Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, leading the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, launched the first phase of the protest from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4, 2026. The convoy later entered Karak district.
According to the announced schedule, the convoy will depart from Charsadda Interchange on October 8 and move towards Khairabad. The next phase of the march towards Islamabad will be announced there.
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What Is the Purpose of the PTI Long March?
The main purpose of the PTI long march is to demand the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. The party has also raised concerns about meetings with him and his medical treatment.
PTI’s demands include allowing party leaders and family members to meet Imran Khan, providing him with appropriate medical care, and addressing concerns regarding his health. PTI has also demanded medical evaluation and treatment according to its stated requirements.
Failed Talks Between PTI and the Government
The first formal round of talks between the PTI and the government was held on October 2, 2026, in National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s chamber in Islamabad.
During the talks, the PTI raised demands related to Imran Khan’s release, meetings with him and his medical treatment. The government, meanwhile, wanted the PTI to call off its planned October 4 long march as part of the process.
The second round of talks was held on October 3, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement. The talks ultimately collapsed as the PTI proceeded with its long march.
PTI, Government and PPP Delegations
The following members participated in the negotiations between the PTI, government and Pakistan Peoples Party:
| Side | Delegation Members |
|---|---|
| Government Delegation | Mohsin Naqvi, Rana Sanaullah, Talal Chaudhry, Amir Muqam, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry |
| Pakistan Peoples Party | Sherry Rehman, Syed Naveed Qamar, Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani |
| PTI / Opposition Delegation | Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Amir Dogar, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas |
Second Round of Talks Between PTI and Government
Following the first round of talks on October 2, the PTI and government delegations held a second round on October 3 in the Speaker’s Chamber.
The two sides held several hours of discussions, but they failed to reach an agreement on the key issues. The talks eventually collapsed, and the PTI proceeded with its long march on October 4. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi later accused CM Sohail Afridi of sabotaging the negotiations.
Reason Behind the Disagreement Between PTI and Government
A major disagreement between the two sides was the government’s demand that the PTI call off its long march.
On the other hand, the PTI continued to raise concerns about Imran Khan’s health, medical treatment and access to him. PTI maintained that meetings and appropriate medical care were among its key demands.
The government said that medical treatment was being provided to Imran Khan, while the PTI insisted that its concerns regarding his health should be addressed. The disagreement over whether to cancel the march remained one of the major obstacles in the negotiations.
Ali Amin Gandapur and Section 144
A convoy from Dera Ismail Khan joined the PTI’s long march under the leadership of former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
According to reports, restrictions, including Section 144 in parts of the region, affected movement on roads. Gandapur had earlier urged participants to keep the protest peaceful and avoid violence, vandalism and confrontation with law-enforcement personnel.
PTI Long March Schedule
The first phase of the PTI long march began from Lakki Marwat on October 4. The announced route includes Karak, Kohat, Peshawar and Charsadda before the participants gather at Khairabad in Nowshera. The final route towards Islamabad is expected to be announced after the Khairabad gathering.
| Date | Departure / Main Location | Areas Joining the March | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 4 | Gandi Chowk, Lakki Marwat | Tank, D.I. Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat | Near Karak |
| October 5 | Karak, 12:30 PM | Karak workers | Near Kohat |
| October 6 | Kohat | Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai | Near Matni, Peshawar |
| October 7 | Budh Bair, Peshawar, 12:30 PM | Peshawar and Khyber district | Near Charsadda Interchange |
| October 8 | Charsadda Interchange, 12:30 PM | Charsadda and Mohmand | Khairabad, Nowshera |
The next phase of the march towards Islamabad will be announced at Khairabad.
CM Sohail Afridi Addresses Participants in Lakki Marwat
Speaking to participants in Lakki Marwat, CM Sohail Afridi urged people to come out of their homes and support the PTI’s struggle.
He said Imran Khan and his family members were in prison and called on the public to demonstrate their support for the PTI. Afridi also said that the party would not accept any policy that was against the interests of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He described the PTI as a political force and said the party would continue to pursue its political position.
Government Helicopter and Attaullah Tarar’s Comment
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi travelled to Lakki Marwat by helicopter to lead the PTI long march.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised Afridi for using a state helicopter for a political march. Tarar described the use of government resources for a political gathering as a violation of the Islamabad High Court’s directions concerning the use of state resources and machinery for protests or gatherings.
He also criticised the provincial government over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Peaceful PTI Long March
The PTI has described its long march as peaceful, constitutional and within the law.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the party would prevent a repeat of the May 9 events. PTI leaders have also urged participants to remain peaceful and avoid violence, vandalism and confrontation with law-enforcement personnel.
10 Key Demands Linked to CM Sohail Afridi’s Long March
1. Provincial Security
The PTI says decisions concerning the security of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be made without considering the safety, interests and views of the provincial government and people.
2. End to Terrorism
The party calls for an effective strategy to counter terrorism in the province while taking the security situation and local circumstances of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into account.
3. Protection of the Public
The safety and security of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain an important concern. The PTI wants public protection to remain a priority in security policies.
4. Military Operations
The PTI has stressed that the provincial government and local population should be taken into confidence before major military operations or significant security actions are undertaken.
5. Consultation with the Federal Government
The PTI maintains that the federal government should consult the provincial government on major decisions concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
6. Law and Order
The party argues that lasting peace in the province requires cooperation between the federal and provincial governments rather than unilateral decisions.
7. Political Rights
The PTI has also highlighted the protection of political rights and democratic processes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
8. Constitutional Supremacy
The provincial government’s position is that major decisions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and across Pakistan should be taken in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
9. Provincial Resources
The PTI opposes decisions concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources and financial rights that it believes could harm the province’s interests.
10. Importance of Public Opinion
According to CM Sohail Afridi’s position, the views of the people and the elected provincial government should be considered when making important decisions about the future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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