CM Afridi says will not accept 'illegal move' of governor's rule or emergency in KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister Sohail Afridi firmly declared on Saturday that he would not accept any "illegal move," including the imposition of governor's rule or an emergency. The PTI chief made the statement while addressing his supporters in Mardan, where the long march he initiated entered its seventh day. The federal government is reportedly considering the option of imposing an emergency or governor's rule in KP, citing differences over counterterrorism policy.

Afridi asserted that arrests and other measures would not demoralize PTI workers, and they would continue their march from Peshawar to D-Chowk in Islamabad. He urged the public to join the release campaign for imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan, emphasizing that Pakhtuns would not be intimidated by threats or violence. Afridi stated that his party would persist in its fight against injustices committed against Imran and secure his release.

MNA Muhammad Atif Khan argued that Afridi had placed the federal government in a difficult situation with his strategy.

The PTI began the long march despite warnings from the federal government after talks on October 3 failed to resolve their differences, primarily regarding counterterrorism measures. The march's final destination remains uncertain after October 11, beyond Swabi, as the KP CM has not announced the plan for the trek beyond that date. So far, the march has remained within KP, where the PTI holds power.