KP chief minister urges talks with federal government, warns of fallout if tensions rise
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi said his party will seek a dialogue with the centre and has delayed the planned Islamabad march to Oct 4, but cautioned that any misstep could have serious consequences.
During an informal briefing at KP House, chief minister Sohail Afridi said the PTI will postpone its march to Oct 4 in order to pursue a peaceful resolution with the federal authorities. He listed core demands: allowing Imran Khan to receive private-hospital care in Islamabad, granting him visits from lawyers, family members and court-appointed party representatives, and seeking a dialogue rather than confrontation. Afridi warned that any “misadventure” could lead to irreversible escalation, and noted the centre has 52 days to respond.
He dismissed claims that his party is an armed group and stressed his own record on revenue and anti-terrorism funding. Meanwhile, the federal government has kept security measures, including Section 144 bans and Ranger deployments, while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused Afridi of cowardice and linked PTI to terrorist groups.
Why it matters
The postponement and demand for talks could affect Pakistan's political stability and security ahead of upcoming elections.
How this story developed
- Sep 18 Taliban spokesman warns Pakistan of forceful response to any Afghan sovereignty breach
- Sep 25 Pakistan carried out a second wave of air strikes within four days, targeting ten sites in Afghanistan.
In this story
Related stories
17 in this thread