Sohail Afridi urged the nation to critically evaluate the period from 9 April 2022 to 9 April 2026 and announced a one day 9 April protest to highlight what he described as political and economic decline. Speaking at Pukhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, the chief minister said the removal of a democratic government in April 2022 set the country on a downward path and demanded public scrutiny of the last four years.
He warned that Pakistan’s GDP growth, which stood at 6.1 percent, has fallen to nearly 2.7 percent, while roughly 45 percent of the population has slipped below the poverty line. He cited sharply rising fuel costs, noting petrol prices that once hovered around Rs150 per litre have escalated to between Rs380 and Rs458, with no corresponding increase in incomes. The result, he said, is widespread anxiety among ordinary citizens.
The chief minister criticised the current rulers for lacking a clear policy or reform agenda, accusing them of focusing solely on retaining power and confronting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. He insisted that without political stability and accountable governance, economic recovery is not possible and that the public—especially the poor—has begun openly rejecting present policies.
On economic indicators he noted that foreign exchange reserves are being presented as roughly $21 billion but described much of that as borrowed or temporary support. With the trade deficit exceeding $20 billion and exports shrinking, he warned reserves could fall below $10 billion if creditor countries call back funds, placing further pressure on the currency and raising sovereign borrowing costs.
Asserting the party’s commitment to peaceful democratic expression, he said the 9 April protest at Liaquat Bagh will expose to the world what he called a blow to democracy on 9 April 2022. He clarified the event is planned as a one day lawful and peaceful demonstration and requested the authorities to grant permission. The convoy will depart Peshawar at 11:00am and will be joined en route by contingents from districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He made clear that if officials block the procession, supporters will stage protests at those locations and convert every gathering point into a platform for peaceful dissent. He also warned that any harsh or inhuman treatment of workers could prompt consideration of further measures, including a long march and nationwide demonstrations.
On security and governance, he reiterated that operations alone have not delivered lasting peace and that comprehensive political and social strategies are required. Referring to recent activity in the Tirah valley, he said operations announced without clear objectives or guarantees risk creating false expectations and civilian hardship.
Answering questions about disaster preparedness, he said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has prepared a contingency plan for the monsoon season and potential natural disasters, with departments on alert since January to ensure timely relief. He described the province as the only one to mobilise institutions early to protect citizens.
He underscored that PTI will continue to pursue its goals through democratic, constitutional and peaceful means, pressing for the restoration of fundamental rights, the rule of law, an independent judiciary and a free press. He challenged those who claim the party’s influence has waned to test public support in any district of the province and pledged fair access to public forums while calling for an end to alleged discrimination against workers in other provinces.
