'We are not yes-men': CM Afridi launches PTI long march to Islamabad from Lakki Marwat

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the PTI's long march towards Islamabad from Lakki Marwat on Sunday, stating that the party would "not accept" any policies detrimental to the interests of the province and Pashtuns. Afridi, who arrived by helicopter, addressed thousands of supporters, urging them to join the movement for the release of Imran Khan, the party's founder and former prime minister.

He criticized the current government for failing to implement the PTI's policies and accused those in power of sabotaging talks. The chief minister also questioned the effectiveness of the current anti-terrorist strategy, claiming that terrorism had persisted for 22 years under the current administration. Afridi declared that the long march would end at another chowk, and the crowd responded with a chant of "D-Chowk."

He emphasized the unity of the PTI and warned that those who sought to undermine the party would fail. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized Afridi for using a state helicopter, arguing that it violated a recent court order. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi echoed these concerns, describing the use of the helicopter as contempt of court.

Despite these criticisms, the march proceeded as planned, with PTI workers from various districts joining the protest to support Imran Khan's release.