PTI Did Not Call Street Protests, CM Sohail Afridi Clarifies Party Position

PTI did not call street protests, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Monday, stressing that the party had only planned a peaceful sit-in at Parliament House and had not issued any official call for demonstrations on roads.

Speaking amid ongoing political tensions, Afridi said some party supporters were present on the streets due to emotional reactions. However, he made it clear that the party’s formal protest strategy was limited to Parliament House in Islamabad.

According to the chief minister, opposition lawmakers led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Nasir Abbas were holding a peaceful sit-in outside Parliament House. He noted that despite restrictions and barriers, lawmakers continued their protest without any incident of violence or property damage.

Afridi said the peaceful nature of the demonstration reflected the party’s commitment to constitutional and democratic methods. He added that even a single flowerpot was not harmed, showing discipline among participants.

The chief minister warned that if any disruptive elements tried to create unrest by infiltrating the gathering, the government would be responsible for the consequences. He added that the party was going through a difficult time due to the imprisonment of its founder, Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

Afridi urged party workers to remain calm and follow instructions from the leadership. He said the party was organised and any future decisions would be taken by its authorised leadership structure.

Meanwhile, leaders of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) announced they would continue their sit-in until their demands were accepted. Senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser said consultations were ongoing and the protest would continue peacefully.

He explained that the alliance’s main demand was to allow Imran Khan’s personal doctor to examine him. Following the announcement, lawmakers resumed their protest outside Parliament House, raising slogans and maintaining their sit-in.

During internal consultations, some party members also raised concerns about social media narratives and leadership clarity. Discussions included whether political decisions would remain with the party committee or involve family members.

Despite these concerns, party leaders maintained that the current protest was focused on Imran Khan’s health and legal rights rather than political confrontation.