Sohail Afridi’s PTI March Reaches Kohat, Convoy to Move Toward Peshawar
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday continued the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest march, leading the party’s convoy from Karak to Kohat, where participants will stay overnight before resuming their journey.
The PTI has proceeded with the march despite warnings from the federal government, which has said it will not allow gatherings in Islamabad. The party is seeking the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
The decision to launch the march followed unsuccessful negotiations between the PTI and the federal government over several issues. The talks reportedly remained deadlocked, particularly over counterterrorism policy and the party’s demand for access to Imran Khan.
The convoy is currently scheduled to move toward Khairabad, near the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, with the PTI leadership targeting October 8 for reaching the area. Afridi is expected to announce the next course of action there.
After arriving in Kohat’s Lachi area on Monday evening, the chief minister addressed party supporters and urged them to remain patient and prepared for a prolonged political campaign.
Afridi said the movement would require sustained participation rather than exhausting supporters at an early stage. He indicated that the nature of the protest could change after October 8.
He also called on residents of Kohat to participate in large numbers and urged the district to demonstrate strong support for the PTI campaign.
According to the chief minister’s office, Afridi said the convoy would leave for Peshawar from University Chowk at 3pm on Tuesday.
Earlier, while speaking to supporters in Karak, Afridi criticised the federal government’s counterterrorism approach and raised objections to previous military operations and drone attacks.
The KP chief minister also responded to recent comments by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had criticised his approach during the failed negotiations.
Afridi defended his position on raising security-related concerns involving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said discussing the interests of his province should not be considered a sign of political immaturity.
He further argued that decisions made without wider consultation could have consequences for state institutions and the country.
While stressing his commitment to Pakistan, Afridi said his party also respects national symbols and stands for the national anthem. At the same time, he expressed concern that political divisions and hostility could affect how future generations view the country.
The chief minister maintained that PTI was presenting what it considers to be public demands through political means. He also warned that continued tensions could make it increasingly difficult for any leadership to control public sentiment.
Afridi said his party would continue opposing decisions that it believes are harmful to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan or its people, and insisted that future policies should reflect the interests of citizens and young people.
