CM Afridi rejects campaign against April 19 Mardan rally

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday dismissed what he described as a negative campaign against a planned public gathering in Mardan on April 19, saying the people of the province would themselves defeat such efforts.

He made the remarks during a high-level meeting in Peshawar attended by PTI lawmakers from Peshawar, Malakand, Kohat and northern Punjab, as well as delegations from Khyber district.

According to the details shared from the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on former prime minister Imran Khan’s health, his release, the peace movement, the upcoming public meeting in Mardan, the broader political situation, governance matters, party organisational issues and the future course of action.

Concerns over Imran Khan’s health

Addressing the participants, Afridi said Imran Khan’s health should not be treated as a political issue, but as a matter concerning his life. He also voiced concern over the reported denial of access to Imran Khan’s family members and personal doctors, calling the situation deeply troubling.

Afridi said the party and the provincial government would continue every possible constitutional and democratic effort for his release.

Mardan rally and political situation

Referring to the April 19 public meeting, the chief minister said a smear campaign had begun soon after the event was announced in an attempt to make it unsuccessful. "However, the people will reject these dirty tactics with contempt," he said.

Afridi said attempts to disrupt the gathering or trigger political instability would be firmly resisted, adding that both the government and the party remained committed to moving ahead with their policy and agenda.

He also said the public would directly reject the opponents’ propaganda on April 19.

Jirgas to be convened

During the meeting, Afridi announced that a grand lawyers’ jirga would be held on Friday. He added that jirgas involving other segments of society would also be convened in order to develop a joint strategy through broader consultation.

The meeting took place as PTI leaders and lawmakers reviewed political, organisational and governance-related matters alongside preparations for the Mardan event.