Sohail Afridi Announces Next Phase of PTI Long March as Speculation Grows Over Governor’s Rule in KP

ISLAMABAD:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced the next phase of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march, inviting caravans from across the country to gather at Swabi Interchange on October 11.

Addressing participants of the protest movement, Afridi rejected allegations linking PTI with the Taliban or terrorist groups. He referred to the Pakistan Peoples Party government in 1994, when Naseerullah Babar was serving as interior minister, arguing that discussions about the Taliban predated PTI’s formation.

Afridi said the next phase of the long march would involve supporters in Pakistan and overseas. He urged overseas Pakistanis to organise events abroad and record videos in support of the campaign, while also calling on people in Pakistan to make videos.

“Do not be afraid,” he told supporters, inviting people from across the country to reach Swabi Interchange on October 11.

### Regional Caravans to Join March on October 13

Announcing the mobilisation schedule, Afridi said caravans from Peshawar, Malakand, Karak and Kohat divisions would arrive directly at Swabi Interchange on October 13.

He said the plan for the Hazara region would also be announced on October 13, while caravans from Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu divisions would travel via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route to join the march.

The chief minister added that he would announce the movement’s next course of action at Swabi Interchange on October 13.

### Journalist Says Major Political Decision May Be Imminent

Meanwhile, journalist Muneeb Farooq, speaking on Geo News, said discussions had reportedly been underway for the past 10 days regarding a possible major step in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He suggested that the potential move could have significant political and administrative consequences, including implications for the country’s democratic structure.

Farooq said it remained to be seen whether governor’s rule or an emergency would be limited to border-area districts or extended to other parts of the province.

He also expressed concern about the provincial government’s authority, saying the political atmosphere had intensified and reports of meetings had fuelled speculation about an impending decision.

The journalist argued that the possibility of governor’s rule or an emergency was not directly linked to the long march. He further claimed that continuing with Sohail Afridi as chief minister had become increasingly difficult and questioned whether he would be able to retain his position.

No official decision on the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency was confirmed in the report. The situation remains politically sensitive as PTI prepares for the next phase of its protest campaign.