The "long march" organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which started from Peshawar, reached the city of Charsadda last night. The protest convoy is scheduled to proceed towards the Swabi district tomorrow, October 11. Sohail Afridi, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and leader of the march, has called on his supporters from various parts of Pakistan to converge in Swabi by October 14.
Addressing supporters in Charsadda, Mr. Afridi announced that he would unveil the future plan and next steps of the protest movement at the large gathering in Swabi. The primary objective of the march has been stated as increasing pressure on the federal government to secure the release of PTI's founder and leader, Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned.
The march continues amidst rising tensions between the PTI-controlled provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal government in Islamabad. In a related development, Faisal Karim Kundi, the federally-appointed Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has challenged the leaders of the PTI.
In separate remarks, Mr. Kundi has taunted the march leaders, daring them to cross through Swabi. These statements highlight the deep political divisions and suggest the potential for further tensions between the two sides in the coming days. Analysts believe the Swabi gathering could be a turning point in this political confrontation.
PTI supporters, carrying party flags and pictures of Imran Khan, are chanting slogans in support of their leader and against the federal government. The convoy has been met with supporters in towns along its route, but security officials are also on high alert to prevent any disorder.
Source: د_پښتونخوا_والي_فیصل_کریم_کنډي_په_د.txt
🌐
