K-P CM Afridi vows to lead Sept 27 long march to Islamabad

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi pledged on Saturday to personally lead the September 27 long march to Islamabad, vowing that the date was non-negotiable and that his party would not retreat until achieving its goals. During a visit to Hangu, Afridi addressed PTI supporters at Hangu Bazaar Chowk and Abu Bakr Siddique Chowk, urging them to make thorough preparations for the march.

The chief minister criticized the government for failing to implement a Supreme Court order mandating Imran Khan's treatment at Shifa International Hospital, asserting that the court's directive had not been followed despite allowing two days for preparations. Afridi alleged that the administration and government had selectively applied court orders, with directives against the PTI and its workers being enforced immediately, while the order concerning Imran's treatment had not been implemented.

Afridi highlighted the country's economic struggles, noting that public debt had reached Rs97 trillion, and ordinary citizens faced inflation and financial hardship. He claimed that industrial capital was moving abroad, leaving farmers and the public to bear the consequences of flawed policies. Describing Imran Khan as a symbol of national unity, Afridi emphasized that his return would restore confidence in state institutions and bring peace.

The chief minister appealed to the youth, who he said constituted around 90 percent of the PTI rally participants, urging them to decide the country's future. Afridi also alleged ongoing repression of PTI workers and women, citing the Muridke incident and alleged mistreatment of Imran Khan's sisters.