PTI, TTAP leadership fully behind Sept 27 long march to Islamabad: K-P CM Afridi

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday announced that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s entire political leadership, alongside its allies such as the opposition coalition Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), was on board for a long march to Islamabad on September 27, warning that the public's anger over ongoing injustices may become unmanageable. Speaking on a private news programme, 'Capital Talk', he said that the "entire political leadership of PTI, both federal and provincial, is on board for the protest, including our allies, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan. We have collectively decided on the date of 27". Afridi stated that the protest was a last resort after democratic avenues to secure PTI founder Imran Khan's release were exhausted. He lamented that Imran was being treated like a "kidnapped individual" rather than a political prisoner, held in "solitary confinement and isolation for the past seven to eight months". “We are not able to meet him, his sisters are not able to meet him, and his doctors and lawyers are not being granted permission,” Afridi stated, adding that requests to the prime minister, the National Assembly speaker, and the Islamabad High Court to intervene had all failed. “When you push a large political party pursuing all legal and constitutional avenues against the wall, the only method that remains is that of protest,” he asserted, citing the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Outlining the party’s demands, Afridi called for Imran to "be given justice and for his cases to be heard strictly on merit", adding that the media be allowed to cover the "proceedings to uncover the fact that these are politically motivated cases". He further demanded that the former premier be immediately granted access to his doctors for medical treatment and to his legal counsel. CM Afridi urged reflection on the burden placed on the PTI’s central leadership, which he said had been forced to placate crowds chanting slogans for a march on D-Chowk. READ: PTI divided over Sept 27 long march “On September 27, the people and youth will show up in large numbers, and no one will be able to manage their anger,” he warned. He noted that the public's mind was fixated on past events, as well as injustices against Imran, his sisters and incarcerated PTI leaders. “The nation is watching all this and is angry.” Responding to a question regarding questions raised by Aleema Khan, Afridi clarified that she was a "non-political person and has nothing to do with politics". "When we explain to her the facts and figures, I am sure that we will be able to make her understand," he added. When questioned about allegations of striking a deal, CM Afridi dismissed them as an attempt to mislead the public. “Anyone sincere with Imran Khan and PTI will not level such accusations on public platforms,” he remarked. He also categorically denied rumours of a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on August 4, terming them as “utterly baseless”. Questioning the performance of the federal government, Afridi criticised the economic downturn, noting a drop in GDP growth from 6% during Imran’s tenure to 3% at present. He also highlighted limited agricultural and industrial growth, a $35 billion trade deficit, and a significant brain drain of youth and professionals from the country. Responding to a question as to why the federal and provincial governments cannot sit and work together, Afridi accused the authorities of pushing PTI against the wall, adding that after the regime change operation, peace in K-P was disturbed. Despite this, he expressed his willingness to engage with the Afghan government on behalf of the country to settle ongoing disputes. READ MORE: Force alone can't ensure lasting peace: CM Afridi Afridi further claimed that he could "bring peace and end terrorism within 100 days", noting that he had already submitted a policy and made a Provincial Action Plan for this purpose. He maintained that the PTI would call off the long march if directed by Imran. “I have promised the nation that this political office I hold is due to Imran Khan. Even if I were to lose my office, my government, or my life, I do not care,” he stated. Earlier, Afridi announced a long march towards Islamabad at a rally in Peshawar on August 5, declaring that, according to his team, the march would continue until its objectives were achieved. The announcement, however, appeared to catch even some party leaders off guard, with several of them expressing complete ignorance about the plan when approached immediately afterwards. It was also learned that the local PTI chapter in K-P was opposed to the proposed long march, with the hashtag "27 September Long March Na Manzoor (unacceptable)" being pushed on social media. A senior party leader, however, said that from the campaign for Imran's release to the latest long march announcement, Afridi had often made such announcements in the heat of the movement and discussed them with the party leadership afterwards. He said PTI had not been consulted at any level and that no one knew what the K-P chief minister was planning. He added that close aides of the chief minister were trying to put the responsibility for the Sept 27 announcement on the party, but "that's a lie" because the party had no prior knowledge of it. When asked whether the party had been taken into confidence, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that, on Imran's instructions, Afridi was in charge of the street movement and could take decisions at his own discretion. Imran was ousted as prime minister through a parliamentary vote of no confidence on April 10, 2022, and a year later, on May 9, 2023, he was detained by the authorities in the Al-Qadir Trust case, leading to widespread riots across the country, serving as the fodder for more cases against the PTI founder. Since August 2023, the PTI founder has been serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. Furthermore, Imran and Bushra Bibi were also convicted on December 20, 2025, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case, which pertains to allegations that the couple unlawfully retained a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia. The PTI founder also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in connection with the May 2023 protests.

