CM KP alleges PML-N led govt derailed economy, announces April 9 rally

ISLAMABAD
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Monday alleged that the incumbent government in the center led by PML-N had pushed the country towards economic decline and announced a protest rally on April 9 to highlight what he termed as the “ground realities” before the public.
Addressing a press conference at Pakhtunkhwa House Islamabad, the chief minister said April 9 would be observed to “tell the world” where Pakistan stood in 2022 and where it stands today.
He alleged that the government in April 2022 was removed through a “foreign conspiracy” and claimed that the subsequent leadership lacked both policy direction and vision.
Mr Afridi said key economic indicators had deteriorated since then, claiming that GDP growth had declined from over six per cent to around 2.7pc, while the trade deficit had widened significantly. He further alleged that inflation had surged, petroleum prices had risen sharply, and a large segment of the population had fallen below the poverty line.
He warned that pressure on foreign exchange reserves could worsen if external liabilities were recalled, adding that the economic situation could become more serious.
Referring to former prime minister Imran Khan, he alleged that efforts were being made to “pressure” him, which, he said, was hindering the country’s development process.
The chief minister called on the youth to raise their voice for constitutional supremacy, judicial independence and freedom of the press, stressing that his party’s struggle would remain peaceful.
He said a rally would be held on April 9, with the main convoy departing from Peshawar at 11am, and expressed hope that the administration would grant permission. “It is our constitutional and legal right,” he said, adding that in case of refusal, a protest would be staged at the point where it was stopped.
Mr Afridi said the protest would be limited to one day, though a future course of action could be considered if the situation escalated.
On security, he said the provincial government was serious about eliminating terrorism and had presented a clear strategy at an apex committee meeting, which, he claimed, was not implemented.
He also called for a “level playing field” for political activities across the country, saying his party would not obstruct political opponents from holding rallies in KP but expected similar treatment in other provinces.
Commenting on the merger of tribal districts, Mr Afridi warned that any attempt to reverse or alter the process could have “dangerous consequences,” adding that the move had created new hope among local populations.
He reiterated that his party sought justice through legal and constitutional means and would continue its political struggle in a peaceful manner.