Sept 27 will be ‘decisive’ day for PTI: CM Afridi

SINDH
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has claimed that the response to PTI’s street-movement rallies in interior Sindh showed that people in the region were firmly behind Imran Khan, and described Sept 27 as a “decisive” day in the party’s political struggle.
Mr Afridi made the remarks while leading street-movement rallies in Shikarpur, Shahdadkot, Larkana and Naushehro Feroze on Wednesday in connection with the planned long march on Sept 27.
Addressing the rallies, the chief minister said the turnout and reception demonstrated that the people of interior Sindh had made their political preferences clear.
He rejected what he called a long-standing perception that only one political party dominated the region.
He said the enthusiasm witnessed during the rallies would provide momentum for the Sept 27 mobilisation, when, according to him, people across Sindh and other parts of the country would take to the streets for their political and constitutional rights.
Mr Afridi alleged that Imran Khan was being kept in detention unjustly and that his wife had also been jailed, while his sisters, PTI workers, women, elderly people and children had faced what he described as state repression.
He said attempts to intimidate PTI supporters and pressure Mr Khan had failed, claiming that the former prime minister remained firm on his political position and was looking towards the people rather than political or powerful groups.
The chief minister also criticised the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, alleging that they had weakened state institutions, particularly the judiciary.
He claimed that court orders relating to meetings with Mr Khan and his medical treatment had not been implemented.
He said disregard for judicial orders raised questions about the rule of law and argued that people had a constitutional and political right to voice their concerns when legal protections were not enforced.
Mr Afridi also criticised what he termed “dynastic politics”, accusing political families, landlords and influential groups of monopolising power and national resources.
He said his own rise to the office of chief minister demonstrated that people from ordinary and middle-class backgrounds could also reach positions of political authority.
He urged young people and ordinary citizens to participate in politics and said power should not remain the preserve of a few families.
The chief minister said PTI supporters would not be deterred by what he described as threats and intimidation.
He urged party workers in interior Sindh to maintain the momentum generated by the rallies until Sept 27.
Mr Afridi said the planned mobilisation would be an opportunity for people to raise their voice for their political rights, resources and future, adding that the country belonged to its citizens and they should have a role in determining its future.