MUZAFFARABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi visited Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where he addressed a large public gathering in Muzaffarabad and also interacted with members of the legal community during an oath-taking ceremony of the Central Bar Association.
At the gathering in Lal Chowk Muzaffarabad, he stated that the post–political transition governance structure in the region lacks legitimacy and does not reflect the will of the people. He emphasized that political authority must come through democratic and constitutional means rather than coercion.
The Chief Minister highlighted historical and cultural linkages between the people of Kashmir and tribal districts, describing them as rooted in shared history and trust. He also urged vigilance in the upcoming electoral process in Kashmir, warning against any attempts to manipulate public mandate.
Referring to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said the PTI founder has consistently raised Kashmir and Palestine issues internationally, and expressed concern over his continued detention along with his spouse, calling it politically motivated. He also criticized restrictions on meeting access and alleged delays in legal proceedings.
Sohail Afridi said peaceful protest is a constitutional right and announced plans for nationwide political mobilization in the coming days. He warned against what he described as increasing political suppression and emphasized that public resistance would continue through lawful means.
At the legal fraternity gathering in Muzaffarabad, he congratulated the newly elected cabinet of the Central Bar Association Muzaffarabad and stressed the role of lawyers in upholding constitutional order and rule of law.
PTI leaders Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi and Salman Akram Raja also addressed the event, reaffirming their commitment to constitutional supremacy, democratic rights, and the release of Imran Khan.
