PTI begins long march from Lakki Marwat towards Islamabad

On Sunday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) kicked off the inaugural segment of its prolonged march towards Islamabad, originating from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi spearheaded the demonstration, despite persistent cautions from the national government. The federal administration had asserted that the procession would not be permitted to enter Islamabad.

Afridi disclosed on X that caravans from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat would converge at Gandi Chowk prior to proceeding to Karak, where attendees would rest for the night. According to Afridi's timetable, individuals from Karak would join the gathering on October 5, proceeding towards Kohat.

On October 6, members from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai would join the procession, which would then advance towards Peshawar and halt near Matni for the night. The caravan would depart from Budh Bair in Peshawar on October 7, with Khyber district participants joining there. Additional constituents from Peshawar were slated to converge at Kohat Road Bridge and the motorway toll plaza before the caravan embarked on its journey towards Charsadda.

On October 8, the demonstration would recommence from Charsadda Interchange, where Peshawar and Mohmand participants would join. Afridi indicated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residents would gather at Khairabad that day, where the plan for the subsequent phase would be unveiled.

CM Afridi delineated PTI's requests during new talks. These comprise safeguarding legal, human, and medical rights for PTI founder Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi, along with allowing them to communicate with family, lawyers, and companions. PTI also demanded a swift examination of legal petitions for all inmates of the party, particularly women, elderly, and ailing detainees like Yasmin Rashid and Bushra Bibi.

Furthermore, they sought a productive federal-provincial dialogue on terrorism in KP and a cohesive security blueprint. Afridi asserted that terrorism had been forced upon Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and disparaged what he termed as the federal government's ineffective policies. He also criticized military campaigns and drone assaults, stating that civilians in the province had been slain.

Afridi remarked that PTI was Pakistan's biggest and most adored political party, and the Constitution guaranteed the right to peaceful protest. He declared that the march would persist until the supremacy of the Constitution and law and the reestablishment of an autonomous judiciary. Afridi also declared that the party's demands were in line with the Constitution and law, while criticizing what he characterized as the denial of legal rights to Imran Khan, his family, and party members.

PTI had originally scheduled the march for September 27 but later rescheduled it to October 4. The party and government had also held discussions regarding the political scenario, but the negotiations proved fruitless before the march commenced.