Embattled PTI Gears Up for Another Push for “Haqiqi Azadi” as KP CM Issues Stark Warning
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has once again signaled a decisive political confrontation as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi warned supporters to prepare for a high-risk movement in the name of “Haqiqi Azadi”. Addressing a large rally in Kohat, Afridi declared that the party had reached a point of no return, suggesting that any future protest could demand extreme sacrifices.
The statement has reignited national debate around political stability, civil resistance, institutional trust, and the future course of opposition politics in Pakistan.
Background: PTI’s Struggle After Imran Khan’s Arrest
Since the arrest and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, PTI has faced unprecedented political pressure. The party alleges systematic efforts to weaken its organizational structure, marginalize its leadership, and suppress its public voice.
Despite legal challenges, arrests of party workers, and restrictions on political activity, PTI continues to mobilize supporters across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where it still holds power.
The Kohat rally marked another chapter in PTI’s ongoing resistance campaign.
KP CM Sohail Afridi’s Speech: “Either Shrouds or Freedom”
Strongest Statement Yet from KP Leadership
Speaking at the Kohat gathering, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi delivered one of his most forceful speeches to date.
“If we go this time, we will either return in shrouds or after getting freedom.”
This statement immediately became a top trending topic on social media and sparked intense political reactions nationwide.
Afridi framed the upcoming movement as an existential struggle, not a routine protest. He stressed that the party was no longer interested in symbolic demonstrations but was preparing for a decisive push.
Role of Imran Khan from Jail
Key Decisions Delegated to Opposition Allies
Afridi revealed that Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, had entrusted critical decisions—such as whether to negotiate with the government or launch street protests—to senior opposition leaders:
- Mehmood Khan Achakzai (Chairman, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party)
- Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas
Both leaders are part of the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) and have been nominated as opposition leaders in parliament.
According to Afridi, this shows Imran Khan’s continued influence and strategic control despite being behind bars.
Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP): A United Opposition Front
The TTAP alliance brings together multiple opposition parties under a shared agenda of:
- Constitutional supremacy
- Protection of democratic mandate
- Resistance against alleged authoritarian practices
PTI leaders say any future movement will be coordinated through this alliance to ensure nationwide impact.
Afridi told supporters to remain alert for any call from TTAP leadership.
Allegations Against State Institutions and Judiciary
“Those Who Were to Protect Us Became Our Killers”
In a controversial part of his speech, CM Afridi accused unnamed state institutions of targeting PTI.
Without naming specific bodies, he said:
- Institutions meant to protect citizens turned against them
- The public mandate was “stolen”
- Judiciary failed to address PTI’s grievances
These allegations highlight PTI’s growing distrust of Pakistan’s power structure and legal system.
Strong Words for Political Rivals
Message to Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz
Afridi also took aim at Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying she had offered him advice recently.
His response was blunt:
“She should focus on Punjab. Our leader is Imran Khan, and we will listen to only him.”
This reflects the widening political divide between PTI and the ruling coalition.
Corruption Allegations Against Punjab Police
Citing a recent survey, Afridi claimed that:
- Punjab Police is the most corrupt department in the country
He urged citizens to report corruption and promised strict action in KP.
He also directed:
- Divisional administrations
- District administrations
to keep offices open, accessible, and responsive to public complaints.
Aftab Alam Afridi: “Imran Khan Is a Threat Only to Corrupt Elites”
Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam Afridi also addressed the rally, making strong claims:
- Imran Khan’s family and KP CM were barred from meeting him
- Imran Khan was unfairly labeled a “security threat”
He argued:
“Yes, Khan was a threat — but only to those who owned business empires in this country.”
He called the Kohat rally a series of “warm-up matches”, hinting at much larger protests ahead.
PTI Provincial President Junaid Akbar’s Call to Action
Warning Against Governor’s Rule in KP
PTI’s provincial president and MNA Junaid Akbar issued a direct warning:
- Police cases and press conferences cannot intimidate PTI workers
- Any attempt to impose Governor’s Rule in KP would face mass resistance
He urged supporters to:
- Surround the Governor House if such a move is attempted
Akbar also referenced the November 26, 2024 protest, alleging that bullets purchased with development funds were used against demonstrators.
Readiness for Sacrifice: “We Will Face Bullets”
Perhaps the most alarming part of the rally came when Akbar stated:
“This time, we will come to face bullets.”
This statement underscores the high-risk nature of the movement PTI is preparing for and has raised concerns about public safety and law-and-order challenges.
Shehryar Afridi: “Imran Khan’s Case Will Go to Every Corner”
MNA Shehryar Afridi emphasized nationwide mobilization, stating:
- PTI will take Imran Khan’s case to every corner of Pakistan
- A united Pakistan cannot be challenged by any force
He described Imran Khan as a symbol of national pride rather than just a political leader.
Political Implications for Pakistan
The Kohat rally indicates that Pakistan may be heading toward another phase of political confrontation marked by:
- Mass protests
- Civil resistance
- Heightened state response
Political analysts warn that such rhetoric could further polarize society and strain democratic institutions.
At the same time, PTI supporters view the movement as a fight for democracy and constitutional rights.
What Happens Next?
Key unanswered questions remain:
- Will TTAP call for nationwide protests?
- Will the government open dialogue channels?
- Can political tensions be defused peacefully?
With strong emotions on both sides, the coming weeks may prove critical for Pakistan’s political future.
Conclusion
The Kohat rally shows that PTI is far from backing down. With Imran Khan still imprisoned and leadership openly preparing supporters for sacrifice, the party appears ready for a decisive showdown.
Whether this push for “Haqiqi Azadi” leads to negotiations, reforms, or deeper instability will depend on how state institutions, political rivals, and civil society respond.
What is clear is that Pakistan’s political temperature continues to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi say about the PTI protest?
KP CM Sohail Afridi warned that the upcoming PTI movement for “Haqiqi Azadi” could involve extreme sacrifice, saying supporters may return only after gaining freedom or in shrouds.
2. Who will decide whether PTI holds talks or launches protests?
Imran Khan has authorized Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas to decide whether to hold negotiations or start a protest movement.
3. What is Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP)?
TTAP is an opposition alliance that includes PTI and other parties, formed to protect the Constitution and oppose what they call the theft of public mandate.
4. Why is PTI criticizing state institutions and the judiciary?
PTI leaders claim that institutions and courts have failed to protect their constitutional rights and address their political grievances.
5. What could happen next after the Kohat PTI rally?
Political analysts believe Pakistan may see nationwide protests, possible negotiations, or increased political tension in the coming weeks depending on government response.
