Imran Khan Supporters Launch PTI Long March Towards Islamabad as PTI-Government Talks Collapse
Thousands of supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have begun a major Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march towards Islamabad, demanding his release and calling for improved medical care while he remains in prison.
The protest march began in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on October 4, with KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi leading the convoy. The development follows the failure of negotiations between the PTI and Pakistan's federal government to reach an agreement.
PTI Long March Begins From Lakki Marwat
The PTI convoy departed from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat, with supporters from several districts joining the movement. The planned route includes several stops across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before the convoy reaches the Khairabad area.
According to the announced schedule, supporters are expected to join the march from districts including Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Peshawar, Charsadda and Mohmand.
The PTI has not publicly announced a final route into Islamabad, while federal authorities have said protesters will not be permitted to enter the capital.
Why Are PTI Supporters Marching for Imran Khan?
The central demand of the protesters is the release of Imran Khan, who has remained imprisoned since 2023 while facing multiple legal cases.
PTI leaders have repeatedly argued that Khan's imprisonment is politically motivated. Khan and his party have rejected the allegations against him and maintain that the legal cases are being used against him for political reasons.
The current march also focuses on Imran Khan's access to medical treatment, family members and party leaders.
Imran Khan Health Concerns Raise Political Tensions
Concern about Imran Khan's health has become another major issue surrounding the PTI protest.
His family and party have raised concerns about his eyesight and other health issues and have demanded that he receive appropriate medical examinations and treatment.
The government has previously said that Khan was medically fit following medical examinations. PTI, however, has continued to demand access to independent medical care and greater access to Khan for his family and political representatives.
These competing claims have become an important part of the ongoing political dispute.
PTI-Government Negotiations End Without Agreement
The long march was initially postponed to allow negotiations between the PTI and the federal government.
However, several rounds of talks failed to produce a final agreement.
PTI said its demands included access to Imran Khan so that party leaders could consult him on political and national matters, along with medical treatment and other issues concerning imprisoned party workers.
The government, meanwhile, accused KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of undermining the negotiations. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the provincial government had backed away from commitments relating to counterterrorism cooperation.
Islamabad Security Tightened Ahead of PTI March
The federal government has increased security around Islamabad as the PTI convoy moves through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities have placed shipping containers and barricades on important roads leading toward the capital, while additional security personnel have been deployed.
Government officials have warned that protesters will not be allowed to enter Islamabad, increasing concerns about a possible confrontation if the march reaches the capital's major entry points.
Sohail Afridi Leads PTI Mobilisation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading the PTI mobilisation.
Afridi has called on supporters to participate in the political process and has defended the right to peaceful political protest. He has also rejected suggestions that the provincial government would abandon the PTI's political demands.
The convoy is expected to gather additional supporters as it travels through different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Imran Khan's Political Influence Remains Significant
Despite being behind bars, Imran Khan continues to have a major influence on Pakistani politics.
The former Pakistan cricket captain became prime minister in 2018 and remained in office until 2022. His removal from government was followed by a prolonged political confrontation between his supporters, the PTI and state institutions.
His arrest in May 2023 triggered widespread protests across Pakistan. Some demonstrations became violent, resulting in deaths, arrests and damage to government and military-related properties.
The events led to a major crackdown against PTI activists and leaders.
Previous Protests Raised Fears of Fresh Violence
The government is particularly concerned about the possibility of renewed violence because previous PTI demonstrations resulted in serious clashes.
Following Imran Khan's arrest in May 2023, protesters attacked several sensitive locations, including the residence of a senior military commander in Lahore.
At least eight people were reported killed during the unrest, while authorities deployed the military to assist in controlling the situation.
Both sides are now facing pressure to prevent the current PTI long march from developing into another major confrontation.
What Happens Next?
The PTI convoy is expected to continue moving through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the coming days.
Sohail Afridi has indicated that the party's next major decision will be announced after the convoy reaches Khairabad, where supporters from across the province are expected to gather.
The federal government, meanwhile, has maintained that the protesters will not be allowed to enter Islamabad.
With negotiations now stalled and thousands of PTI supporters on the roads, the Imran Khan release campaign, PTI long march and Pakistan's political standoff are likely to remain major national issues in the coming days.
