Sohail Afridi Launches PTI Long March From Lakki Marwat

LAKKI MARWAT, October 4, 2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched PTI's long march toward Islamabad from Lakki Marwat on Sunday after government-opposition talks failed to produce an agreement, bringing thousands of supporters onto the road to demand the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.

Afridi reached Lakki Marwat by helicopter and addressed supporters at Gandi Chowk on the Indus Highway. He said the provincial government would not accept policies it considered contrary to the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and declared that PTI members were not “yes-men,” according to Dawn's report from the march.

Associated Press estimated that more than 5,000 supporters set off in a convoy of trucks, buses and cars. The march is expected to take several days as groups from other parts of the province join along the route.

PTI says the campaign seeks Khan's release and action on a wider set of political demands. Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 in cases he and his party describe as politically motivated. The government rejects that characterisation and says legal proceedings are matters for the courts.

Talks End Before Convoy Departs

The march began after negotiations aimed at lowering political tensions ended in deadlock. Afridi said PTI's negotiating committee had travelled to Islamabad in an effort to reduce tensions but alleged that decision-makers outside the formal process undermined the talks.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi offered the opposite account, accusing Afridi of rejecting a draft that government and opposition negotiators had substantially agreed. Afridi later published a seven-point proposal dealing with political dialogue, prisoner rights and federal-provincial security coordination.

Addressing the crowd, the chief minister criticised the handling of terrorism in KP and questioned reliance on military operations. He claimed his preferred policy could restore peace within 100 days, but did not provide a detailed operational plan at the rally.

Pakistan has faced a sharp increase in militant attacks, particularly in KP and Balochistan. The federal government says strong implementation of counterterrorism policy is essential, while the provincial leadership argues it must be consulted on decisions affecting its territory and residents.

Helicopter Use Draws Criticism

Afridi's use of a provincial government helicopter prompted criticism from Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Naqvi. They said using state resources for a political march could violate an Islamabad High Court direction that government machinery should not facilitate the protest.

Afridi did not immediately provide a detailed response to the allegation. The criticism concerns the use of public resources and does not by itself establish that contempt of court occurred; that would require a judicial determination.

Security was tight around Gandi Chowk, where police, armoured vehicles and bomb-disposal teams were deployed. Authorities have imposed restrictions under Section 144 in several districts, citing threats to public order and security.

Former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur led a separate convoy from Dera Ismail Khan but turned back near Yarik after encountering road closures and security restrictions. He told supporters the decision was intended to avoid exposing them to danger and urged party workers not to clash with law-enforcement personnel or damage property.

Afridi said Karak would be the convoy's first major stop. PTI supporters from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, North and South Waziristan, Bannu, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai were expected to join at different stages. The party had not publicly disclosed its final approach into Islamabad.

Federal authorities have warned that they will not permit protesters to force their way into the capital. PTI says it intends to exercise its constitutional right to peaceful protest.

The march was originally planned for September 27 before being moved to October 4. Its progress will test whether PTI can sustain a multi-day mobilisation while avoiding confrontation, and whether the negotiating channel can reopen before the convoy reaches the federal capital.