Says constitution guarantees right to peaceful protest
CM Reaffirms Commitment to Lawful Political Struggle
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday reiterated that the struggle for what he termed “real independence” would continue strictly within the framework of the Constitution and the law.
Addressing a gathering of the Insaf Students Federation in Peshawar, the chief minister said his party had always pursued its political objectives through constitutional and legal means, rejecting any path of confrontation outside the law.
What He Said About Protests and Rights
CM Afridi emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly grants citizens the right to peaceful protest.
“The constitution gives us the right to peaceful protest, and we will exercise this right under all circumstances,” he said, stressing that lawful resistance remained the party’s core principle.
Warning to Youth: Stay Alert
The chief minister cautioned that what he described as “anti-state political forces” would attempt to mislead and provoke young people for their own political gains.
He urged students and youth activists to remain vigilant against:
- Anti-state narratives
- Negative propaganda
- Attempts to destabilize democratic institutions
According to CM Afridi, conspiratorial elements had historically weakened state institutions and democratic norms in pursuit of power.
Criticism of Political Culture
CM Afridi blamed corrupt political elements for promoting what he called a politics of chaos and disorder, saying this had damaged public trust and democratic values.
He said such forces had introduced a harmful political culture that prioritised instability over reform and governance.
Preparedness Until the “Next Call”
Reiterating his earlier stance, the chief minister said the party remained fully prepared at all levels and would continue its constitutional struggle until what he referred to as the “founder’s next call.”
He maintained that discipline, legal boundaries, and public awareness were essential for achieving long-term political objectives.
Critical Analysis: Messaging, Youth, and Constitutional Framing
The KP chief minister’s remarks appear carefully framed to strike a balance between political mobilisation and constitutional compliance.
By repeatedly stressing legality and peaceful protest, the leadership seems keen to:
- Avoid accusations of incitement or anti-state activity
- Retain moral and constitutional legitimacy
- Mobilise youth support without crossing legal red lines
At the same time, the emphasis on “real independence” remains open to interpretation, allowing the narrative to resonate emotionally with supporters while remaining legally defensible.
The warning to youth against propaganda also reflects growing concern over information warfare and political polarisation, particularly among younger demographics active on social media.
The Bigger Picture
As political temperatures rise nationally, the KP CM’s statement signals a strategic attempt to maintain pressure through constitutional means while keeping the support base engaged and mobilised.
Whether this approach succeeds in translating rhetoric into tangible political outcomes remains to be seen.