MARDAN:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday signaled his willingness to stage a political show of force in the federal capital, saying he had conveyed to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan that the party and its supporters were prepared to move to Islamabad at short notice.
Addressing an intense public meeting organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Mardan, he said: “I conveyed that I am ready, the nation is ready, Pakistanis are ready… If you give us the nod, 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 prime 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 healthcare of their choice, calling it “sheer injustice” and “contrary to the Constitution.”
He demanded his 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 sustained public support, and noted that the daytime meeting, held under party instructions, demonstrated mobilization capacity and countered claims of waning support.
Outlining the party’s roadmap, he said visits to Azad Jammu and Kashmir were planned on April 25 to coincide with the party’s founding day, followed by a visit to Lahore on May 1 as part of an ongoing street movement led by Imran Khan.
He reiterated alignment with the party leadership and political leadership 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 adequate medical access is ensured for Imran Khan and his wife, including access to personal and family doctors in accordance with due process and humanitarian considerations.
He also raised concerns regarding governance, referring to public perceptions about access to justice and highlighting the need to uphold transparency, legal safeguards and fundamental rights.
On law and order, he attributed the situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to the “failed policy” of the federal government, adding that peace in the province had already been restored under Imran Khan’s “good and effective policy” and he would continue to pursue it.
He reiterated his support for dialogue-based approaches and said the current regional engagement aligns with positions long advocated by Imran Khan.
On the economic front, the prime minister said GDP growth had declined from around six per cent during Imran Khan’s tenure to around 2 to 2.5 per cent, while public debt had risen from Rs 50 billion to about Rs 81 billion, including an addition of Rs 31 billion in the last three years.
It also cited a rise in fuel prices from around Rs 150 per liter to over Rs 360, which contributed to inflationary pressures.
He said the burden had disproportionately affected farmers, workers and low-income households, leading to decreased purchasing power and increased vulnerability, adding that “most people are willing to commit suicide because of poverty.”
He further said that after Imran Khan was “taken away from power”, prices increased and economic conditions worsened.
Referring to political developments, he said that after “a regime change driven by a foreign conspiracy”, subsequent developments had increased uncertainty and reflected the concentration of influence among elite segments.
However, Afridi welcomed the holding of 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 line with Imran Khan’s instructions.
The prime minister congratulated party organisers, MPs and the public for the huge 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 general secretary and MNA Ali Asghar Khan, highlighting the widespread economic hardships across the country, was unanimously adopted at the rally.
The resolution said rising inflation, rising electricity rates, higher fuel prices and persistent load shedding had put serious pressure on households, contributing to unemployment, agricultural hardship and vulnerability among workers and lower-middle-income groups.
He also raised concerns about governance and representation, stating that administrations that lack electoral legitimacy are less responsive to public needs, and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the sanctity of the vote.
The resolution noted a growing dependence on debt and associated fiscal pressures, as well as perceived imbalances in the distribution of the economic burden.
The resolution, which calls for immediate and comprehensive medical care for Imran Khan and his wife, including access to family and personal doctors, also calls for the release of all political detainees.
He urged citizens to exercise democratic rights and raise their voices to demand accountability, while noting that meaningful participation in regional peace efforts requires internal 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 arrears in net profits of Hydel, fair allocation of NFC and commitments linked to the erstwhile FATA merger.
He also called for an end to coercive practices, restoration of the public mandate, targeted aid for farmers, support in the next budget, and rationalization or elimination of oil taxes, reaffirming the party’s commitment to due process, access to justice, and political rights.
“A 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 that the huge and successful public meeting of PTI in Mardan served as clear proof of people’s trust in the jailed party supremo and his strong popular support.
He said the meeting would serve as a milestone in strengthening democracy, upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, and denounced the injustices of the federal government, political victimization, alleged theft of mandates and demanding the release of Imran Khan.
He further noted that CM Afridi has announced a development package worth Rs 50 billion for Mardan, aimed at improving facilities in health, education and other key sectors.
Shafi Jan added that under the leadership of CM Sohail Afridi, successful street movements and large public gatherings across the country prove 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 claimed that Imran Khan has been wrongfully imprisoned in fabricated cases. However, prison difficulties and political pressures from the federal government, which he says lacks a public mandate, have failed to weaken his resolve, determination or public support.
He further said that the PTI’s public mandate was “stolen” both at the federal level and in Punjab, leading to serious economic and political instability in the country. According to him, the governments formed under “Form 47” were not aimed at public service but at acquiring power through illegitimate means.
