SHANGLA: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi led a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) “Street Movement Rally” from Battagram to Besham on Saturday, announcing an additional Rs2 billion development package for Battagram and calling for a nationwide peaceful protest on September 27.
Addressing large gatherings in Battagram and Besham, Afridi said the September 27 movement would seek the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and described the date as a “day of revolution.” He urged supporters and citizens across Pakistan to participate in what he said would be a peaceful protest under the Constitution and law.
Rs2bn Package for Battagram
The chief minister announced an additional Rs2 billion development package for Battagram and said Allai would be upgraded to district status.
Afridi also said a Rs200 billion development package had already been approved for the Hazara region, with projects underway in several sectors. He said the provincial government was committed to balanced development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The chief minister was accompanied by PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar Khan and other senior party leaders during his visit to the region.
Afridi Calls for September 27 Protest
Speaking at Khatam-e-Nabuwat Chowk in Battagram, Afridi urged supporters to prepare for a long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
He said the movement would focus on what he described as the struggle for rights, the rule of law and political freedom. He later told rally participants in Besham that he would personally lead the September 27 march.
Afridi called on party workers to make full preparations and said the planned demonstration would be peaceful but would show the strength of public participation.
CM Expresses Grief Over Balochistan Mine Tragedy
The chief minister also addressed the recent coal mine accident in Balochistan in which workers from Shangla were killed.
He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and said the people and government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained committed to supporting them following the tragedy.
The rally drew participation from PTI workers and residents from Battagram, Torghar and Shangla.
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