KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi Says He Could Be Disqualified or Arrested by Sept. 27

PESHAWAR, Aug. 10: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said he could be disqualified or arrested by Sept. 27, but vowed to continue his political struggle if such action was taken against him.

In an interview with ARY News, Afridi said that if he was disqualified or arrested, he had already recorded a video message and would continue his political campaign.

Afridi said people would take to the streets on Sept. 27 and could not be stopped. He said Islamabad was the intended destination for the march, while Rawalpindi and Adiala jail could also be among the possible locations.

The chief minister said the Sept. 27 protest had been announced because Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders were not being allowed to meet former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Afridi described PTI as a political force rather than an armed group and said the party would pursue its campaign through political means.

He said Imran Khan had given him authority to prepare for a street movement, while the decision to call for a march on Islamabad was the responsibility of the party's political committee.

"I cannot do anything alone," Afridi said, adding that the decision to hold the protest had been taken after consultation.

On Imran Khan's legal cases, Afridi said the former prime minister's release would come through the courts. He said Khan could be released quickly if his cases were heard on merit.

Afridi also said Imran Khan had never instructed the provincial government to delay presenting its budget.

The chief minister said he was following Khan's political narrative and that this was why he enjoyed public support.