Charsadda, October 10,2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday reiterated his opposition to military operations in the province as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, entered its seventh day.
Addressing a large gathering at Farooq-i-Azam Chowk in Charsadda, Afridi said he stood firmly with the people and would not accept decisions imposed through pressure or threats.
“I was asked to sign, but I refused,” he said, adding that he would neither retreat under pressure nor compromise on his principles.
Afridi’s remarks come amid continuing differences between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial government over counterterrorism policy and other issues. Disagreements over security measures were among the key reasons behind the breakdown of talks between the government and the opposition on October 3, with the federal government blaming the KP chief minister for the failure.
The chief minister said his position on national security and Kashmir was clear, stressing that important national issues should be addressed on the basis of principles rather than political pressure.
Referring to what he alleged were preparations for a possible military operation, Afridi said he had refused to sign any document under pressure.
Since taking office in October 2025, Afridi has repeatedly criticized the federal government’s policies on counterterrorism and Afghanistan.
Addressing party supporters, he emphasized the need to protect public rights, democratic values and the people’s mandate. He urged PTI workers to remain united and disciplined in their political struggle, saying public aspirations and ground realities should be considered in decision-making.
Referring to the possibility of governor’s rule or an emergency being imposed in the province, Afridi said the matter had gone beyond political seats and power. He said he was prepared to sacrifice his position for Imran Khan and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The chief minister also highlighted the province’s heavy losses in the fight against terrorism, saying the sacrifices made by its residents should not be forgotten and that their concerns about peace, stability and fundamental rights deserved serious attention.
The PTI launched the march after its October 3 talks with the federal government failed to bridge differences, particularly over counterterrorism measures. The federal government has been considering the possibility of imposing an emergency or governor’s rule in KP amid the ongoing dispute.
Afridi said he would announce the march’s next course of action at the Swabi Interchange on October 13.
He called on PTI workers to remain united and steadfast, urging them to pursue their demands through democratic means and insisting that the public’s voice should be respected.
Hundreds of PTI supporters gathered at Farooq-i-Azam Chowk, many wearing red caps and chanting slogans in support of Imran Khan. Afridi addressed the crowd from a container alongside other party leaders.
Earlier, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan said in a post on X that the convoy would stay overnight in Mardan. He also confirmed that the future course of action would be announced on October 13 and that the marchers intended to move beyond Swabi.
Jan later shared a nighttime video showing Afridi addressing protesters in Mardan.
The chief minister has called on PTI supporters from across Pakistan to reach the Swabi Interchange on October 11 to join the march.
Under a schedule shared by Afridi a day earlier, convoys from the Peshawar and Malakand regions, along with Kohat division, were expected to reach the interchange on October 13. PTI caravans from Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan division and the Hazara region were scheduled to arrive on October 14.
“God willing, we will move beyond Swabi on October 14,” Afridi wrote on X.
The march, which began on October 4, has remained within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so far. Although the PTI initially announced plans to march towards Islamabad, its destination beyond Swabi remains uncertain pending the chief minister’s next announcement.
