Thousands of Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) supporters are advancing a multi‑day “long march” through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), stopping for the night in Kohat before moving on to Peshawar and ultimately Islamabad. The convoy, which began on Oct. 4 from Lakki Marwat, is intended to pressure the government to release former prime minister Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated on multiple corruption cases.
Background and Objectives
Imran Khan, ousted in a 2022 parliamentary vote of no‑confidence, has faced a series of legal challenges that his supporters label politically motivated. PTI, the party he founded, has mobilised a nationwide protest after his recent arrest sparked widespread unrest. The long‑march, announced by PTI opposition chief Sohail Afridi, is framed as a test of the federal government’s resolve and a demand for Khan’s immediate release.
Progress of the March
According to Dawn, the KP chief minister’s convoy, which is part of the PTI march, halted in Kohat on Tuesday night after an overnight stay in Karak, and is scheduled to reach Peshawar the following day. The march originally set out from Lakki Marwat, covering roughly 275 km to the capital, a distance confirmed by multiple outlets including News18 and Bhaskar English, which reported that around 2,000 demonstrators are taking part.
The route has seen a steady flow of participants, with local reports indicating that the convoy has passed through the districts of Lakki Marwat, Karak and Kohat without major incidents. Asia News Network highlighted Afridi’s launch of the march in Karak, while a YouTube video of his second‑day speech captured a fiery appeal to “continue the struggle until Imran Khan is free.”
"We will not stop until Imran Khan is released," Afridi told the crowd, according to a video posted on YouTube.
Government Response and Security Measures
The federal government has responded with a series of security measures. Islamabad remains under a lockdown, with access to the government district restricted, as reported by The Guardian and Arab News PK. Officials have warned of “mass arrests” of march participants, a threat echoed by The Australian, which noted that the army is conducting a “major operation” to curb the protest’s momentum.
In a parallel development, the KP provincial administration is reportedly considering the imposition of emergency rule, a claim made by India Today. Traders in Rawalpindi have expressed concern over potential road closures, fearing disruptions to commerce as the convoy approaches the capital, a sentiment captured by Dawn.
Public Reaction and Counter‑Protests
While PTI supporters continue the march, there have been demonstrations against it. app.com.pk reported small protest gatherings calling for the march to be halted, citing concerns over public order. Simultaneously, local businesses in towns along the route have voiced anxiety about traffic snarls and supply chain interruptions.
Security forces have been deployed along the march’s path, and the army’s “major operation” has been described by Aaj News as a coordinated effort to monitor and, if necessary, contain the protesters. The government’s stance appears aimed at preventing the march from reaching the capital’s core, while also signalling that any attempt to breach the restricted zone will be met with force.
Implications for Pakistan’s Political Landscape
The long‑march represents a critical flashpoint in Pakistan’s volatile political climate. If the convoy reaches Islamabad, it could force the government into a direct confrontation with PTI, potentially escalating into broader civil unrest. Conversely, a decisive security crackdown may deter further large‑scale protests but could also deepen public grievances against the ruling coalition.
Analysts note that the march serves both as a mobilising tool for PTI and as a barometer of the state’s willingness to tolerate dissent. As the convoy moves toward Peshawar, the coming days will likely determine whether the protest remains a peaceful demonstration or triggers a more serious security confrontation in the nation’s capital.
