PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday warned that PTI’s long march would not be allowed to proceed beyond Attock, saying the party lacked the capacity to advance further towards Islamabad. Kundi challenged PTI to demonstrate the strength it claims to have mobilised for the march.
“They cannot go any further than Attock,” he said, adding that the party did not have “enough capacity” to proceed.
The PTI is continuing its protest march despite warnings from the federal government against gatherings in Islamabad. The party says the march is aimed at securing the release of its jailed founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
The protest was launched after talks between the opposition and the federal government ended in a deadlock, with differences particularly emerging over counterterrorism policy.
Kundi Raises Security Concerns
Kundi questioned the PTI leadership’s security arrangements for the march, warning about the possibility of militants or other individuals exploiting the mobilisation.
He said KP was already facing serious terrorism challenges and criticised the provincial government for focusing on a march towards Islamabad rather than the security situation.
Referring to his recent meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Peshawar, Kundi said discussions covered the security situation, dialogue with PTI and the government’s approach towards the long march.
The governor also criticised the PTI-led provincial government’s position on militancy and accused it of failing to adequately respond to terrorist incidents.
Governor’s Rule ‘Last Resort’
Asked about the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kundi described it as a last resort.
“If the president and prime minister hand the task to the province […] and deem governor’s rule necessary, the province will ensure its implementation,” he said.
Kundi compared such a step to surgery, saying it would only be considered after other options had been exhausted.
“We want to continue, but if you are pushed to the limit and there is no option left, then it is considered,” he said.
PTI Convoy Heads Towards Khairabad
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who is leading the march, has said the protest movement requires endurance and sustained mobilisation.
Addressing supporters after reaching Kohat’s Lachi tehsil on Monday night, Afridi said the party faced a prolonged struggle and should conserve its energy.
“Our struggle is a long one,” he said, adding that from October 8 onwards, a “T20 match” would begin.
According to the announced schedule, the convoy is set to move towards Peshawar before proceeding towards Charsadda Interchange and then Khairabad on October 8.
Afridi has not disclosed the final plan for moving towards Islamabad, saying the next phase will be announced after the convoy reaches Khairabad.
The march began from Lakki Marwat on Sunday after previously being postponed. Restrictions under Section 144 have also been imposed in several areas of KP during the mobilisation.
The protest follows unsuccessful negotiations between the government and opposition. While the government blamed Afridi for the failure of the talks, PTI disputed the claim and cited access to Imran Khan, his medical treatment and disagreements over counterterrorism policy among the major sticking points.
