Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Tuesday dismissed reports suggesting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) may postpone its long march once again, vowing the demonstration will proceed as planned on Oct. 4.
Addressing a press conference, he criticized the federal government’s policies, claiming it had failed to perform per public needs. He warned that authorities would not be able to handle the large number of people that would come out to protest on Oct. 4, adding any attempt at an “adventure” would provoke a public response.
Claiming KP was the only province where the government had come to power through the strength of the people, he also lashed out at television analysts who have commented on reports of threats to his government. He claimed there was intense anger among the people of KP and such commentary was creating hatred among the public.
“Two clowns and cartoons of the federal government have been placed on television with two objectives: to divert public attention from the Oct. 4 long march and to distract people from the government’s corruption,” he alleged, while accusing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) of desiring unrest.
Calling on PTI supporters to join the long march unarmed, he maintained the demonstration would remain peaceful. He warned that the PTI would itself apprehend anyone found wielding a weapon and hand them to the police. Such a person, he insisted, would not be deemed part of the PTI.
“The Oct. 4 long march will take place under all circumstances and will remain peaceful. The people will exercise their democratic right to peaceful protest and no provocation or act involving damage or harm will be permitted,” he claimed.
To a question on a leaked letter from senior PTI leader Shaukat Yousafzai calling for the postponement of the Oct. 4 march, Afridi said he had not seen it. However, he added, if it reaches him, he would tear it up and throw it in the dustbin.
After his press conference, Afridi also posted on X, calling on PTI workers to join the march on Oct. 4.
Separately, PTI KP President Junaid Akbar posted on X, warning lawmakers and party leaders that if they were not in Pakistan on Oct. 4, they would no longer be considered part of the party.