Oct 4 PTI march: Afridi warns govt against any ‘misadventure’

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, has announced that the party is fully prepared for the October 4 march. In informal discussions with senior journalists at the Chief Minister's House, Afridi warned the government against any "misadventure" before the march, stating that the party can mobilize within 24 hours if necessary.

He affirmed that all party members are aligned on the march and that there should be no ambiguity on this matter. Afridi emphasized that the demands of the movement were clear, legitimate, and within the framework of the Constitution and law, addressing oppression and injustice. Over the past nine months, all constitutional and democratic avenues, including court orders and meetings with Imran Khan, have been pursued without success.

The Chief Minister urged the government to accept their demands, questioning why there was no dialogue following the August 5 gathering that called for the September 27 long march. He alleged that the federal government was intentionally deteriorating relations between PTI and the establishment to prolong their illegitimate government, harm the exchequer, and exacerbate political instability and economic hardship.

Afridi reiterated that participants would march and not return without securing their demands, emphasizing that they are not an armed group but committed to a peaceful struggle. He stated that he would not retreat from his position and stressed the importance of unity in the struggle. Afridi acknowledged growing public anger and frustration, which political opponents also recognize, explaining their apprehension.

He reiterated his government's focus on governance, development, and public service, highlighting recent fiscal discipline and transparency measures that have yielded tangible results. Despite the federal government's failure to meet its revenue targets, Afridi's province exceeded its targets without imposing additional taxes and is constructing major development projects, including a Rs200 billion rehabilitation plan for Peshawar and new hospitals to improve healthcare access.

Afridi criticized the federal government's economic management, pointing out that they identified Rs5.3 trillion in corruption linked to the federal government.