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

AI Summary

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi says he will oppose any imposition of governor’s rule or emergency and is continuing a PTI march demanding Imran Khan’s release. The standoff follows failed talks with the federal government over counterterrorism policy, while Afridi also rejected pressure for military operations in the province.

CHARSADDA/MARDAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday said he will not accept any “illegal move”, including the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency. The KP CM made the remarks while addressing his supporters in Mardan, where the PTI long march led by him arrived on its seventh day. The federal government, citing differences over the counterterrorism policy, is mulling the option of imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in KP. He asserted that arrests cannot weaken their resolve and that they will march from Peshawar to D-Chowk in Islamabad. Afridi urged the public to come out for the release of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, adding that the Pakhtun nation was not afraid of guns or bullets. He said that his party would continue its struggle to end the injustices being committed against Imran and secure his release. The PTI launched the march despite warnings from the Centre after Oct 3 talks with the federal government failed to bridge their differences for multiple reasons, particularly over counterterrorism measures. The route plan for the march has undergone multiple changes since its launch on Oct 4. While the party initially vowed to march towards Islamabad, its final destination seemingly remains tentative as the KP CM has yet to announce the plan for the trek after Oct 11, beyond Swabi. So far, the march — being carried out to demand Imran’s release — has remained within KP, where the PTI is in power. In a post on X earlier in the day, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan said the convoy will stay overnight in Mardan. He also said the future course of action will be announced on Oct 13 and they will move beyond Swabi. Afridi has called on PTI supporters across Pakistan to reach the Swabi Interchange on Oct 11 to join his long march. According to a plan he shared a day earlier, convoys from Peshawar and Malakand regions, as well as Kohat division, would reach the Swabi Interchange on Oct 13. PTI caravans from Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan division and the Hazara region would arrive there on Oct 14. “God willing, we will move beyond Swabi on Oct 14,” Afridi wrote. Refused pressure, Afridi claims Earlier in the day, the KP CM addressed a large gathering at Farooq-i-Azam Chowk in Charsadda, where he reiterated his opposition to any military operations in the province. Afridi said he stood firmly with the people and would not accept decisions imposed through pressure or threats. “I was asked to sign, but I refused,” he said, adding that he would neither retreat from his position under pressure nor compromise on his principles. Afridi said his position on national security and the Kashmir issue was clear and unequivocal. He noted that important national matters should be addressed on the basis of principles rather than political pressure. Referring to what he alleged were preparations for a possible military operation, the KP CM reiterated that he would not sign any document under pressure. He claimed attempts had been made to persuade him to agree to certain decisions, but he had declined. Afridi has repeatedly voiced his opposition to the federal government’s policies on counterterrorism and Afghanistan since he was elected as the KP chief minister in October 2025. Speaking in Charsadda, the PTI leader stressed the need to protect public rights, democratic values and the people’s mandate, saying public aspirations and ground realities should not be ignored in decision-making. He urged party workers to remain united and maintain discipline in their political struggle. He referred to the “threats” of the imposition of governor’s rule or emergency, adding that the matter “had gone beyond seats and power” and he was ready to “sacrifice” his seat for Imran and Pakhtuns. The chief minister highlighted that KP had suffered immense losses in the fight against terrorism, adding that the sacrifices made by its residents should not be forgotten and that their concerns regarding peace, stability and fundamental rights deserved serious attention. Afridi reiterated he would announce the next plan of action on Oct 13 at the Swabi interchange. He called on PTI workers to remain united in their struggle for their rights, adding that political differences should be resolved through democratic means and that the voice of the people should be respected. The KP CM urged party supporters to remain steadfast and vigilant amid the prevailing political situation. The gathering drew hundreds of PTI supporters to the roundabout, many wearing red caps and chanting slogans in support of Imran. The chief minister addressed the crowd from a container alongside party leaders. Guidelines issued for police to deal with protests While the PTI seemed determined to continue with its long march, KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed issued operational guidelines to the police to deal with protests. The document issued by t