CM Afridi says will not accept 'illegal move' of governor's rule or emergency in KP

CM Afridi notes will not accept 'illegal move' of governor's rule or emergency in KP.

Key points

• Muhammad Jamal HotiFaiz MuhammadMuqaddam Khan Published October 10, 2026 Updated October 11, 2026 02: 03am.
• Afridi earlier called on PTI supporters throughout Pakistan to reach the Swabi Interchange on Oct 11 to join his long march.
• Afridi has repeatedly voiced his opposition to the federal government's policies on counterterrorism and Afghanistan since he was elected as the KP chief minister in October 2025.
• CHARSADDA/MARDAN/SWABI: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday remarked he will not accept any "illegal move", including the imposition of governor's rule or an emergency.
• Speaking on the occasion, MNA Muhammad Atif Khan contended that Afridi had placed the federal administration in a challenging position through his strategy.

Muhammad Jamal HotiFaiz MuhammadMuqaddam Khan Published October 10, 2026 Updated October 11, 2026 02: 03am. Join our Whatsapp Channel.

Notably, the KP CM created the remarks while addressing his supporters in Mardan, where the PTI long march led by him arrived on its seventh day. The federal administration, citing differences over the counterterrorism policy, is mulling the option of imposing an emergency or governor's rule in KP.

According to Afridi, if governor's rule was imposed or any "wrong decision" was taken, the long march would head to Peshawar instead of Swabi, and then move towards D-Chowk in Islamabad.

He pressed the public to come out for the release of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, adding that Pakhtuns would not be intimidated by threats, guns or bullets.

Notably, the KP CM asserted that arrests and other measures could not demoralise PTI workers. He remarked that his party would continue its struggle to end the injustices being committed against Imran and secure his release.

Notably, the PTI introduced the march despite warnings from the Centre after Oct 3 negotiations with the federal administration failed to bridge their differences for multiple reasons, particularly over counterterrorism measures.

For context, the route plan for the march has undergone multiple changes since its launch on Oct 4. While the party initially vowed to march towards Islamabad, its final destination seemingly remains tentative as the KP CM has yet to announce the plan for the trek after Oct 11, beyond Swabi.

So far, the march – being carried out to demand Imran's release – has remained within KP, where the PTI is in power. Swabi authorities prepare for PTI march.

Meanwhile, containers have been transported to Swabi Interchange and the Indus River bridge on the M-1 Motorway to block the party's march, but the motorway and the Grand Trunk Road remain open to traffic.

Meanwhile, the bridge is particularly significant since it links Punjab and KP. It lie on opposite banks of the river.

Nevertheless, PTI district president Sohail Yousafzai stated the convoy would reach Swabi on Oct 12 (Monday), adding that Afridi had directed party workers, lawmakers and office-bearers from nationwide to reach Swabi by then.

While those from Hazara, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan would arrive the next day, when the CM Afridi would announce the next course of action, echoing a plan confirmed by Afridi earlier, Yousafzai stated that convoys from the Peshawar, Malakand and Kohat regions would reach Swabi Interchange on Oct 13.

Meanwhile, the KP chief executive is projected to address party workers at Shewa Adda in Razaar tehsil at 1pm, at the district headquarters at 3pm and at Topi tehsil at 5pm. It shares a boundary with Ghazi in Haripur district.

In a post on X earlier in the day, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan remarked the convoy will stay overnight in Mardan. He additionally stated the future course of action will be confirmed on Oct 13 and they will move beyond Swabi. Refused pressure, Afridi claims.

Earlier in the day, the KP CM addressed a sizeable gathering at Farooq-I-Azam Chowk in Charsadda, where he reiterated his opposition to any military operations in the province.

Afridi remarked he stood firmly with the residents and would not accept decisions imposed through pressure or threats.

"I was asked to sign, but I refused, " he remarked, adding that he would neither retreat from his position under pressure nor compromise on his principles.

Afridi remarked his position on national security and the Kashmir problem was clear and unequivocal. He observed that notable national matters should be addressed on the basis of principles rather than political pressure.

Referring to what he alleged were preparations for a feasible military operation, the KP CM reiterated that he would not sign any document under pressure. He asserted attempts had been produced to persuade him to agree to certain decisions, but he had declined.

Speaking in Charsadda, the PTI leader stressed the need to protect public rights, democratic values and the people's mandate, saying public aspirations and ground realities should not be ignored in decision-making. He pressed party workers to remain united and maintain discipline in their political struggle.

He referred to the "threats" of the imposition of governor's rule or emergency, adding that the matter "had gone beyond seats and power" and he was ready to "sacrifice" his seat for Imran and Pakhtuns.

Meanwhile, the chief minister highlighted that KP had suffered immense losses in the fight against terrorism, adding that the sacrifices created by its residents should not be forgotten and that their worries regarding peace, stability and fundamental rights deserved serious attention.

Afridi reiterated he would announce the next plan of action on Oct 13 at the Swabi interchange.

He called on PTI workers to remain united in their struggle for their rights, adding that political differences should be resolved through democratic means and that the voice of the individuals should be respected.

Meanwhile, the KP CM pressed party supporters to remain steadfast and vigilant against the backdrop of the prevailing political situation.

In practice, the gathering drew hundreds of PTI supporters to the roundabout, plenty of wearing red caps and chanting slogans in backing of Imran. The chief minister addressed the crowd from a container alongside party leaders. Guidelines issued for police to accord with protests.

While the PTI seemed determined to continue with its long march, KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed issued operational guidelines to the police to accord with protests.

For context, the document issued by the police chief, available with Dawn, observed that in "all cases of public protests there is a possibility that miscreants and anti-state elements may use an opportunity to violence and carry out sabotage activities".

To prevent such acts, the guidelines were issued in continuation of Operational Guidelines-9/2013 and in light of Sections 83 to 88 of the KP Police Act 2017, for "strict compliance".

Notably, the KP IG directed personnel to exercise "maximum restraint" and avoid the employ of force for peaceful protests. "The protesters shall be engaged in negotiations through the senior-most police officer available."

Nevertheless, it provided guidelines for a phased apply of force to disperse violent protesters. "When it is required to use force as per law, its application shall be of minimum essential standard, " it stated.

For context, the guidelines allowed the employ of force to be graduated from the minimum to the "optimum level required" in the after manner.

In the first phase, the violent protesters may clearly be cautioned against violence before starting apply of force. If the need arises after warning them, tear gas shells/grenades shall be applied at a safe distance to disperse them.

Rubber bullet guns and paper ball guns can be applied against violent protesters from a safe distance to disperse them.

In the second phase, if the situation requires, violent protesters may be "stopped with baton charge by using the anti-riot gear". The special unarmed squad will be activated to apprehend violent protesters and take appropriate legal action.

Taken together, the developments around CM Afridi says will not accept ' illegal move' of governor' s rule or point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.