Junaid Akbar Khan, the newly appointed president of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has threatened the federal government, vowing to block all roads leading to Punjab and launch a long march on Islamabad in protest.

Speaking on Geo News’ program ‘Capital Talk,’ Akbar stated that he believes the government misinterpreted the party’s willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness. When asked if the appointment to the presidency signaled an end to negotiations and a shift to street protests, Akbar responded affirmatively.

He recounted harsh treatment during previous imprisonment, alleging that he was subjected to poor conditions, including inadequate bedding and frequent photographing. He highlighted the significant efforts of the former Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, within the party.

Akbar also revealed plans to involve MNAs in an upcoming rally in Swabi on February 8. He discussed the selection process for the Provincial Assembly Committee (PAC), mentioning the government’s initial objections to Sheikh Waqas’s nomination before ultimately accepting his own.

The PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president announced upcoming changes within the provincial cabinet, suggesting some members would be replaced and a restructuring of the party’s organization, bringing “hardliners” to the forefront. He indicated a sidelining of what he termed the “homeopathic leadership” within the PTI. He further stated that future actions would be taken without prior notice, unlike previous instances.

Regarding the planned protests, Akbar outlined several options, including district-level protests on February 8, a march on Islamabad’s D-Chowk, and the potential closure of major highways in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He cited a message from Imran Khan urging the party to think beyond the current government and Prime Minister. Akbar dismissed any personal ambition for the premiership.

Akbar asserted that neither the women nor the workers of the PTI could be broken, claiming that those who left the party did so at the behest of others. He alleged that the government is attempting to create a faction within the PTI and is aware of the individuals involved and their financial dealings.

He acknowledged past mistakes, attributing the departure of 20-22 party members to the party’s behavior and excessive interference from institutions during their time in government. He expressed confidence that Imran Khan would be released from prison by 2025.

It is noteworthy that Imran Khan recently removed Ali Amin Gandapur as the provincial president and appointed Junaid Akbar Khan in his place.