Afridi says PTI Oct. 4 march will go ahead despite governor's rule talk

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said Tuesday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march on Islamabad will go ahead Oct. 4, despite speculation that governor's rule or an emergency could be imposed in the province. He spoke at a press conference in Peshawar, accusing the federal government of diverting attention from corruption and economic problems.

Will the PTI march on Islamabad go ahead on Oct. 4?

Yes, according to Afridi. PTI supporters will first gather in Swabi on Oct. 4 before proceeding further, and the party would march toward Islamabad under any circumstances. The party had earlier postponed its Sept. 27 long march on the capital. Afridi said the federal government had launched a campaign to draw attention away from the march.

How will PTI organize the march?

Party workers have been given instructions, Afridi said, and a chain of command will be established. Designated leaders will be responsible for groups of workers, with others ready to take charge if a leader is missing.

"We will remain peaceful," Afridi said, adding that he had told PTI workers and office-bearers to maintain discipline. "If anyone tries to create disorder, they will not be one of us."

What did Afridi say about governor's rule or an emergency?

Asked about the speculation, Afridi warned that any attempt to create a confrontation could further escalate tensions. Those responsible, he said, would have to face the consequences.

He denied having any back-channel contacts, saying such contacts might be taking place with the party leadership. He added, however, that he was prepared for resistance.

Afridi also addressed a letter from former provincial minister Shaukat Yousafzai calling for the march to be postponed. He said he had not received it. "Had it arrived, I would have torn it up and thrown it in the dustbin," he said.

What did Afridi say about Pakistan's economy?

Afridi criticized the government's handling of the economy, claiming that GDP growth had fallen to one of the lowest levels in the country's history. He compared Pakistan with Afghanistan, saying Afghanistan had recorded 4.3% growth despite four decades of conflict.

He also claimed that Pakistan's income had declined following what he called the "regime change operation," while around 120 million people were living below the poverty line.