CM Afridi condemns attack on polio team security

PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday strongly condemned the firing incident targeting police personnel deployed for the security of a polio team in Hangu district and sought a report from the inspector general of police.
In a statement, the chief minister termed the targeting of personnel assigned to a national duty a “cowardly act,” asserting that terrorists would never succeed in their nefarious designs.
He said that the provincial government and the people were united in the fight against terrorism and such incidents could not demoralise the nation.
Expressing grief over the martyrdom of a policeman in the attack, Mr Afridi said he shared the sorrow of the bereaved family and assured that the provincial government would extend all possible support to them.
He also prayed for the elevation of the martyred officer’s ranks, patience for the bereaved family and the speedy recovery of the injured.
The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical facilities to the injured personnel and ordered that all necessary measures be taken on an emergency basis.

KP-CM announces ‘historic’ PTI rally in Mardan on April 19
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday announced that a major public gathering of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will be held in Mardan on April 19, describing it as a “historic and defining” event aimed at demonstrating the party’s enduring popularity and public support.
In a video message, the chief minister said the rally, scheduled at Mardan Railway Ground at 3pm, would convey to both national and international audiences that PTI remains the country’s largest political force despite what he termed sustained political victimisation, imprisonment of its leadership and institutional pressure.
He stated that the gathering was being organised on the direction of former prime minister Imran Khan and would serve as a demonstration of his continued political relevance, public appeal and connection with the masses.
Mr Afridi alleged that Mr Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi had been “unjustly imprisoned,” while PTI leaders had faced coercion and politically motivated actions over the past years. Despite these challenges, he claimed, the party’s narrative and public support had not weakened.
He further said the April 19 rally would show that Mr Khan retained the ability to mobilise large-scale political activity across the country, even while incarcerated, and continued to command widespread public confidence.
The chief minister also criticised what he described as efforts by political opponents and certain digital platforms to undermine the event through negative propaganda, adding that party workers would not be deterred.
He emphasised that directives issued by Mr Khan reflected a clear political strategy and urged supporters to ensure the success of the gathering.
Mr Afridi said PTI intended to make the Mardan rally one of the largest public assemblies in the country’s political history and called on citizens to participate in large numbers to demonstrate their political resolve.