KP CM Afridi says ready to march on Islamabad if Imran Khan gives go-ahead

From Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi declared his readiness to mobilize a significant demonstration in Islamabad at the behest of PTI founder Imran Khan. Speaking at a charged public gathering, Afridi conveyed that both he and the nation stand prepared to descend upon the federal capital should Khan issue the command. This bold assertion underscores the deep loyalty and mobilization capacity claimed by the PTI within the province.

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I conveyed to him that I am ready, the nation is ready, Pakistanis are ready … If you give us the go-ahead, we will be in Islamabad the next day.

Afridi launched a scathing attack on the incumbent federal government, accusing it of perpetrating "cruelty and injustice" against Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, through what he termed "baseless and fabricated cases." He lamented their alleged deprivation of basic rights, including access to chosen medical treatment, deeming it a constitutional violation. The demand for their immediate release signals the party's continued defiance and focus on the legal battles faced by its leadership.

Beyond the political confrontation, Afridi touched upon economic grievances, attributing the current "failed policy" of the federal government to the escalating law and order situation and soaring inflation in KP. He contrasted this with the perceived stability and growth under Imran Khan's tenure, claiming a six percent GDP growth rate then, now reduced to two percent. The CM's stark remark that "most of the people are ready to commit suicide due to poverty" highlights the severe economic distress felt by the populace, a key narrative for the PTI.

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Now, most of the people are ready to commit suicide due to poverty.

Interestingly, Afridi also acknowledged Pakistan's diplomatic role in hosting US-Iran talks, a point of national pride. This dual focus—on domestic political struggle and international diplomacy—reflects the complex landscape in which Pakistani politics operates. From our perspective here in Pakistan, the PTI's narrative of victimhood and economic mismanagement by the current government resonates strongly with segments of the population, while the international community may focus more on the legal proceedings and geopolitical implications.

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I conveyed to him that I am ready, the nation is ready, Pakistanis are ready … If you give us the go-ahead, we will be in Islamabad the next day.