Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Iqbal Afridi has warned that the party could halt supplies to Tarbela and Warsak dams if more roads are blocked amid growing tensions ahead of the party’s planned protest in Islamabad.
In a post on X, Afridi said, “If more roads are closed, we will stop the supply of Tarbela Dam and Warsak Dam,” without specifying what type of supply he was referring to.
Afridi is a PTI National Assembly member from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His remarks come as tensions between PTI and the government have increased ahead of the party’s planned September 27 protest in Islamabad.
The development also follows a firing incident in Malakand involving the security guards of PTI MPA Shakeel Khan, in which two Levies personnel were injured. An FIR has been registered against Shakeel Khan and others, while legal proceedings have been initiated.
According to reports, videos purportedly showing members of Khan’s security detail opening fire at Levies personnel have also surfaced. Authorities have said strict action would be taken against those found responsible. The allegations remain subject to investigation and have not been established in court.
The incident has added to political tensions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as PTI prepares for its Islamabad mobilisation.
PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Junaid Akbar has said party supporters will approach Islamabad through multiple routes, including the motorway, Grand Trunk Road and areas around the Margalla Hills. He also said the party would “turn Islamabad into Somnath” while addressing supporters ahead of the September 27 protest.
The remarks have drawn criticism from government figures. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad represented the federation and questioned the language being used ahead of the protest.
Authorities have meanwhile increased preparations around routes leading to the federal capital, while legal proceedings in the Malakand firing case remain underway.
PTI leaders have continued to defend their planned mobilisation, while government officials have warned that action will be taken against any activity considered unlawful or threatening public safety.