Peshawar (Bureau Report)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi made a major announcement during a PTI rally in Peshawar, stating that he would soon call on party workers to march to D-Chowk. Supporters at the rally amplified the demand with chants, to which Afridi responded that the time is near.
Afridi expressed gratitude for the respect he has received from workers due to former PTI chairman Imran Khan. He emphasized that PTI does not seek confrontation and has always adhered to the Constitution and law.
Highlighting development initiatives for Peshawar, Afridi unveiled a Rs100 billion package, including a 5,000-bed medical complex, the extension of Ring Road, and underpasses on GT Road. He stated that the funds, totaling Rs5,300 billion, come from taxpayers’ money, not from private sources, and vowed that the so-called “elite mafia” responsible for misappropriating funds would not go unpunished.
Afridi rejected claims that governance in KP is weak, saying the province is functioning effectively, unlike areas criticized by the IMF. He assured that provincial policies would always reflect the public’s wishes and that KP would support decisions in the national interest.
During the rally, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser called for reopening the Afghan border, criticizing the federal government for undermining democracy. PTI leaders, including Atif Khan and provincial president Junaid Akbar, highlighted alleged injustices against the party, including denial of electoral symbols and political imprisonments, asserting that PTI remains a stronghold of Imran Khan in KP.
The rally also heard from Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz Pakistan, who praised the sacrifices of PTI workers and Imran Khan, calling him an enduring popular leader whose influence cannot be erased by any orders.