Physical Address
Islamabad, Pakistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has launched the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) long march towards Islamabad, with the convoy setting off from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on Sunday. The march is being held to demand the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
Addressing thousands of supporters, Afridi said the PTI would not accept policies that went against the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its people. He declared that the party was not made up of “yes-men” and said PTI workers would continue following Imran Khan’s political vision.
The chief minister also criticised the government’s approach to terrorism and questioned policies involving military operations in the province. He claimed that the province had experienced greater peace during Imran Khan’s government and promised that his administration could restore peace if its proposed policies were implemented.
Convoy Enters Karak
After leaving Gandi Chowk, the PTI convoy travelled towards Karak. By late Sunday night, the convoy led by Afridi had entered Karak district and reached Hamidan Chowk. PTI supporters were expected to spend the night in the Karak area before continuing their journey towards Kohat and other parts of KP.
The planned route includes stops near Karak, Kohat, Mattani and Charsadda Interchange before the march reaches Khairabad. According to the schedule announced by the KP chief minister, supporters from several districts are expected to join the convoy along the way.
Government Raises Objections
The long march has gone ahead despite warnings from the federal government that violent gatherings would not be allowed to enter Islamabad. Federal ministers have also raised concerns over the use of government resources for the political activity.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised Afridi for reportedly travelling to Lakki Marwat in a state helicopter, calling it a violation of an Islamabad High Court order concerning the use of government machinery for political gatherings. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also questioned the use of state resources.
Gandapur Convoy Turns Back
A separate convoy led by former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur had set out from Dera Ismail Khan to join the march. However, the convoy later returned from Yarik after facing road blockades and amid concerns over the prevailing law-and-order situation.
Gandapur told supporters that the decision was temporary and aimed at protecting workers from unnecessary risks. He also urged participants to remain peaceful, avoid confrontation with law-enforcement personnel and refrain from damaging public or private property.
What Comes Next?
The PTI says its long march will continue through different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before reaching the federal capital. The party has maintained that the protest is focused on demanding Imran Khan’s release, while the federal government has warned that protesters will not be permitted to enter Islamabad.
With the convoy now moving beyond Lakki Marwat and into Karak, the march is expected to remain a major political development in Pakistan over the coming days. The situation will depend heavily on negotiations, security conditions and how the federal and provincial authorities respond as the convoy moves closer to Islamabad.
