Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Faisal Karim Kundi has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will not be allowed to cross KP’s border during its planned march towards Islamabad.
Speaking on a private media outlet’s talk show, Kundi claimed the party was preparing to use deaths for political purposes and said that the federal government will stop the protesters from crossing into Punjab.
“And I guarantee you that, God willing, they will not be allowed to cross the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border,” Kundi vowed.
When asked whether the federal government will stop the PTI march, the governor replied, “Absolutely, it will stop them.”
Kundi also questioned PTI’s ability to mobilise supporters for the march, claiming that the party had failed to bring out the numbers it expected at previous events.
He referred to the Chief Minister’s appearance in Lahore and claimed that even some PTI office-bearers and parliamentarians did not attend.
The governor also criticised the party over arrests of its lawmakers in Islamabad, questioning why PTI leaders were in the capital rather than mobilising people in their constituencies.
He further rejected concerns about a possible large gathering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa creating a law and order situation if protesters reached the provincial border.
Kundi claimed that the province had already faced problems linked to terrorism and argued that another shutdown could affect businesses, trade and the supply of goods.
The governor also commented on the possible arrest of KP Chief Minister (CM) Sohail Afridi, advising the chief minister to act according to his constitutional position rather than as a PTI worker.
“If my Chief Executive behaves as a Chief Executive, then who would arrest him,” Kundi asked.
He added that the KP chief minister should deal with the province’s security situation “technically and professionally, not in a political manner.”
Kundi’s remarks come as the PTI prepares for a September 27 march towards Islamabad to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and what the party describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.
Authorities have increased security arrangements ahead of the planned protest. Punjab has imposed Section 144 across the province until October 5, restricting gatherings, rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations.
The Punjab government has also sought Rangers’ deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. The request includes three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, five wings for Attock and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali.
The Punjab Home Department has separately requested the federal government to downgrade or jam mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock from September 27. The request covers 2G, 3G and 4G services at specified locations.
Major routes towards Islamabad have also been closed as authorities prepare for the arrival of PTI protesters, with the M-1, M-14 and sections of the N-5 shut to traffic in both directions.