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PTI divided over Sept 27 long march

The PTI was not taken into confidence before the announcement of a long march towards Islamabad on September 27, the party's central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed on Sunday, contradicting K-P Information Minister Shafi Jan's claim that the decision was taken in consultation with the party and its allies. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced a long march towards Islamabad at a rally in Peshawar on August 5, declaring that, according to his team, the march would continue until its objectives were achieved. The announcement, however, appeared to catch even some party leaders off guard, with several of them expressing complete ignorance about the plan when approached immediately afterwards. It was also learnt that the local PTI chapter in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is opposed to the proposed long march, with the hashtag "27 September Long March Na Manzoor (unacceptable)" being pushed on social media. Apparently responding to questions over the choice of Sept 27 as the date for the march, K-P Information Minister Shafi Jan said on social media that the decision to march towards Islamabad on that date had been taken through mutual consultation between the party and its allies. He further said PTI wanted to move forward with its allies and was also in contact with religious parties. He claimed that the Islamabad march would not be limited to a single day and could continue for several days. Seeking to dispel the impression that the announcement was half-hearted, he said the party would head towards Islamabad with full preparations to secure the basic rights of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. "The doors of PTI are open to political parties against the current federal government; if the Peoples Party wants to break free from the government, it should leave its constitutional office and join the opposition; mandate-thieving rulers will now have to answer in the people's court," Shafi wrote. A senior party leader, however, said that from the campaign for Imran Khan's release to the latest long march announcement, Sohail Afridi had often made such announcements in the heat of the movement and discussed them with the party leadership afterwards. He said PTI had not been consulted at any level and that no one knew what the K-P chief minister was planning. He added that close aides of the chief minister were trying to put the responsibility for the Sept 27 announcement on the party, but "that's a lie" because the party had no prior knowledge of it. When asked whether the party had been taken into confidence, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that, on Imran Khan's instructions, K-P CM Sohail Afridi was in charge of the street movement and could take decisions at his own discretion.

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Pakistan’s envoy seeks greater trade, investment to deepen US ties

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, on Sunday called for greater trade and investment to further deepen bilateral ties between the two countries. He was speaking at a special event organised by the Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) to mark the 250th anniversary of US Independence and Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. According to a statement by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington on X, prominent community members, media professionals, public officials and other distinguished guests attended the event to celebrate the enduring values underpinning the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the United States. Read: Natalie Baker hails evolving US-Pakistan partnership on America's 250th anniversary The statement said Ambassador Sheikh emphasised the importance of strengthening Pak-US ties through greater trade, investment and economic cooperation. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh participated in a special event organized by the Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence and the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan. Prominent community members, media professionals, public… pic.twitter.com/usp53bMDkB — Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) August 9, 2026 He also highlighted “fairness, objectivity, and impartiality as core values of the noble journalistic tradition and a true reflection of a democratic society”. The ambassador commended Pakistani-American media professionals for their efforts to bridge the gap between the two countries and their people. According to the embassy, Ambassador Sheikh presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to distinguished recipients in recognition of their “dedication and providing multitude of services to the community”. He also appreciated PAPA’s leadership for organising the event and its continued engagement with the Pakistani-American community. Earlier, US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker lauded the partnership with Pakistan on America's 250th anniversary, saying the United States was committed to a partnership that delivered lasting security and shared opportunity for generations to come. "America's 250th anniversary is a moment of renewal. It is a chance to strengthen our institutions, reaffirm our leadership, and build partnerships rooted in mutual respect and reciprocity. With Pakistan, we are building on sovereignty, strength, and shared prosperity, translating mutual respect and aligned interests into real results," said Natalie in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad.

