Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly criticised the federal government as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for its long march scheduled for October 4. Afridi emphasized that his party will prevent any recurrence of the violent events witnessed on May 9, 2023, and will not allow anyone to create similar unrest again.
In a statement released on social media, Afridi reiterated that the march would persist until the supremacy of the Constitution is upheld and an independent judiciary is restored in Pakistan. He firmly stated, “We will neither allow May 9 to happen again nor will we let anyone do so.”
In a significant development, military leadership recently issued a warning against any attempts to incite May 9-like violence during the upcoming protest. The caution came during the 277th Corps Commanders Conference led by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The meeting underscored the need for decisive action under the rule of law without hesitation or discrimination if such unrest occurs. Meanwhile, government and PTI representatives resumed negotiations, agreeing to continue talks amid rising political tensions.
The military commanders were also instructed to enhance operational readiness through advanced technology, rigorous training, and improved combat capabilities.
Without explicitly naming the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Afridi accused those involved in the Dawn Leaks of attempting to destabilize the country. He warned that these actors, if left unchecked, could threaten Pakistan’s unity. Afridi also responded to comments attributed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding terrorism threats from neighboring provinces, condemning the political portrayal of Pashtuns as terrorists. He accused opponents fearful not of India but of the Pakistani people of igniting internal conflict to preserve their power.
The PTI march is set to commence from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4, with participants journeying toward Islamabad. Afridi described the event as a mass movement dedicated to constitutional supremacy and judicial independence. The procession is expected to reach Peshawar’s Matni area by the night of October 6.
PTI leaders have consistently characterized the march as peaceful, emphasizing demands for constitutional respect, judicial autonomy, and the release of imprisoned party founder Imran Khan. In response to accusations from government and PML-N officials alleging preparations for violence or an assault on Islamabad, Afridi countered by blaming those who tampered with CCTV footage for the May 9 unrest.
Addressing security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afridi stressed that terrorism should not be dismissed as a mere political narrative. He highlighted the widespread impact of terrorism on citizens and cited Imran Khan’s stance against military operations targeting Pakistan’s own population and displacing communities. Afridi also noted Khan’s position that drone strikes causing civilian casualties exacerbate terrorism.
The chief minister claimed that opposition to the current counterterrorism policies extends beyond PTI to include various political and religious groups, as evidenced by signatures collected during a jirga held in the provincial assembly. He contrasted the province’s security situation during the previous PTI-led federal government, when KP was recognized for tourism rather than terrorism, with the current period following what he described as a “regime change,” which has seen a resurgence in violence.
Afridi asserted that peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could be restored within 100 days if the government revises its existing policies.
The May 9 unrest erupted after the arrest of Imran Khan, triggering protests by PTI supporters across multiple cities. Some demonstrations escalated into violence, targeting government and military installations. Several PTI members have since faced legal action, with some senior figures convicted in related cases. The military has reiterated that any attempts to incite similar violence will be met with strict enforcement of the law.
Afridi’s recent remarks come amid these warnings and ongoing preparations for the October 4 march. PTI continues to assert the peaceful nature of its planned protest, maintaining that its supporters are politically motivated and nonviolent. Afridi accused the government of attempting to manufacture conditions akin to May 9 to justify legal action against PTI activists.
