PTI launches long march toward Islamabad after talks collapse

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) launched a long march toward Islamabad from Lakki Marwat on Sunday, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, after talks with the federal government ended in deadlock. Protesters demand the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan and access to medical treatment.

Why is the PTI marching toward Islamabad?

The PTI is marching to press seven demands set out by Afridi, including political dialogue and full legal, medical and visitation rights for Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi. Protesters also seek Khan's release. Afridi said the PTI would call off the march if the government gave written assurances.

What are the PTI's demands?

Before setting off, Afridi presented the list of demands. He called for dialogue involving the prime minister, opposition leaders and a joint political committee to address political, constitutional and democratic issues. He also urged courts to expedite pending appeals and consider releasing elderly and women political prisoners on humanitarian grounds.

Another demand called for greater coordination between the federal and provincial governments to tackle militancy and restore lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party would retain its right to peaceful and lawful protest if the government failed to honor its commitments or delayed the dialogue process, he said.

How will the PTI march reach Islamabad?

Afridi, accompanied by other PTI leaders, led the march from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat. Workers from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat are joining the first phase. The convoy is scheduled to camp near Karak on Oct. 4 and pass through Kohat on Oct. 5.

It is due to reach Peshawar on Oct. 6, where participants will stay near Mattani. On Oct. 7, workers from Khyber and other parts of Peshawar will join before the convoy moves toward Charsadda. The march is scheduled to leave Charsadda Interchange on Oct. 8, with workers from Charsadda and Mohmand joining along the route.

Afridi said PTI workers from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would gather that evening at Khairabad, near Attock district in Punjab. The party will announce its next course of action there. The PTI expects the march to take a week or more to reach Islamabad, depending on how many districts the convoy passes through.

Speaking to Nukta, KP Information Minister Shafi Jan said the party planned to pass through as many districts as possible. He said the process could take more than a week before the march reaches Nowshera or Swabi. The party would then decide on the next phase toward Islamabad.

What has the federal government said about the march?

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI and Afridi of using government machinery for the march. He said the move violated Islamabad and Peshawar High Court rulings that bar political parties from using state resources for protests or political marches.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said PTI marchers would not be allowed to enter Islamabad and would be restricted to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He held Afridi responsible for any escalation and said the chief minister would be accountable for any loss of life.

As the march began, Naqvi traveled to Peshawar and met KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to discuss the government's response. The discussions covered possible measures such as blocking key routes connecting KP with Punjab and Islamabad, and the possible imposition of governor's rule or an emergency in the province.

Authorities have also imposed partial movement restrictions under Section 144 along several routes in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Waziristan and Hangu. They cited the prevailing law and order situation.

Why did talks between the PTI and the government collapse?

Naqvi had earlier blamed Afridi for the collapse of negotiations between the PTI and the federal government. He said several rounds of talks had brought the sides close to an agreement. The PTI changed its position after Afridi was contacted, he said, which led to the breakdown.