Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned that imposing governor’s rule could trigger an “unprecedented” public reaction in the province.
Speaking to senior journalists in Peshawar on Saturday, Afridi said neither governor’s rule nor his possible disqualification was something the federal government could “afford.”
His remarks come amid reports that the federal government is considering legal options regarding the KP government. Governor’s rule has also been discussed as one possible option.
Afridi said he was not concerned about losing his position as chief minister.
“Government means nothing to me. I am a soldier of Imran Khan,” he said.
He added that if he were removed from office, PTI founder Imran Khan would decide his replacement.
Afridi Offers Talks Before October 4 March
Afridi also said PTI has never refused negotiations with the federal government.
He urged the government to use the remaining days before the planned march to begin talks.
“Seven days remain until the long march. If they want to hold talks, they should hold them now,” Afridi said.
He added that PTI was ready for dialogue yesterday and remains ready today.
The comments came after PTI postponed its Islamabad long march from September 27 to October 4. The party has said the march will begin from Peshawar.
Afridi described the postponement as a political strategy.
He said preparations for the march were complete and insisted that the party would proceed with its plan.
“We have to march no matter what,” he said.
PTI Warns Against Any ‘Misadventure’
Afridi also warned the federal government against taking what he called a “misadventure” before October 4.
He said PTI could mobilise even earlier if such a situation developed.
The chief minister stressed that PTI was a political movement and not an armed group.
“We are not an armed group. We are political people,” he said.
PTI has been preparing the march to Islamabad to demand the release of its founder, Imran Khan.
The original September 27 date was changed after a meeting of the party’s political committee. The committee agreed to begin the march from Peshawar on October 4.
The federal government has opposed actions that could block roads or disrupt routine life. Authorities have also taken security measures around Islamabad and routes leading toward the capital.
Afridi Raises Concerns Over Imran Khan Meetings
Afridi said PTI had approached different institutions for months but claimed its concerns had not been addressed.
He also referred to court orders concerning weekly meetings with Imran Khan.
According to Afridi, these orders were not being properly implemented.
He said PTI would continue its political struggle while keeping negotiations open.
His comments indicate that the party’s political pressure and dialogue efforts are expected to continue simultaneously.
Chief Minister Criticises Federal Government
Afridi also criticised the federal government’s handling of political tensions.
He alleged that national affairs were being managed according to the policy of “one man.”
He also criticised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and rejected recent statements portraying him as linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
These were allegations made by Afridi, and he described the remarks against him as part of a pre-planned effort.
The federal government has not accepted these allegations.
Afghanistan Border Also Raises Concerns
Afridi also discussed Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan.
He said the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border had caused an estimated Rs7 billion loss to the province this year.
He claimed the province could have generated around Rs10 billion annually if the border remained open.
Afridi argued that maintaining better relations with Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s interest.
He also questioned the effectiveness of restrictions, saying militant infiltration was still occurring despite border controls.
The chief minister said KP had prepared a provincial action plan and shared it with relevant authorities.
He also called for talks with Afghanistan through a national jirga.
October 4 March Remains Planned
The PTI long march is now scheduled to begin from Peshawar on October 4, 2026.
Afridi has said the decision was unanimously approved by the party’s political committee.
He has also maintained that negotiations remain possible before the march.
The federal government and PTI therefore face a period of heightened political tension, with the possibility of dialogue remaining alongside preparations for the planned protest.
