Peshawar: KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has reaffirmed PTI’s plan to begin its October 4 march, saying the party will continue its campaign for what it calls constitutional supremacy, rule of law and an independent judiciary.
In a post on X, Afridi said the march would begin at Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat. He maintained that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest and said PTI would continue its campaign until its demands were addressed.
Afridi also raised concerns over the security situation in KP, claiming terrorism had increased following the change in government and calling for a review of counterterrorism policy.
He referred to PTI founder Imran Khan’s opposition to military operations that displace local populations and argued that civilian casualties and drone strikes could contribute to instability. Afridi said concerns over security policy were shared by political and religious groups in the province and had been discussed through a provincial assembly jirga.
The chief minister also questioned the security situation in Balochistan and raised concerns over resources provided to provincial police forces.
Referring to the May 9, 2023 unrest, Afridi said PTI would not allow a repeat of the events. He also made allegations concerning CCTV footage from the incidents.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry responded by warning that the chief minister’s statements could affect negotiations between the government and opposition.
Chaudhry said the government wanted the dialogue to produce results and called on PTI leaders to avoid statements that could undermine the negotiating process. He also criticised Afridi’s language towards political opponents and government leaders.
The statements come as the government and opposition remain engaged in talks over their political differences, with PTI’s planned march among the issues under discussion.
