Thousands of supporters of Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan are marching toward the capital Islamabad to demand his release following a breakdown in negotiations between the government and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The protest began on Sunday in Lakki Marwat, a city 275 kilometers away from Islamabad, with about 5,000 people taking to the streets carrying the party’s red-and-green flags. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the march, stating the party would “not accept” any policy against the interests of the people of KP.
Did You Know? Imran Khan, the 73-year-old cricket star-turned-politician who served as Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail since 2023 and faces charges in more than 100 cases.
Government talks collapse after provincial officials backtrack
The demonstration was originally scheduled for September 27 but was postponed to October 4 to allow for talks between federal authorities and the PTI leadership. Two rounds of weekend negotiations ultimately ended in a deadlock.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi disputed the account and accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of sabotaging negotiations by backing out of counter-terrorism commitments. Naqvi said the two sides had agreed on 99 per cent of a draft that was changed four times over 12 hours, but the provincial government later vetoed the agreements. He noted that the government sought to separate political dialogue from terrorism efforts, which included the National Action Plan, the Police Act, kidnappings, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, and former Fata. Naqvi added he had asked Barrister Gohar for Afridi or a representative to attend the talks because the issues were coming from the K-P government.
Despite the collapse of the talks, Afridi launched the long march from Gandi Chowk on Sunday, with convoys entering Karak district by late evening. Afridi reached Lakki Marwat via helicopter and addressed supporters at a roundabout on the border of the Bannu and Karak districts before the convoy reached Hamidan Chowk. He claimed that if his policy were implemented, peace would be restored within 100 days.
Authorities block capital access routes with shipping containers
Authorities in Islamabad have stacked shipping containers to block key access routes to the capital and deployed heavy security around highways and Parliament. Federal officials have vowed to prevent any violent gatherings from entering the city center. Interior Minister Naqvi stated that the government aims to ensure that repeated episodes of disturbances in Islamabad come to an end.
The security buildup follows a history of unrest surrounding Khan’s detention, including violent protests in May 2023 that resulted in at least eight deaths and required the army to restore order. The central government has maintained a firm stance against the current mobilization, while PTI leaders assert that the movement will continue toward the capital.
Family raises health concerns regarding prison detention
The campaign for Khan’s release has gained urgency due to growing family concerns regarding his health in prison. Relatives claim he has lost most of the vision in his right eye after prison authorities failed to take action. Although Khan was briefly transferred to a state-run hospital in August where doctors deemed him medically fit, his supporters and family criticized authorities for defying a court order to use a specific private hospital.
Khan was jailed for 17 years over corruption last year, which he maintains are politically motivated. His wife, Bushra Bibi, was also imprisoned last year in connection with the Toshakhana case, while his sister Aleema Khanum was arrested on September 20 in Lahore for allegedly mobilising people to create law-and-order situations against the government.
March Logistics and Timeline
Supporters from Lakki Marwat, Bannu, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, and Tank joined the march from Gandhi Chowk. The convoy is scheduled to move through Kohat, Karak, and Peshawar. Participants from Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, and Kohat are expected to join on 6 October, followed by Peshawar supporters on 7 October and those from Mohmand and Charsadda on 8 October. Afridi expects the march to reach Khairabad, 80 kilometers west of Islamabad, by Thursday.
Political adviser Rana Sanaullah stated that protesters would not be allowed to enter Islamabad, though a 35-year-old participant named Zakir, who traveled from Sindh, argued the government of Shehbaz Sharif has failed on law and order, inflation, and employment. PTI leaders maintain the march will reach the capital regardless of the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the talks between the government and the PTI fail?
The negotiations broke down while interior ministry officials accused provincial leadership of backtracking on counter-terrorism commitments.
How many people are participating in the march?
Initial reports indicated that approximately 5,000 people took to the streets when the demonstration began in Lakki Marwat on Sunday, with convoys continuing to pick up supporters across districts.
What specific prison sentences does Imran Khan face?
Imran Khan has been sentenced in three cases, receiving a 14-year sentence in the Al-Qadir Trust case, a 10-year sentence in the leaked documents case, and a three-year sentence in the Toshakhana case.
How will the federal government’s deployment of shipping containers and security forces impact the trajectory of the long march as it approaches Islamabad?