KP CM Afridi meets opposition over September 27 protest

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi met National Assembly and Senate opposition leaders on Saturday to discuss a nationwide protest scheduled for September 27, prompting pre-emptive security planning.

September 27 protest coordination

The Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan alliance said Afridi held an "important meeting" with NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, with the alliance’s spokesperson also present. Officials said the discussions covered political strategy, mobilisation and organising the protest as an "effective and organised political struggle" for constitutional supremacy and provincial rights.

The Islamabad High Court has warned that activities infringing citizens' fundamental rights would violate the Constitution after a petition sought to block the gatherings. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government would stop anyone from marching towards the federal capital "in every possible way" and warned of contempt proceedings against those who violate the court order.

Local administrations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have begun preparations, officials said, including requests for detention powers, placement of containers, additional personnel and procurement of anti-riot gear. Afridi has alleged he was abducted and later attacked during a visit to Punjab; the Punjab government denied the arrest claim and Wazirabad police said the man Afridi accused was a constable on security duty.

Officials expect security measures, possible detentions and legal actions to intensify by September 27; watch for deployments and court filings in the days leading up to the protest.