Governor’s rule threats won’t stop PTI movement, says Afridi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) anti-government long march entered its seventh day on Saturday as the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi departed Charsadda for Mardan.

Addressing participants before the departure, CM Afridi warned those threatening to impose governor’s rule in the province that the movement would not be stopped by such measures.

“Those threatening governor’s rule should listen: the matter has gone beyond positions and power,” he said.

CM Afridi praised the people of Charsadda for their enthusiasm, saying the movement would continue with the same determination to challenge what he described as an oppressive system.

He said he was prepared to sacrifice not only his position as chief minister but also his life for PTI founder Imran Khan and the Pakhtuns. He added that no amount of wealth could buy him.

The chief minister announced that people from across the country would head to Swabi on October 11, where the party would announce its next course of action for the protest on October 13.

CM Afridi urged people to study the history of the Pakhtuns before challenging their honour and dignity. He said the political struggle would remain peaceful and within the framework of the Constitution and law.

“PTI is peaceful and will remain peaceful, but it will not compromise on its rights,” he said.

The chief minister alleged that peace achieved after the loss of 80,000 lives had been undermined by decisions taken behind closed doors. He also accused those pursuing personal interests of imposing what he described as self-created terrorism on the province.

He urged party workers and supporters to remain focused and steadfast, saying they should not fear anyone. He added that PTI would not accept what it considered an oppressive system or policies targeting its people.

According to PTI sources, the march reached Charsadda after passing through Peshawar on Friday night. Participants stayed at Razarr Ground before setting off on Saturday.

The convoy was scheduled to pass through Tangi, Charsadda and Sardheri before entering Mardan, where participants were expected to stay overnight. They would then leave for Swabi on October 11.

The march has previously stayed in Lakki Marwat, Karak, Kohat, Peshawar, Khyber and Charsadda. Organisers have revised its schedule twice because of travel time and administrative considerations.

The protest’s stated demands include permission for meetings with incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan, adequate medical treatment for him and the early scheduling of cases against him in the superior courts.

PTI leaders say the protest will continue until their demands are met.