Afridi-led convoy enters Peshawar
KARACHI: A convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi entered Peshawar on Thursday evening as PTI continued its long march for a fifth consecutive day. The route plan for the march, being carried out to demand the release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, has undergone multiple changes since its launch on Oct 4. While the party initially vowed to march towards Islamabad, its…
On Thursday evening, a convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi entered Peshawar as part of a continuous PTI-led march aimed at demanding the release of PTI founder Imran Khan. This was the fifth consecutive day of the long march, which has seen numerous alterations to its route since its inception on October 4. Despite initially planning to march towards Islamabad, the party's ultimate destination remains uncertain, with CM Afridi yet to disclose the route after October 8.
According to a post on the PTI's official X account, the Afridi-led convoy reached Hayatabad Toll Plaza in Peshawar shortly after 6 pm. The post also featured images of thousands of supporters gathered to welcome the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM. CM Afridi addressed the crowd, urging them to maintain their commitment to the "struggle for true freedom."
He emphasized that while discomfort may be experienced, it pales in comparison to the suffering Imran Khan is undergoing in prison for the public. He pledged, "We shall not hesitate to even sacrifice [our] life for Imran Khan sahib."
CM Afridi stated that a plan for the next phase of the march would be announced once he proceeded to other areas of Peshawar. However, he indicated that the public would be "thrilled" upon hearing the plan when he reaches Swabi. A video shared by the PTI showcased Afridi raising the slogan "Free Imran Khan," with supporters chanting in unison.
Ahead of the protesters' arrival, an unexpected disruption in mobile and cellular internet services was reported in various parts of Peshawar since last night. The caravan appeared to be behind schedule, as it was expected to reach Hayatabad Toll Plaza by 2 pm according to the initial October 8 schedule shared by Information Minister Shafi Jan.
The march was expected to pass by several landmarks, including Bhana Mari Chungi, Kohati Chowk at Circular Road, Jameel Chowk, Pir Zakori Bridge, Kabootar Chowk, and finally head towards Charsadda Road.
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