Afridi vows to continue protest towards Islamabad’s D-Chowk, dismissing threats of emergency measures and arrests as march enters seventh day
MARDAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday firmly opposed any attempt to impose governor’s rule or emergency measures in the province, declaring that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) would continue its long march towards Islamabad’s D-Chowk despite mounting political tensions.
The chief minister made the remarks as PTI’s protest procession entered Mardan on the seventh day of its mobilisation campaign, which seeks the release of the party’s imprisoned founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
Afridi Opposes Governor’s Rule and Emergency Measures
Addressing party supporters at Manga Bazaar in Mardan, Afridi maintained that his government would resist any unconstitutional attempt to impose governor’s rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He asserted that the possibility of arrests or other restrictive measures would not undermine the determination of PTI workers and supporters.
The chief minister emphasised that the party remained committed to continuing its political struggle and would not abandon its planned march towards the federal capital.
Calls for Public Mobilisation to Secure Imran Khan’s Release
Afridi urged citizens to participate in the protest movement, describing Imran Khan’s release as the central objective of the ongoing mobilisation.
He expressed confidence that large numbers of people were prepared to join the campaign and maintained that threats of force would not discourage supporters.
Referring specifically to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Afridi said Pashtuns would not be intimidated by weapons or the possibility of violence.
He also thanked PTI workers and residents of Mardan for their reception of the march, declaring that what he called “Section 804” had taken hold across the city.
PTI Supporters Asked to Gather in Swabi
The chief minister announced that the next stage of the mobilisation would involve a major gathering in Swabi.
He appealed to PTI supporters from across Pakistan to reach Swabi the following day under the leadership of their respective parliamentarians.
Afridi assured participants that arrangements would be made to welcome and accommodate those joining the protest.
The latest developments underline PTI’s determination to sustain its protest campaign as tensions between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration continue.
With the march progressing through the province, the party remains focused on mobilising supporters for its planned demonstration at Islamabad’s D-Chowk.
