Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has confirmed that the political leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance are fully on board with the planned September 27 long march toward Islamabad according to Geo News. Speaking on television, Afridi stated that the date was decided jointly by the central and provincial leadership alongside allied groups.
Preparations Underway for September 27 Long March
Preparations for the mobilization are expanding. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan stated that the federal government is deeply concerned about the upcoming event, asserting that the march toward Islamabad will proceed under all circumstances according to The Nation. Jan also noted that PTI workers and supporters nationwide are organizing to participate, with public outreach efforts underway in Sindh and other provinces.
Sindh Public Mobilization and Route Plans
Chief Minister Afridi and party leaders are scheduled to kick off a street movement in Sindh starting from Komu Shahid in Ghotki district according to Mashriq TV. From Komu Shahid, the leadership plans to travel to Kandhkot in Kashmore district to address a public gathering, followed by further campaign stops in Jacobabad.
Provincial officials described the street movement in Sindh as a decisive phase for the party’s public struggle. According to Shafi Jan, receptions for the chief minister and other PTI leaders in Ghotki and surrounding areas demonstrate strong local backing for the party and for former prime minister Imran Khan reported The Nation. KP officials have projected that two million people will depart from Peshawar to join the march toward the capital.
Opposition Alliance and Supreme Court Compliance Demands
A joint meeting of the opposition’s parliamentary party was held under the chairmanship of Mahmood Khan Achakzai, with participants including Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, Raja Nasir Abbas, Shahid Khattak, Salman Akram Raja, and Chief Minister Sohail Afridi according to Dunya News. The meeting focused on the country’s political situation, Imran Khan’s health, and the enforcement of Supreme Court directives.
The joint declaration expressed deep concern over the health of the 73-year-old PTI founder, who has remained imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions that his party maintains are politically motivated. Opposition leaders criticized authorities over the implementation of judicial orders regarding medical treatment and family visits, announcing plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding contempt of court issues. The meeting also reaffirmed commitment to the September 27 protest and issued invitations for all opposition parties to participate in the long march while endorsing the establishment of a grand opposition alliance.
Addressing Internal Concerns and Allegations
Chief Minister Afridi used media appearances to address internal friction and public speculation regarding the scheduling of the protest. He responded to concerns raised by Aleema Khan, the sister of Imran Khan, who had questioned why the march was set for late September rather than earlier. Describing her as non-political, Afridi expressed confidence that he could satisfy her by explaining the background facts and figures.
Afridi also rejected allegations from overseas-based PTI members claiming he agreed to the September 27 date following a secret deal. He termed specific claims that he met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and another official on August 4 completely baseless, noting that he was attending provincial telemedicine and development meetings at the KP House in Islamabad during that time frame.
