The PTI long march began in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as thousands of supporters moved toward
Islamabad demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.The march started from
Lakki Marwat on Sunday and is being led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Afridi encouraged young people and other supporters to join the movement while continuing
their journey toward the federal capital.The protest followed the failure of negotiations between
PTI and the federal government over the party’s political demands.

The march was originally planned for September 27 but was postponed after the government
offered negotiations with PTI.The discussions later ended without agreement as both sides
remained divided over political and security-related issues.

PTI has demanded Imran Khan’s release and has continued raising concerns about his
treatment and access while he remains imprisoned.The political conflict between Khan’s party
and Pakistan’s leadership has continued since his government was removed through parliament
in 2022.Tensions increased after Khan’s arrest in 2023 led to violent protests and a major
government crackdown against his supporters.

Khan has described himself as a political prisoner while the government and military reject that
description and support the judicial process.The federal government has warned that protesters
will not be allowed to enter Islamabad during the planned demonstration.Interior Minister Mohsin
Naqvi said authorities would take action to prevent disruption and protect normal business
activities across the capital.The government also said negotiations broke down partly because
the PTI disagreed with its proposed counterterrorism policy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

PTI rejected the government’s explanation and said authorities were trying to pressure the party
into accepting unwanted conditions.Security has been increased around Islamabad with police
and paramilitary personnel deployed at important locations before the protesters reach the
capital.Shipping containers have also been placed around sensitive government areas to restrict
access and reduce the possibility of disorder.The march reached Kohat on October 5 before
continuing toward Peshawar as PTI supporters maintained their planned route toward
Islamabad.The latest development has increased political pressure on both sides while
concerns remain about security and possible disruptions in Islamabad.

Source: Research

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