PTI Cowardly Ran Away from Long March: Ata Tarar
Mian Nadeem
Published September 25, 2026 | 06:45 PM
Unverified reports circulating on PTI-affiliated social media and WhatsApp groups claim the long march has been postponed. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi asserts it will proceed under all circumstances, regardless of road obstructions or firing.
Criticism of Sohail Afridi
Federal Information Minister Ata Tarar criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, labeling PTI as cowardly for its absence from the long march. He compared Afridi to a TTP commander rather than a chief minister.
Allegations Against PTI
Tarar accused PTI of supporting and facilitating terrorists, questioning their political standing. He claimed PTI made no preparations for the march and subsequently backed out. "If you have the courage, hold the march," he challenged. Tarar alleged that terrorists had targeted all political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to which PTI remained unresponsive.
KP Chief Minister's Response
Afridi, during a press conference in Peshawar, affirmed the long march's inevitability, regardless of road closures or violence. He didn't disclose the strategy or timing but promised a decisive response to what he termed a corrupt system.
Rumors of Postponement
Unverified reports on PTI-affiliated platforms suggested a postponement until October. Afridi, however, indicated ongoing discussions within PTI's political committee and promised further updates. He raised concerns about a conspiracy to divide Pakistan, citing border tensions and clashes with government personnel from other provinces.
Allegations of Conspiring Against Provincial Leadership
Afridi accused plainclothes individuals of abducting ministers and creating chaos. He claimed threats forced the secretariat's closure, disrupting provincial administration operations.