Mardan: Sohail Afridi Rejects Possible Emergency in KP, Vows to Continue PTI Long March

MARDAN, October 10, 2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has strongly opposed the possible imposition of an emergency or governor’s rule in the province, reaffirming his commitment to continue the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march and resist what he described as any illegal move against the provincial government.
His remarks came amid reports that the federal government had completed deliberations on the possibility of imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, no final decision or official notification confirming the imposition of an emergency had been reported as of October 10.
Afridi Rejects Possible Federal Intervention
Addressing participants of the PTI long march in Mardan, Afridi said that arrests, pressure and other measures would not weaken the determination of party workers.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to its political campaign and its demand for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The federal government has expressed concerns about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the province’s counterterrorism efforts. The PTI, meanwhile, maintains that decisions affecting the province should be made through consultation and in accordance with constitutional procedures.
What Is the Next Destination of the Long March?
The PTI long march began on October 4, 2026, following unsuccessful talks between the party and the federal government. The protest aims to press for Imran Khan’s release and address other demands raised by the party.
Led by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the march has passed through several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar and Charsadda, before moving towards Mardan.
Afridi has invited PTI supporters from across Pakistan to gather at Swabi Interchange on October 11, where the party is expected to announce the next phase of its protest.
He has also indicated that the march could proceed beyond Swabi, although its final destination and subsequent route remain subject to an announcement by the party leadership.
Will the March Turn Towards Peshawar if an Emergency Is Imposed?
Available reports indicate that Afridi rejected the possibility of an emergency or governor’s rule and vowed to continue the march. However, there is no independently verified confirmation that he formally announced a plan to redirect the long march towards Peshawar if an emergency is imposed.
The march was initially presented as a protest heading towards Islamabad, but its route and schedule have been revised several times. The announcement expected at Swabi Interchange is likely to provide greater clarity about the party’s next steps.
Political Tensions Between the Federal and Provincial Governments
The possibility of federal intervention has further intensified political tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration.
While federal officials have emphasised the need for stronger counterterrorism measures, the PTI has defended provincial autonomy and called for constitutional procedures and consultation.
The dispute comes as the PTI continues its campaign for Imran Khan’s release and seeks to mobilise supporters for the next stage of the long march.
Editorial Note: No final decision to impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been confirmed in the available reports. The claim that the march would turn towards Peshawar in such a situation has also not been independently verified.