Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly dismissed what he called a smear campaign targeting the upcoming public rally in Mardan. He said the people themselves will defeat such tactics. He made it clear that the rally scheduled for April 19 will take place as planned.
He spoke during a high-level meeting in Peshawar. The meeting was attended by leaders and lawmakers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf from different regions. Participants discussed political strategy, governance, and the overall situation in the province.
Afridi said some elements are trying to create unrest. He accused opponents of spreading negative propaganda to sabotage the rally. He added that such efforts will fail because the public stands with the party.
He also spoke about former prime minister Imran Khan. He said Khan’s health is a serious issue. He called it a matter of life, not politics. He expressed concern over restricted access to Khan’s family and doctors. He said this situation is alarming.
Afridi said the party will continue its struggle for Khan’s release. He stressed that all efforts will remain constitutional and democratic. He added that Khan’s return has become inevitable in the national interest.
Talking about the rally again, Afridi said the propaganda campaign started right after the announcement. He said the public will reject these tactics on April 19. He warned that any attempt to disrupt the gathering will be resisted strongly.
He also announced further consultations. A lawyers’ jirga will be held soon. More jirgas involving different segments of society are also planned. He said these discussions will help form a joint strategy for the future.
