Afridi awaits Imran's signal for Islamabad move

PTI backs mass mobilisation in Mardan rally, flexes muscle

MARDAN:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday signalled readiness for a political show of strength in the federal capital, saying he had conveyed to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan that the party and its supporters were prepared to move to Islamabad at short notice.

Addressing a charged public gathering organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Mardan, he said: "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".

He added that Imran Khan had directed him to consult Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan leaders Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and that he would remain mindful of that guidance.

The chief minister accused the federal government of attempting to force Imran Khan into submission through what he termed "baseless and fabricated cases" against him and his spouse, Bushra Bibi.

He alleged "cruelty and injustice" against Imran Khan, his sisters and Bushra Bibi, and criticised restrictions on their access to medical care of their choice, calling it "sheer injustice" and "contrary to the Constitution".

He demanded their immediate release.

Announcing a Rs50 billion development package for Mardan, Afridi said the provincial government remained committed to balanced and inclusive development in line with Imran Khan's policy vision.

He pointed to the large turnout at the rally as evidence of sustained public support, noting that the daytime gathering, held on party instructions, demonstrated mobilisation capacity and countered claims of waning backing.

Outlining the party's roadmap, he said visits to Azad Jammu and Kashmir were planned for April 25 to coincide with the party's foundation day, followed by a visit to Lahore on May 1 as part of an ongoing street movement directed by Imran Khan.

He reiterated alignment with the party leadership and policy direction and announced that a future session of the provincial assembly would be convened in an open public setting.

Afridi said protest activities would continue until appropriate medical access is ensured for Imran Khan and his spouse, including access to personal physicians and family members in line with due process and humanitarian considerations.

He also expressed concerns regarding governance, referring to public perceptions about access to justice and stressing the need to uphold transparency, legal safeguards and fundamental rights.

On law and order, he attributed the situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to the federal government's "failed policy", adding that peace in the province had previously been restored under Imran Khan's "effective and good policy" and that he would continue to follow it.

He reiterated support for dialogue-based approaches, saying ongoing regional engagement aligns with positions long advocated by Imran Khan.

On the economic front, the chief minister said GDP growth had declined from around six per cent during Imran Khan's tenure to about 2 to 2.5 per cent, while public debt had increased from Rs50 billion to approximately Rs81 billion, including an addition of Rs31 billion over the past three years.

He also cited a rise in fuel prices from around Rs150 per litre to over Rs360, contributing to inflationary pressures.

He said the burden had disproportionately affected farmers, labourers and low-income households, leading to declining purchasing power and increased vulnerability, adding that "most of the people are ready to commit suicide due to poverty".

He further said that after "power was snatched" from Imran Khan, prices had surged and economic conditions had worsened.

Referring to political developments, he said that following "a regime change driven by a foreign conspiracy", subsequent developments had heightened uncertainty and reflected concentration of influence among elite segments.

However, Afridi welcomed the hosting of US-Iran talks in Islamabad, saying Pakistan should be credited for facilitating dialogue aimed at restoring regional peace.

He added that consultations would continue with key stakeholders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, in line with Imran Khan's directions.

The chief minister congratulated party organisers, parliamentarians and the public on the large turnout, while senior leaders, including Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar, Haleem Adil Sheikh and Asad Qaiser, also addressed the gathering.

Meanwhile, a resolution presented by PTI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Secretary General and MNA Ali Asghar Khan was unanimously adopted at the rally, highlighting widespread economic hardship across the country.

The resolution said rising inflation, increased electricity tariffs, higher fuel prices and persistent load-shedding had placed severe strain on households, contributing to unemployment, agricultural distress and vulnerability among labour and lower-middle-income groups.

It also raised concerns over governance and representation, stating that administrations lacking electoral legitimacy are less responsive to public needs, and emphasised the importance of safeguarding the sanctity of the vote.

The resolution pointed to increasing reliance on borrowing and associated fiscal pressures, as well as perceived imbalances in the distribution of economic burden.

Calling for immediate and comprehensive medical care for Imran Khan and his spouse, including access to family members and personal physicians, the resolution also demanded the release of all political detainees.

It urged citizens to exercise democratic rights and raise their voices for accountability, while noting that meaningful participation in regional peace efforts requires domestic political stability and public trust.

The resolution further expressed solidarity with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for settlement of outstanding financial obligations to the province, including net hydel profit arrears, fair NFC allocation and commitments linked to the former FATA merger.

It also called for an end to coercive practices, restoration of the public mandate, targeted relief for farmers, support in the upcoming budget, and rationalisation or removal of petroleum levies, reaffirming the party's commitment to due process, access to justice and political rights.

 

'Milestone for democracy and rule of law'

Meanwhile, in a related development, Special Assistant to the K-P CM on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said that the large and successful PTI public gathering in Mardan served as clear evidence of the people's trust in the jailed party supremo and his strong popular support.

He said the gathering would serve as a milestone in strengthening democracy, upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law, and denounced injustices by the federal government, political victimisation, alleged mandate theft, and the demand for Imran Khan's release.

He further noted that CM Afridi has announced a development package worth Rs50 billion for Mardan, aimed at improving facilities in health, education, and other key sectors.

Shafi Jan added that under the CM Sohail Afridi's leadership, successful street movements and large public gatherings across the country demonstrate that all political tactics of the federal and Punjab governments have failed. Despite false and baseless political cases, party workers remain firmly united with Imran Khan.

He stated that Imran Khan has been unjustly imprisoned in fabricated cases. However, prison hardships and political pressures by the federal government, which he said lacks a public mandate, have failed to weaken his resolve, determination, or public support.

He further said that PTI's public mandate was "stolen" at both the federal level and in Punjab, resulting in serious economic and political instability in the country. According to him, governments formed under "Form 47" were aimed not at public service but at acquiring power through illegitimate means.