Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stepped up the mobilization by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) against the federal government and the military establishment as long march to Islamabad begins today with rallies also being held as part of the party’s campaign for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan and other jailed PTI leaders.
Condemning the security paradigm implemented in the province, the Chief Minister launched a scathing critique of Islamabad’s management. Challenging authorities in Islamabad, the Chief Minister is set to launch a multi-day provincial long march which originates from Lakki Marwat on Sunday, and has issued an urgent public appeal for widespread civic participation across southern districts.
“Terrorism has been imposed on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Innocent people of my province are martyred in military operations and drone strikes, which are labeled as collateral damage, and the matter is brushed aside with a mere sorry. The policy that will work here is only Imran Khan’s. The welfare of the country and the nation lies in that very policy. Federal authorities subsequently reinforced security measures and cautioned against any actions jeopardising public order or economic commerce.
“Today, Sunday, October 4, at 1 pm, proud Pakistanis from the districts of Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat will join the long march from Gandi Chawk Lakki Marwat. Describing the route through the provincial capital, he said that departure will be at 12:30 pm from Budh Bair in Peshawar on October 7. The escalation similarly sparked national debate concerning potential central intervention, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi indicating on September 21 that the administration was examining its legal provisions for Governor’s Rule should the provincial government proceed, according to Pakistan-based daily The Express Tribune. Information Minister Atta Tarar clarified on September 23 that the Centre had no intention of dislodging the PTI government in the province, according to the leading daily Dawn.
Due to the federal government’s failed policies, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has always remained engulfed in the lap of gunpowder and fire.
The caravan will halt for the night near Karak,” he said. Concurrently, central figures such as Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry have advocated for dialogue while warning against attempts to disrupt Islamabad, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi separately urged the provincial government to abandon the protest, arguing that the “ground reality” was not in its favour. (ANI)
