Long march: PTI's convoy departs from DI Khan

On Sunday, PTI workers and supporters, led by former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, embarked on a long march from Dera Ismail Khan in pursuit of the release of jailed party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The caravan, currently led by incumbent KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, has not yet commenced its journey from Lakki Marwat.

Gandapur emphasized that the protest should remain peaceful and urged participants to uphold discipline, refrain from violence, vandalism, and confrontations with law enforcement. He reiterated the party's policy of "live and let live," instructing workers not to resort to illegal actions.

Gandapur described the march as a continuation of the party's political struggle, reaffirming its commitment to Imran. The convoy, he stated, would traverse Yarik and Pezu before arriving at Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat. Strict security measures, including a robust police presence and armoured personnel carriers, were in place near Serai Naurang in Gandi Chowk.

PTI workers from various districts, including Bannu, DI Khan, Tank, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan, gathered at Gandi Chowk on Sunday afternoon to participate in the long march. Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs, Tariq Saad, announced that PTI supporters from southern districts would join the march en route to Peshawar. If workers from Tank and Waziristan were unable to attend due to curfew or other restrictions, they would join the movement the following day.

Federal ministers have warned that the Centre may impose governor’s rule or declare emergency in KP due to security concerns and the protest call, while PTI has threatened dire consequences if such a step were taken. After weekend discussions, Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, warned that protesters would not be permitted to enter Islamabad.

The march plan outlined by the KP Chief Minister involves several stops, with the caravan eventually reaching Peshawar on October 7, where participants from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai would join the convoy.