PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced that the October 4 long march will take place at all costs, claiming that an even larger number of people will participate compared to the September 27 protest.

In his statement, Sohail Afridi said the scale of public participation on October 4 would be beyond anyone's expectations. He claimed that only he and the establishment knew how many people would take to the streets.

Afridi said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were deeply angry over the prevailing political situation, adding that PTI workers were more alert and prepared this time.


Sohail Afridi Criticizes Federal Government

Criticizing the federal government, Sohail Afridi said it had failed to demonstrate satisfactory performance.

He claimed that those responsible for bringing the current government to power had realized they had made a major mistake by imposing an incompetent administration on the nation.

He reiterated that his party would not retreat from its objectives under any circumstances.


March to Begin From Swabi, Move Towards Islamabad

Outlining the march route, Sohail Afridi said the participants would first proceed to Swabi before moving forward towards Islamabad.

"God willing, we will definitely go to Islamabad," he said.

He also confirmed that former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur remained determined and that both leaders would jointly lead the march.


Accuses PML-N of Creating Political Unrest

Sohail Afridi accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of attempting to create political instability in the country.

He said his party believed in bringing people together rather than creating divisions.

Afridi also suggested that backchannel contacts with the leadership might be taking place, while maintaining that PTI would not abandon its stated objectives.


Sohail Afridi Raises Questions Over Pakistan's Debt

Commenting on the country's economic situation, Sohail Afridi claimed that Pakistan's domestic and external debt, which he cited at Rs43 trillion, had increased to Rs99.5 trillion over the past five years.

His remarks came amid criticism of the federal government's economic performance.


Response to Shaukat Yousafzai's Letter

Responding to a question about a letter reportedly written by Shaukat Yousafzai, Sohail Afridi said he had not seen the letter.

He added that if it were handed to him, he would tear it up.


October 4 March Announcement

Reaffirming his position, Sohail Afridi said the October 4 long march would proceed as planned and predicted that participation would exceed the September 27 gathering.

He maintained that PTI workers were prepared and would continue their political struggle without stepping back from their objectives.