Members of Pakistan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have been holding marches for several days, demanding the release of Imran Khan from prison and an end to military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Dawn reported on Saturday night, October 10, that the protesters had warned against the Pakistani federal government’s interference in the affairs of the province.
According to the report, Sohail Afridi, chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said on Saturday that he would not accept any “illegal action,” including the imposition of governor’s rule or a state of emergency.
Afridi made the remarks while addressing PTI supporters on the seventh day of a long march.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s federal government is considering imposing governor’s rule or a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid disagreements over counterterrorism policies.
Afridi has urged his supporters to take to the streets to demand the release of Imran Khan, the imprisoned founder of PTI. He added that Pashtuns would not be intimidated by threats, weapons or bullets.
Since being elected chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in October 2025, Afridi has repeatedly voiced opposition to the federal government’s policies on counterterrorism and Afghanistan-related issues.
The march has drawn hundreds of PTI supporters into the streets, many of whom are chanting slogans in support of Imran Khan.
