Kundi warns PTI march will not cross Attock

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has warned that the PTI’s long march will not be allowed to move beyond Attock as the party’s convoy heads towards Punjab.

Speaking about the planned march, Kundi claimed that PTI did not have enough public support or organisational capacity to take the protest beyond Attock. He challenged the party to demonstrate the strength it has been claiming for the rally.

The PTI launched its march after negotiations with the federal government failed to resolve major differences, particularly over the government’s counterterrorism policy. The protest is aimed at seeking the release of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading the provincial convoy. The protesters are expected to reach Khairabad, near the Punjab border, by October 8, where the chief minister is likely to announce the next course of action.

Kundi also expressed concerns about security risks surrounding the march. He questioned what screening arrangements PTI had put in place to prevent militants or individuals planning attacks from joining the convoy.

The governor said KP was already facing serious security challenges and accused the PTI-led provincial government of failing to take a strong position against terrorism. He criticised calls for the withdrawal of the military from the province and for negotiations with Afghanistan.

Kundi also referred to his recent meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Peshawar, saying the two officials discussed the security situation, possible dialogue with PTI and developments related to the long march.

The governor further criticised Imran Khan and accused his government of previously allowing militants to settle in the province. He also claimed that PTI leader Muraad Saeed was influencing Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s decisions.

Kundi said the government would take action against those responsible for unrest and vowed that Saeed would eventually face the consequences of his alleged actions.

On the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kundi said the provincial administration would implement any decision taken by the president and prime minister if they concluded that such a step was necessary.

The warning comes as tensions remain high between the federal government and PTI over the planned march, with authorities determined to prevent the protesters from reaching Islamabad.