PTI, TTAP leadership fully behind Sept 27 long march to Islamabad: K-P CM Afridi

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced on Monday that the entire leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), along with their allies Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), will participate in a long march to Islamabad on September 27. The protest is a last resort after all democratic avenues to secure PTI founder Imran Khan’s release were exhausted.

Afridi criticized Imran’s treatment as a “kidnapped individual” rather than a political prisoner and lamented that he, his sisters, and his legal team have not been granted access to him. He claimed that the opposition coalition’s demands include PTI founder Imran Khan being given justice, his cases being heard on merit, and access to doctors and legal counsel.

Afridi urged reflection on the burden placed on PTI’s leadership and warned that the public’s anger over injustices may become unmanageable. He dismissed allegations of striking a deal as attempts to mislead the public and denied rumors of a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Afridi also criticized the federal and provincial governments for their performance, pointing out economic downturn and limited growth in various sectors.

He expressed willingness to engage with the Afghan government to settle ongoing disputes and claimed he could bring peace and end terrorism within 100 days, submitting a policy and making a Provincial Action Plan for this purpose. Afridi stated that the PTI would call off the long march if directed by Imran Khan.