The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march entered its fourth day on Wednesday, reaching Shalobar in Bara tehsil of Khyber district, the hometown of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Local elders, tribal leaders and young people welcomed Afridi and other participants as the march reached the area.
Addressing the participants at Basee Baba Chowk, Afridi said Pakistan belonged to all its citizens and praised the sacrifices made by Pakhtuns for the country’s security and stability.
He said the PTI would continue its political and democratic struggle for the release of party founder Imran Khan. Despite political differences, he said, the security, unity and stability of Pakistan remained a shared responsibility of all citizens.
Afridi calls for constitutional supremacy
The chief minister called for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, along with an independent judiciary, freedom of the press and protection of the rights of political workers.
Criticising the government, Afridi alleged that the country’s political leadership was contributing to division and tension. He also claimed that constitutional and judicial orders were not being implemented.
Afridi said Pakistan did not belong to any particular family or social class but to all its citizens, whose constitutional rights must be protected by the state and its institutions.
He urged lawyers, judges, journalists, students and young people, as well as other sections of society, to participate in a peaceful and democratic struggle for the protection of constitutional rights, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
The chief minister said constitutional supremacy and the rule of law were essential for maintaining political and social stability in Pakistan.
PTI march to move towards Peshawar
Afridi also outlined the next stage of the long march, saying participants would stay overnight at Shalobar D Road after completing the day’s activities.
The caravan is scheduled to leave for Peshawar the following day as the PTI continues its onward journey.
The march is being held as part of the PTI’s wider political campaign and its demand for the release of Imran Khan. Afridi reiterated that the party would continue pursuing its demands through political and democratic means.
