Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Saturday said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had begun full preparations for a street movement on the instructions of the party’s founder Imran Khan, stressing that lawyers would play a decisive role in the campaign.

Addressing members of the Lahore High Court Bar Association and the Insaf Student Federation in separate speeches, CM Afridi said the party would make every effort to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, adding that protests would remain within constitutional bounds.

He alleged that PTI workers were being picked up illegally, but said the party would not be intimidated.

Referring to the political situation in Punjab, CM Afridi accused what he described as an “illegitimate government” of intensifying repression and ignoring court orders.

He claimed that repeated constitutional amendments had weakened the Constitution and said judicial directives were being disregarded, alleging that the PTI founder had not been allowed to meet visitors despite clear orders from three judges.

CM Afridi said judges themselves had noted interference in judicial affairs in their rulings, and called on lawyers to stand up for judicial independence.

The chief minister urged lawyers and the Insaf Student Federation to play an active role in preparations for the movement, saying the PTI would confront pressure while staying within the law.

Separately addressing the gathering, National Assembly member Shahid Khattak also spoke to lawyers.

Lahore High Court Bar Association President Asif Ali Naswana condemned what he described as mistreatment of the chief guest, praising lawyers for what he termed a strong reception.

He also recalled that the KP government had provided financial assistance to the bar during difficult times.