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Sohail Afridi has warned that supporters will travel to Islamabad in large numbers on September 27, saying authorities would not even consider using force against such a massive gathering. His remarks come amid growing political tensions over judicial decisions, the treatment of PTI leadership and the planned Islamabad long march.
Speaking at an event in Peshawar, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister argued that when court decisions are not implemented, people eventually begin seeking their own political remedies. He maintained that the September 27 mobilisation would demonstrate the strength of public support.
The planned march has already become a major political issue. Afridi previously announced September 27 as the date for a long march towards Islamabad and said he would personally lead it. Business Recorder reported that he later described the date as firm and non-negotiable while calling on PTI workers to prepare for the mobilisation.
Sohail Afridi challenges implementation of court orders
The chief minister’s latest comments were linked to his criticism of what he described as the non-implementation of judicial decisions.
Afridi has repeatedly alleged that institutions selectively implement court orders depending on the political circumstances. He has particularly raised the issue of judicial directions concerning PTI founder Imran Khan.
His position has become part of a wider PTI campaign ahead of the proposed march. The Express Tribune reported earlier this month that Afridi described the September 27 protest as a last resort after what he said were unsuccessful democratic efforts to secure political objectives.
However, the proposed march has also exposed differences within PTI. Reports indicated that some senior party leaders said they had not been consulted before the September 27 date was announced, while the provincial leadership maintained that consultations had taken place.
KP government highlights development plans
Alongside his political criticism, Afridi highlighted the provincial government’s development programme during his Peshawar address.
He said projects worth around Rs200 billion were being developed and claimed that the government had fulfilled its commitment to complete certain schemes within a 90-day timeframe.
The Jameel Chowk project was also mentioned among the infrastructure initiatives expected to be completed on an accelerated schedule.
The Rs200 billion figure is consistent with earlier reporting on the Peshawar Revitalization Programme, which includes road rehabilitation, underpasses and other infrastructure projects. Officials have previously said development schemes worth Rs21 billion had already been launched under the wider programme.
Afridi also referred to provincial revenue performance, saying collections had exceeded a target of Rs129 billion and reached Rs150 billion. Recent reporting has similarly recorded his claim that the province collected Rs150 billion against a Rs129 billion target.
Political criticism of federal government
The KP chief minister also renewed criticism of the federal government, accusing it of failing to address issues affecting the province and questioning the political legitimacy of governments that, in his words, came through the “back door.”
He again referred to an alleged Rs5.3 trillion corruption figure, an issue he has raised repeatedly in recent months. Dawn has previously reported similar remarks from Afridi regarding the figure and his criticism of the lack of accountability.
Afridi also recalled the PTI government’s economic performance, citing GDP growth of 6.1 percent and arguing that farmers, workers and young people had benefited during that period.
September 27 march raises political stakes
The proposed September 27 protest is likely to remain a major political focus in the coming weeks.
Afridi has pledged to lead the march, while PTI supporters are being encouraged to prepare for a large mobilisation. At the same time, differences within the party over the announcement could influence the scale and organisation of the event.
His latest warning that supporters will arrive in Islamabad in numbers large enough to prevent authorities from considering the use of force underscores the increasingly confrontational political environment.
The coming weeks will determine whether the planned mobilisation receives broad support across PTI ranks and whether negotiations or other political developments alter the course of the September 27 plan.
For now, Afridi’s remarks have further intensified the political temperature between the KP government, PTI supporters and the federal authorities.See More on Pulse Pakistan