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Sharjeel moves NCCIA over social media posts linking him to Raza’s murder

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has approached the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over what he described as false, fabricated, and malicious allegations circulating on social media linking him and his son, Rawal Memon, to the alleged murder of young Wafflix owner Mir Raza Ali. A formal written complaint was submitted to the deputy director of the NCCIA Karachi Zone on Aug 9, 2026, through his lawyer, Advocate Syeda Malaika Naqvi of Naqvi Law Associates. The complaint named unknown individuals and accused them of operating social media accounts, allegedly harassing the complainant, creating and disseminating false and malicious content, and damaging the reputation and standing of Memon and his son. Read: Murder charge added to Mir Raza case after re-postmortem report The complaint said the complainant did not know the identities of the individuals allegedly operating various social media accounts, pages and groups. It claimed that content against Memon and his son was being circulated as part of an alleged organised smear campaign. The complaint referred to four Facebook accounts and pages — Muhajir Community, Khan Zada in ALTAFI LUSHKAR Group, Karachi Beauty and Karachi Stories — and included screenshots relating to the accounts as Annex-A. According to the complaint, various posts, videos and statements against Memon and his son began circulating on the accounts, pages and groups on Aug 9, which the complainant described as false, baseless, fabricated and malicious. It said the alleged content was intended to damage their reputation, honour and social standing. The complaint said the material circulating on social media alleged that a guesthouse in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, where Mir Ali Raza was allegedly tortured and killed, was owned by Memon. It further said social media posts claimed that Memon’s son, Rawal, left for London immediately after the incident and subsequently moved around with a bodyguard. The complaint also alleged that the social media content sought to create an impression that the medical board related to the case had been changed “overnight”. It said Memon and his political party had also been accused of protecting those allegedly involved in the incident and obstructing the police investigation. It added that attempts had also allegedly been made to link the guesthouse and people associated with it to certain other incidents in the past. Memon described all the allegations as baseless and contrary to facts. The complaint maintained that similar wording, claims and posting times had appeared on different social media pages. Also Read: Sindh IG dissolves Mir Raza probe team after post-mortem reveals firearm injury According to the application, claims concerning ownership of the guesthouse and Rawal’s departure for London and alleged movement with a bodyguard appeared in more or less identical wording on at least four different pages. The complainant said the pattern appeared to indicate that the matter was not limited to a few isolated social media users but could be part of an alleged organised and coordinated online campaign. The complaint called for an investigation into the possible role of elements associated with certain political parties, mentioning the Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Memon also expressed apprehension that those behind the social media accounts could be using fake names, bot networks or proxy handlers to conceal their identities. The complaint asked the NCCIA to identify, through modern technical and forensic investigations, the individuals operating the accounts. It also expressed concern that the continued circulation of the alleged content could harm the reputation, mental peace and personal security of the complainant and his son. The application cited various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, as amended in 2025, in connection with the alleged dissemination of false and defamatory material on social media. It specifically referred to Section 20, relating to offences against the dignity of a natural person; Section 24, concerning cyberstalking; and Section 26-A, inserted through the 2025 amendment and relating to the dissemination of false information or defamatory content. The complaint also requested that, if any other relevant provisions of PECA or the Pakistan Penal Code were found applicable during the investigation, action be taken under those provisions. The complainant urged the NCCIA to take immediate notice of the matter, initiate a formal inquiry and conduct an independent investigation. It called for a forensic and technical audit of the social media accounts and pages, and sought IP logs, device and SIM registration data and information about the relevant users to trace the individuals operating the original accounts. Read More: Mir Raza re-postmortem blows hole in suicide theory The complaint also asked the NCCIA to trace links among those allegedly involved in the online campaign, its funding and the source of the content, and determine whether it was part of an organised campaign. The complaint sought an independent inquiry to establish the facts, registration of an FIR or case against those responsible, and action under PECA 2016, as amended in 2025, the Pakistan Penal Code or other applicable laws while assuring the NCCIA of full cooperation with the investigation and inquiry.

