KP CM defiant on PTI's Islamabad march as Centre keeps up governor's rule, emergency threat

PESHAWAR/DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has vowed to proceed with the PTI-led protest march to Islamabad on October 4, despite threats from the central government to impose the governor’s rule or emergency. Afridi claims the demonstration will mark a significant event in Pakistan’s history, with the initial phase reaching Swabi, a town bordering Punjab.

He vowed to continue the march if necessary, warning against any lawlessness. The chief minister also accused the ruling PML-N of attempting to infiltrate the PTI ranks to cause unrest, asserting that his supporters would remain unarmed and disciplined. Both the federal and provincial governments remain at odds over the issue, with federal ministers condemning the PTI’s focus on the march rather than addressing KP’s security concerns.

The governor of KP, Faisal Karim Kundi, echoed similar sentiments, stating that imposing the governor’s rule or an emergency might be considered if lawlessness and political unrest persisted. Both Kundi and Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah highlighted the need for the PTI to collaborate with the federal government in combating terrorism, suggesting that imposing the governor’s rule or emergency could be among the options available to the central authorities.