails had been deliberately placed on roads at KP’s borders, interpreting this as a symbolic attempt to sabotage the province. He emphasized Pakistan’s unity, stating firmly that the country will not break under any circumstances and vowed to protect it.
Referring to a video circulating of officials from another province entering KP and clashing with provincial personnel, Afridi reiterated his concerns about the unauthorized presence of outside officials. He also accused the authorities of restricting media coverage of PTI leaders from KP, including the parliamentary leader and the provincial information minister, asserting that journalists were instructed not to cover him either.
Afridi expressed gratitude to the journalists present for their coverage and attendance, noting that he had been informed the press conference might not be broadcast. He condemned what he called “black tactics” such as firing and spreading false rumors, warning that these actions were steering the country in the wrong direction.
Despite these challenges, Afridi assured that the PTI’s long march would proceed under any circumstances, whether faced with roadblocks, containers, or gunfire. He declared that this time the movement aims to dismantle the corrupt system and incompetent rulers once and for all.
He mentioned that a meeting of PTI’s political committee was ongoing and promised to provide further updates afterward. Afridi planned to travel to Charsadda following the meeting and might engage with journalists again upon his return.
Responding to questions, Afridi accused authorities of attempting to incite panic by fabricating security threats, which he said led to the suspension of operations at the provincial Secretariat. He urged political actors not to stoop so low that they lose public trust, emphasizing that no real threat existed.
He questioned the security arrangements, noting that the Secretariat is located within a cantonment area under tight security, making it unlikely for terrorists to infiltrate. Afridi alleged that the government was targeting PTI ministers to create fear but insisted he would not be intimidated or abandon his goals.
Addressing a reported threat to a mosque, Afridi shared that he personally visited the mosque and offered prayers despite the warning. He encouraged the public to remain calm and resolute, assuring them of his support in facing the situation.
Meanwhile, the PTI announced that a large caravan led by District President and MPA Arshad Khan Umarzai from PK-63, Charsadda, had departed for the Charsadda Interchange to welcome Afridi, highlighting continued grassroots support for the party’s efforts.
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