ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR, OCT 4 (PTI): Pakistan’s main opposition party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has launched a long march towards Islamabad after negotiations with the federal government over party founder Imran Khan ended without an agreement.
The protest convoy began on Sunday from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the leadership of the province’s Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi. The march is expected to travel through several districts of the province before reaching Khairabad on October 8, where the next phase of the movement will be announced. PTI leaders have predicted growing participation along the route, with supporters joining from various districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Addressing supporters at the launch of the march, Afridi declared that his government would continue to follow only the vision and policies of former prime minister Imran Khan. He rejected any possibility of governor’s rule or emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and accused unnamed decision-makers of attempting to impose policies against the interests of the Pashtun people.
Afridi claimed that the province’s PTI government had already presented a clear strategy to restore peace and combat terrorism, arguing that stability could return within 100 days if the federal government implemented the recommendations. He alleged that authorities were more interested in weakening PTI than addressing security challenges and vowed to resist any effort to undermine the party. The march comes after two rounds of negotiations between PTI and government representatives failed to produce a breakthrough. PTI’s main demands included immediate access to jailed party founder Imran Khan, his transfer to a hospital for examination by his personal doctors, improved medical treatment for his wife Bushra Bibi, and the release of supporters and family members detained ahead of the protest.
According to reports, talks stalled over two key issues. The government wanted PTI to cancel the planned protest before discussing access to Khan, while PTI insisted that a meeting with the former prime minister must take place before any decision on calling off the march. Disagreements also emerged over counter-terrorism policies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Federal Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said the negotiations failed largely because the provincial government could not assure the Centre of its full cooperation in operations against terrorism. Opposition leaders involved in the dialogue also acknowledged that differences over security policy and access to Khan remained unresolved.
Imran Khan, 73, has been imprisoned since 2023 and faces more than 100 legal cases, including corruption and charges related to incitement of violence. He is currently held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. PTI has repeatedly raised concerns about his health and legal treatment, while the government has challenged court orders related to his medical examination.
Meanwhile, the federal government has strengthened security around Islamabad, deploying additional personnel and placing shipping containers on major roads leading to the capital. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser Rana Sanaullah stated that protesters would not be allowed to enter Islamabad.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also warned that the government would strictly enforce court orders and held Afridi responsible for any loss of life arising from the ongoing political confrontation.
With negotiations now at a deadlock and both sides maintaining firm positions, Pakistan faces another major political showdown as PTI’s long march advances toward the federal capital.
Monday, October 5, 2026