KP Chief Minister Proposes Talks with Federal Government After PTI March Postponement

On Saturday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi extended an offer for dialogue to the federal government, stating that mutual understanding could resolve ongoing issues. This follows the decision to postpone the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) long march towards Islamabad from September 27 to October 4.

Speaking with senior journalists in Peshawar, Afridi questioned the need to wait for the march to begin before initiating talks. "If the federal government wants to resolve the issue within seven days, it should do so through mutual understanding," he said. Afridi suggested that negotiations should happen before any protest, expressing the provincial government's willingness to engage.

The Chief Minister explained that the delay in the march was a deliberate strategy, allowing time for possible resolution. He also indicated openness to collaboration with other political groups, saying his government would welcome JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman if he decided to join the protest. Afridi remarked that he would not mind losing his chief ministership in support of PTI's founder, Imran Khan, adding that any replacement would be decided by Khan himself.

Later in the day, Shaukat Yousafzai, Information Secretary for PTI's KP chapter, reiterated the party's stance, labeling the march's postponement as a calculated political move. He cited increased police presence and containers placed by the federal government as factors influencing the strategy shift, emphasizing PTI's preference for a peaceful struggle.

Yousafzai also criticized the federal government's approach to negotiations, accusing it of using media platforms rather than engaging in practical talks. He called on the government to engage sincerely, stating that the party expects former prime minister Imran Khan to receive medical treatment as directed by the courts. He further alleged interference by federal authorities in provincial matters, referencing recent statements and actions by federal ministers.