Marwat said PTI founder Imran Khan had conveyed a message through lawyer Salman Safdar suggesting that the Islamabad march might be beyond Afridi’s capacity and that he should step down as chief minister.
According to Marwat, Imran Khan’s messages concerning Afridi were also confirmed by Bushra Bibi’s family and Nooreen Niazi.
Marwat claimed that Niazi had discussed the matter with Imran Khan, with Bushra Bibi also present. He alleged that Khan expressed strong displeasure with Sohail Afridi, Salman Akram and two other individuals.
He further claimed that Niazi told Khan that former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur had formed a pressure group aimed at undermining Afridi and that around 35 members of the provincial assembly were prepared to rebel.
According to Marwat, when Khan asked about the demands of the lawmakers, Niazi said they believed Afridi was unable to deliver. Marwat claimed that Khan agreed with their position and said Afridi’s government would not last.
Marwat also said that even if Afridi failed to organize the march, there would be no apology from Imran Khan.
According to the media report, Afridi could face a no-confidence motion if he failed to bring the Islamabad march, while a claim about opposition from around 35 MPAs had also emerged.
However, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar and members of Imran Khan’s family have denied reports that Khan wanted Afridi removed and rejected the conversation attributed to Nooreen Niazi.