KP CM calls supporters to Swabi amid tensions with federal government

PESHAWAR (Web Desk) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has called on supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from across the country to gather at Swabi Interchange on October 11, where the party is expected to announce its next course of action in a long march demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan.

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The march, which began on October 4, has seen changes in its proposed route, with the party yet to clarify its final destination beyond Swabi. Although PTI initially indicated that the protest would proceed towards Islamabad, the subsequent plan remains uncertain.

So far, the procession has travelled within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI is in power.

Addressing participants during his visit to Charsadda, Afridi said the movement would continue beyond Swabi, signalling that the party intended to extend its campaign. He dismissed warnings from the federal government as threats that would not deter participants.

According to a statement issued by the chief minister’s office, convoys from Peshawar and Malakand divisions are scheduled to reach Swabi Interchange on October 13. The route and participation plan for Hazara Division would also be announced, while convoys from Kohat Division were expected to join the gathering.

Participants from Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan divisions were expected to join the march along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor route, the statement said.

Afridi urged citizens to participate in what he described as a struggle for constitutional rights, national sovereignty and Haqiqi Azadi, a term frequently used by PTI in its political campaign.

He also criticised the federal government’s economic and security policies, arguing that the country had faced economic difficulties and worsening security challenges since Imran Khan’s removal from office in 2022.

The chief minister cited figures relating to intelligence-based and military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between 2004 and 2026, arguing that sustained security operations had not eliminated militancy.

He maintained that residents, police personnel and military personnel continued to face security threats and called for greater consideration of his proposals to address terrorism.

Afridi also raised concerns about the release of federal funds to the province, adding to the political disagreements between the provincial and federal governments.

KP governor questions PTI’s march strategy

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi challenged the PTI leadership to demonstrate its commitment by taking the procession beyond Swabi, which lies near the provincial boundary with Punjab.

Speaking at a news conference in Peshawar, Kundi questioned whether the party would proceed according to its earlier announcements, expressing doubt about its ability to extend the march beyond the district.

The governor also criticised PTI’s mobilisation efforts, questioning the participation of supporters from outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

His remarks came as the party continued to organise convoys from different divisions of the province for the planned gathering.

Kundi further questioned the provincial government’s handling of administrative and security matters, arguing that the chief minister should take responsibility for maintaining law and order and ensuring the functioning of government departments.

He also challenged Afridi’s allegations concerning the reported detention of provincial lawmakers and cabinet members, asking the chief minister to clarify the circumstances surrounding the claims.

The governor called on the provincial leadership to address administrative difficulties, while asserting that the government needed to prioritise security and public services.

Security policy remains a point of contention

The political exchange comes after negotiations between the federal government and opposition representatives failed to resolve their differences.

Security policy, access to Imran Khan and disagreements over the proposed protest have featured prominently in the dispute.

Federal ministers have warned against extending the march beyond Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while discussions about the possibility of emergency measures or governor’s rule have added to tensions between the two sides.

Kundi said decisions concerning any extraordinary constitutional measures would depend on the assessment of the relevant federal authorities. He indicated that his office would provide information about the province’s situation if requested.

The governor also defended his recent meeting with the provincial chief secretary and inspector general of police to discuss law and order, a move that Afridi had criticised.

Kundi said counterterrorism should remain the priority, citing security incidents in the province and arguing that political differences should not overshadow efforts to address militancy.

PTI, meanwhile, has continued to present the march as part of its broader political campaign for Imran Khan’s release and what it describes as the restoration of public rights.

The developments have placed the planned Swabi gathering at the centre of the political standoff, with the party’s next announcement likely to clarify whether the march will remain within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or proceed towards Punjab.