KP CM Afridi open to dialogue with govt but warns against 'misadventure'

Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the federal government to address issues, but cautioned that any "misadventure" could lead to irreversible consequences. The PTI had planned a nationwide protest and march to Islamabad to demand the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently in custody at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. However, the march was postponed to October 4 by Afridi's announcement.

During a press conference at KP House, Afridi stated that his party agreed to postpone the march to facilitate the resolution of issues through dialogue. Nevertheless, he warned that any "misadventure" could result in dire repercussions. Afridi emphasized that the federal government had 52 days to consider the party's demands and noted that the Centre was seeking time to discuss the issues.

He reiterated that the PTI's demands were legitimate, including allowing Imran Khan medical treatment at a private hospital in Islamabad, access to his lawyers, relatives, and the court-nominated 18 party members.

Afridi strongly denied being an armed group, asserting, "We want issues resolved through dialogue. No one has refused to engage in a dialogue." He also mentioned that he had sought court permission and written to the federal government to visit Imran Khan, but was compelled to announce the march in August due to concerns over the ex-premier's health.

Regarding rumors of a governor's rule imposition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the chief minister said his supporters would be "on the road at a 24-hour notice." He added that removing him from office would be difficult for them. Afridi insisted that he was the one who would decide his successor, should he resign from his position.

Elected as chief minister in October 2025, Afridi criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar for allegedly singling out Pakhtuns, alleging a "well-hatched conspiracy" to divide Pakistan. Defending his performance, Afridi highlighted that his government had met high revenue targets and provided resources to the police to combat terrorism in the province. He also reiterated his criticism of the federal government's Afghanistan policy and its failure to address terrorism.

Afridi suggested he had presented a plan to the country's military and civilian leadership to restore peace in the province by re-engaging with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, reopening the border, and eliminating the distinction between "good and bad Taliban." In Rawalpindi Division and Islamabad, security measures and emergency preparations remain in place despite the march's postponement.

Punjab had imposed a ban on gatherings until October 5 and prohibited unlawful assemblies. Similar restrictions have been enforced in Islamabad for two months, with Rangers deployed in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab from September 20 to October 5.