KP CM Afridi meets NA, Senate opposition leaders to discuss Sept 27 protest

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held a meeting on Saturday with National Assembly and Senate opposition leaders to discuss the upcoming nationwide protest planned for September 27 by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI). The PTI has called for a protest, including a "long march" to Islamabad, to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and to promote the Constitution's supremacy.

The Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) opposition alliance, led by National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, assured support for the protest during the meeting. The opposition alliance's spokesperson, Hussain Ahmed Yousafzai, was present at the meeting, which discussed political consultations and the future course of action for the protest.

The trio had previously met on Thursday to discuss plans for the September 27 protest. The Islamabad High Court has ruled that any activity infringing on citizens' fundamental rights violates the Constitution. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government would prevent marchers from reaching the capital in any way possible, threatening contempt of court proceedings against violators.

Rawalpindi and Islamabad administrations have started preparations to counter the PTI's march, including detaining activists and arranging anti-riot gear. The PTI's preparations include touring Sindh and Punjab to gather supporters, with Afridi alleging abduction and a death threat during his visit to Punjab.