KP CM Sohail Afridi offers talks to federal govt, sets seven-day window

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has offered talks to the federal government, saying those seeking contact still have seven days.

Speaking informally to senior journalists in Peshawar, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the presence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s sisters is necessary for his treatment.

He said the PTI founder should receive treatment at Shifa Hospital with his own team of doctors. He added that he had approached courts and other forums for the past nine months, but had received no response.

Sohail Afridi said that the dispute between his side and the establishment was benefiting others. However, he said those seeking contact still had seven days, adding that once they set out on October 4, there would be no turning back.

He made it clear that even if he were removed from the position of chief minister, it would make no difference, and if he were disqualified, PTI founder Imran Khan himself would decide his replacement.

The KP chief minister offered talks to the federal government, saying that if the issue is to be resolved through dialogue, negotiations should take place before the long march rather than afterward.

He said they wanted the matter to be resolved through negotiations and mutual agreement.

Explaining the delay in the long march, he said the political committee had decided to give the federal government some time, adding that the delay was also part of the strategy. He said that once they set out this time, they would not return.

He also invited Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, saying that if he came to them, he would be welcomed.