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Minister back smaller units

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has backed the creation of smaller provinces and new administrative units, stressing it was imperative to restructure governance in order to bring political and financial powers, resources and public services closer to citizens. In a video message released on Saturday, the minister noted that the purpose of creating smaller provinces and administrative units should be to ensure more effective governance. He argued that while the 18th Amendment had transferred powers from the federal government to the provinces, a similar devolution had not taken place from provinces to districts.

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JI postpones Sunday sit-ins, sets Aug 16 for nationwide protests

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has postponed the sit-ins scheduled for Sunday in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta and announced that nationwide sit-ins will now be held simultaneously on August 16. The decision was taken at a special meeting chaired by JI Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to review preparations for the planned protests. The party also decided to observe Independence Day celebrations across the country with full participation. JI Deputy Ameers Liaqat Baloch and Usama Razi, Acting Secretary General Nazir Ahmad Janjua, Syed Waqas Anjum Jafri, Azhar Iqbal Hassan, Rasool Khan Babar, Javed Qasuri and Ziauddin Ansari attended the meeting. Emirs of all provinces and major cities participated through video link. Read: Road chaos as JI rally blocks major routes In a video statement, Rehman said the sit-ins had been shifted from August 9 to August 16 because of Independence Day celebrations. He said simultaneous sit-ins would be held in all four provinces on August 16, marking the beginning of the party’s nationwide protest campaign. The JI chief said the party would also celebrate Independence Day in a befitting manner. He said a major sit-in would be held outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House in Lahore, while protests would take place outside the Governor Houses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan. “Hakimran will have to stop oppression and coercion,” Rehman said, adding that the JI would use the sit-ins to press the government to withdraw decisions that, according to the party, were against public interests. He said the JI had organised demonstrations at 510 locations across the country the previous day in a disciplined manner, describing them as “the voice of Pakistan”. The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and a reduction in petrol prices. Also Read: JI announces next phase of protests with Aug 9 sit-ins outside CM House, Governor Houses Rehman said the JI had also raised its voice against independent power producers (IPPs) and succeeded in getting its demands accepted by the government. He said the party would continue its struggle for the resolution of public issues. Commenting on the defence agreement between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, the JI emir welcomed the development, saying it would help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on its enemies. He called for Qatar, Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia and Indonesia to also be included in the defence arrangement. JI chief said the inclusion of all Muslim countries in the agreement could lead to the formation of a strong bloc.

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Road crashes claim 180 lives in Faisalabad

Despite stricter enforcement by the traffic police and Highway Patrol Police, Faisalabad district recorded 18,728 road traffic accidents during the first seven months of 2026, leaving 180 people dead and 21,827 others injured, according to official data. The figures, obtained by The Express Tribune, show that many of the injured, including women and children, suffered severe fractures and permanent disabilities, with some losing limbs in the accidents. Traffic police launched enforcement drives across the district by setting up checkpoints and issuing challans worth millions of rupees in an effort to improve traffic discipline and reduce road accidents. Awareness campaigns were also conducted in schools, colleges, universities, banks, factories and mills. However, the rising number of traffic accidents has remained a matter of concern. According to official statistics, all 180 fatalities recorded between January 1 and July 31 were linked to speeding. The monthly breakdown of accidents is as follows: In January, 2,394 accidents claimed 27 lives and injured 2,768 people. In February, 2,690 accidents left 23 people dead and 3,142 injured. In March, 3,018 accidents resulted in 28 deaths and 3,631 injuries. In April, 2,847 accidents claimed 22 lives and injured 3,266 people. In May, 2,938 accidents left 36 people dead and 3,349 injured. In June, 2,325 accidents claimed 17 lives and injured 2,755 people. In July, 2,516 accidents resulted in 27 deaths and 2,916 injuries. Most of the injured suffered broken arms, legs and other serious injuries and were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Residents criticised the traffic police and Highway Patrol Police, alleging that officers were more focused on issuing challans than ensuring smooth traffic flow and preventing accidents.

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