PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi, addressed a public gathering organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in District Mardan, where he announced a comprehensive development package worth Rs 50 billion for the district.
He stated that the provincial government remains committed to delivering balanced and inclusive development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in line with the policy vision of Imran Khan.
The Chief Minister highlighted the scale of public participation at the event, noting that the large turnout reflected sustained public support for Imran Khan.
He observed that the gathering, held during daylight hours on the direction of the party leadership, demonstrated confidence in public engagement and mobilization capacity.
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He further noted that the turnout effectively countered claims of declining public support. Outlining the party’s political roadmap, the Chief Minister announced planned visits to Azad Jammu and Kashmir on April 25, coinciding with the party’s foundation day, and to Lahore on May 1, as part of an ongoing street movement directed by Imran Khan.
He reiterated his continued alignment with the leadership and policy direction of Imran Khan and emphasized consistency in political and governance positions.
The Chief Minister also announced that a future session of the Provincial Assembly would be convened in an open public setting. He stated that protest activities would continue until appropriate medical access is ensured for Imran Khan and his spouse, including access to personal physicians and family members, in accordance with due process and humanitarian considerations.
On law and order, the Chief Minister noted that the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects broader policy challenges. He stated that previous gains in peace and stability were the result of policies pursued under Imran Khan and emphasized the need for strategic consistency in continuing those policies.
He reiterated his position in favor of dialogue-based approaches, noting that ongoing regional engagement aligns with policy positions long advocated by Imran Khan. Addressing governance and institutional concerns, he referred to public perceptions regarding access to justice and underscored the importance of upholding transparency, legal safeguards, and fundamental rights. He noted that restrictions on medical access and family contact raise serious concerns that warrant attention.
On the economic front, the Chief Minister highlighted key macroeconomic trends, noting a decline in GDP growth from approximately 6 percent to around 2 to 2.5 percent, alongside a significant increase in public debt from Rs 50 billion to approximately Rs 81 billion, including an increase of Rs 31 billion over the past three years.
He further noted a substantial rise in fuel prices, from approximately Rs 150 per litre to over Rs 360, contributing to inflationary pressures.
He emphasized the disproportionate impact on farmers, laborers, and low-income households, noting a decline in purchasing power and increased economic vulnerability.
He further stated that following the regime change operation, driven by a foreign conspiracy, subsequent political and economic developments have contributed to heightened uncertainty.
He also referred to concerns regarding the concentration of influence within elite segments. He added that ongoing regional dialogue processes reflect policy approaches previously articulated by Imran Khan.
The Chief Minister noted that political consultations would continue with key stakeholders, including Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, in line with guidance from Imran Khan.
The Chief Minister congratulated party organizers, parliamentarians, and the public on the successful event, stating that the scale of participation reflects continued public engagement and support. Senior party leaders, including Barrister Gohar, Junaid Akbar, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Asad Qaiser, and others, also addressed the gathering.
A resolution addressing public welfare, the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, release of political detainees, and restoration of the public mandate was presented at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf public gathering in Mardan by Ali Asghar Khan, Secretary General PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Member of the National Assembly. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the participants.
The resolution noted that citizens across Pakistan are currently facing significant economic hardship. It highlighted that rising inflation has affected households nationwide, with increased electricity tariffs and billing placing additional financial strain, while load-shedding continues to disrupt daily life.
It further observed that fuel and energy prices have moved beyond the affordability threshold for many households, contributing to rising unemployment, agricultural distress, and increased vulnerability among labor and lower-middle-income groups.
The resolution underscored concerns regarding governance and representation, stating that administrations lacking electoral legitimacy are less responsive to public needs.
It emphasized the importance of safeguarding the sanctity of the vote and ensuring that public mandate remains central to governance processes.
The resolution also raised concerns regarding the sustainability of the current economic model, pointing to increasing reliance on borrowing and the associated fiscal pressures, alongside perceived imbalances in the distribution of economic burden.
The resolution called for the provision of immediate and comprehensive medical care to Imran Khan and his spouse, including unhindered access to family members and personal physicians, and the option of treatment at a facility of their choice. It further called for the release of all political detainees.
Addressing the broader public, the resolution urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights and raise their voices for accountability and representation, noting that public mobilization is a critical component of democratic systems.
It also acknowledged ongoing regional and international efforts toward peace, while emphasizing that sustainable participation in such processes requires domestic political stability, public trust, and representative governance. The resolution expressed solidarity with the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to the province, including net hydel profit arrears, fair allocation under the National Finance Commission, and fulfillment of commitments made at the time of the former FATA merger.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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