MARDAN:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday signaled readiness for a political show of strength in the federal capital, saying he had conveyed to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan that the party and its supporters were ready to move to Islamabad at short notice.
Addressing a charged public gathering organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Mardan, he said: “I told him I am ready, the nation is ready, Pakistanis are ready… If you give us the green light, we will be in Islamabad the next day”.
He added that Imran Khan had asked him to consult Tehreek Tahaffuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan leaders Raja Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai and that he would remain aware of this guidance.
The chief minister accused the federal government of trying to force Imran Khan into submission through what he called “baseless and fabricated cases” against him and his wife, Bushra Bibi.
He alleged “cruelty and injustice” against Imran Khan, his sisters and Bushra Bibi, and criticized restrictions on their access to medical treatment of their choice, calling it “sheer injustice” and “unconstitutional”.
He demanded their immediate release.
Announcing a Rs 50 billion development package for Mardan, Afridi said the provincial government remained committed to balanced and inclusive development in line with Imran Khan’s political vision.
He pointed to the large turnout at the rally as evidence of continued public support, noting that the day’s rally, held on party instructions, demonstrated mobilization capacity and countered claims of waning support.
Outlining the party’s roadmap, he said a visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir was planned on 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 led by Imran Khan.
He reiterated the 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 environment.
Afridi said protest activities would continue until appropriate medical access is ensured for Imran Khan and his spouse, including access to personal doctors and family members in accordance with due process and humanitarian considerations.
He also expressed concerns about governance and referred to public perception of access to justice and stressed the need to maintain transparency, legal guarantees and fundamental rights.
On law and order, he attributed the situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to the “failed policies” of the federal government, adding that peace in the province had previously been restored under Imran Khan’s “effective and good policies” and that he would continue to follow them.
Reiterating support for dialogue-based approaches, he said ongoing regional engagement is consistent with positions long championed by Imran Khan.
On the economic front, the chief minister said GDP growth had fallen from about six percent during Imran Khan’s tenure to about 2 to 2.5 percent, while public debt had risen from Rs50 billion to about 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 liter to over Rs360, adding to inflationary pressures.
He said the burden had disproportionately affected farmers, workers and low-income households, leading to declining purchasing power and increased vulnerability, adding that “most of the population is ready to commit suicide due to poverty”.
He further said that after “power was wrested” from Imran Khan, prices had risen and economic conditions had worsened.
Referring to political developments, he said that after “a regime change fueled by a foreign conspiracy”, subsequent developments had increased uncertainty and reflected concentration of influence among elite segments.
However, Afridi welcomed the hosting of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad and said 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 accordance with Imran Khan’s directions.
The chief minister congratulated party organisers, parliamentarians and the public for the large turnout, while senior leaders including Advocate Gohar, Junaid Akbar, Haleem Adil Sheikh and Asad Qaiser also addressed the gathering.
Meanwhile, a resolution presented by PTI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa General Secretary and MNA Ali Asghar Khan was unanimously passed in the meeting, highlighting widespread economic hardship across the country.
The resolution said rising inflation, increased electricity prices, higher fuel prices and persistent load-shedding had placed a severe strain on households, contributing to unemployment, agricultural distress and vulnerability among labor and lower-middle income groups.
It also raised concerns about governance and representation, stating that administrations lacking electoral legitimacy are less responsive to public needs, and emphasized the importance of protecting the sanctity of the vote.
The resolution pointed to increased reliance on borrowing and associated fiscal pressures, as well as perceived imbalances in the distribution of the financial burden.
The call for immediate and comprehensive medical treatment for Imran Khan and his spouse, including access to family members and personal doctors, also demanded the release of all political prisoners.
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 the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to the province, including net hydel profit arrears, fair NFC allocation and obligations associated with the previous FATA merger.
It also called for an end to coercive practices, restoration of the public mandate, targeted relief to farmers, support in the upcoming budget and rationalization or removal of oil taxes, reaffirming the party’s commitment to due process, access to justice and political rights.
‘Milestone for democracy and the rule of law’
Meanwhile, in a related development, Special Assistant to KP CM on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said the large and successful PTI public rally in Mardan served as a clear proof of the people’s confidence in the jailed party supremo and his strong popular support.
He said the gathering would serve as a milestone in strengthening democracy, upholding the constitution and the rule of law, and condemned the injustices of the federal government, political victimization, alleged mandate theft and the demand for Imran Khan’s release.
He further noted that CM Afridi has announced a development package worth Rs 50 billion. to Mardan, aimed at improving facilities in health, education and other key sectors.
Shafi Jan added that under 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 wrongfully imprisoned in fabricated cases. However, prison hardships and political pressure from the federal government, which he said lacks a public mandate, have not weakened his resolve, determination or public support.
He further said that PTI’s public mandate was “stolen” both at the federal level and in Punjab, resulting in severe economic and political instability in the country. According to him, governments formed under “Form 47” were not aimed at public service but at acquiring power through illegitimate means.
