Salarzai Tribal Leaders Warn Islamabad, Protests Planned in Support of Imran Khan
A group of Salarzai tribal elders in the Bajaur region has called on the Pakistani government to halt targeted operations in the tribal areas. In a public gathering, they warned that if such actions continue and their demands are not met, they would sever ties with Islamabad.
During the rally, a local resident from Bajaur stated that the Salarzai tribe is demanding that provincial expenses and the responsibilities of the military forces be handed over to local communities—a demand that reflects a deep mistrust of central government interference in local affairs.
Meanwhile, Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, strongly criticized the Pakistani administration’s treatment of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party during a press conference. He noted that the government had not allowed PTI senior officials to visit the party’s leader, Imran Khan.
Afridi explained that despite spending the night outside the detention facility, no opportunity was given to meet Mr. Khan. He added that even the Islamabad High Court declined to authorize the visit.
He announced plans for a major protest on Tuesday in front of the Islamabad High Court, which would then proceed to Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is being held.
According to Afridi, the demonstration—attended by members of parliament, provincial assemblies, the National Assembly, and the Senate—is intended to show support for Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, both of whom supporters claim are being unfairly detained. This latest move marks a new escalation in tensions between the opposition and Pakistan’s central government.
