KP CM Says Peaceful Protest Is Constitutional Right Ahead of Sept 27 PTI March
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said peaceful protest is a legal and constitutional right, as the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) prepares for its planned march towards Islamabad on September 27.
Speaking during a provincial cabinet meeting in Peshawar on Wednesday, Afridi said the KP government would continue with preparations for the protest, which the party has described as peaceful.
CM Raises Concerns Over PTI Workers
Afridi alleged that PTI workers, office-bearers and elected representatives had been targeted by people in plain clothes during the previous few days.
He also alleged that Communications and Works Minister Shakil Khan had faced an attempted attack and an alleged abduction attempt.
The chief minister further claimed that Public Health Engineering Minister Fazal Shakoor was abducted by unidentified individuals who later opened fire on his vehicle.
These allegations were presented by Afridi during the cabinet meeting as part of his concerns over the treatment of provincial ministers and PTI supporters.
He questioned how ordinary citizens could feel secure if members of the provincial cabinet were allegedly facing such incidents.
Afridi Calls for Peaceful Protest
The KP chief minister said the September 27 demonstration would remain peaceful and argued that the Constitution provides citizens with the right to protest.
He said PTI had approached different constitutional and legal forums but, according to him, had not received the response it expected.
Afridi urged supporters and residents of the province not to panic and said the planned demonstration would continue.
The KP government’s official statement on September 22 also described the planned march as a peaceful and constitutional protest.
Concerns Over Movement Between KP and Other Areas
Afridi also alleged that restrictions were being prepared that could affect movement to and from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He questioned the reasons for any possible closure of routes connecting the province with other parts of the country and raised concerns about what he described as a potential political conspiracy.
The chief minister called on government officials, police officers and district administrations to follow lawful instructions and said they should not be intimidated.
Security Preparations Underway
Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been making security arrangements ahead of the planned PTI march and other possible demonstrations.
The Islamabad High Court has also directed provincial chief ministers to ensure that government machinery and resources are not used for the PTI’s September 27 protest.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned the PTI against proceeding with the march and said the federal government is preparing for the situation.
The PTI announced the September 27 march earlier this year and has said it is seeking the release of party founder Imran Khan.
With the date approaching, preparations by both the party and authorities are continuing as the government and PTI maintain differing positions over the planned protest.
