{
  "id": 2941969,
  "title": "PTI’s long march aimed at Imran’s release, says CM Afridi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/ptis-long-march-aimed-at-imrans-release-says-cm-afridi",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T04:45:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2024891/ptis-long-march-aimed-at-imrans-release-says-cm-afridi"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Sunday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) not only sought the hospitalization of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, but also his release from prison. During a gathering in Buner district, mostly with youths, the chief minister insisted that Imran Khan's transfer to Shifa International hospital was just one of their demands. He emphasized that Imran Khan's release from jail would be achieved through their struggle and the court's verdicts. Afridi encouraged the youth to prepare for a long march on September 27, stating that he would lead the march with no turning back. He warned that the outcome would either be Imran Khan's release (Azadi) or his martyrdom. Afridi defended the court's order for Imran Khan's transfer to Shifa hospital, criticizing the PML-N-led federal and provincial (Punjab) governments for rejecting it. He alleged that the federal and Punjab governments disregarded the court's decision, disrespecting the three judges involved. Afridi highlighted the existence of two legal systems, one for the elite and another for ordinary citizens. He vowed to remain unwavering and, referring to Imran Khan as a symbol of unity, asserted that only Khan could restore the nation's dignity, save the state, improve its financial situation, and restore Pakistan's integrity. The chief minister encouraged the youth, stating that they would decide the country's future and warned that they would rebel against decisions not in favor of the youth. Afridi accused those trying to sow discord, urging the youth to stand by Khan and remember that his leadership supported them.",
  "summary": "PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) not only demanded hospitalisation of the incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan for treatment, but also his release from prison. Addressing a gathering, mostly attended by youth in Buner district, he said that shifting Imran Khan to hospital was not their sole demand as…",
  "key_points": [
    "PTI seeks Imran Khan's release, not just hospitalization",
    "Chief Minister Afridi announces long march on September 27",
    "Afridi warns of Imran Khan's martyrdom or release"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The PTI's planned long march escalates pressure on the government to release Imran Khan, signaling a heightened confrontation between the party and the PML-N-led federal and provincial governments.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}