KP CM Holds Firm on Security Policy as PTI March Continues

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has again rejected pressure to support military operations in the province as the PTI long march completed one week since its launch. He addressed supporters at Farooq-i-Azam Chowk in Charsadda on Saturday, keeping his focus on counterterrorism policy, provincial rights and the party’s demand for the release of Imran Khan.

The march began on October 4 and has already seen multiple changes to its route plan. Although the party initially said it would move toward Islamabad, its final destination remains unclear, with the chief minister yet to announce the plan beyond October 11 and the Swabi stage of the mobilisation.

Speaking to a large gathering, Afridi said he would stand with the people and would not accept decisions imposed through pressure or threats. He claimed he had been asked to sign a document but refused, saying he would neither step back under pressure nor compromise on his stated position.

His comments come amid continuing tension between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration. The two sides remain divided on several issues, including counterterrorism policy, which was among the key reasons cited for the collapse of talks between the Centre and the opposition earlier this month.

Afridi said his position on national security and the Kashmir issue was clear. Referring to what he described as preparations for a possible military operation, he repeated that he would not sign any document under pressure and claimed attempts had been made to persuade him to accept certain decisions.

The chief minister also referred to warnings about the possible imposition of governor’s rule or emergency in the province. He said the matter had moved beyond seats and power and added that he was prepared to sacrifice his position for Imran Khan and Pakhtuns.

Afridi argued that KP had suffered heavy losses in the fight against terrorism and said the sacrifices of its people should not be ignored. He called for public rights, democratic values and the people’s mandate to be protected, while urging party workers to remain disciplined and united.

The next phase of the march is expected to become clearer in the coming days. Afridi said he would announce the future course of action on October 13 at the Swabi interchange, while KP Information Minister Shafi Jan said the convoy would stay overnight in Mardan before moving according to the revised plan.