Afridi-led convoy enters Peshawar as PTI long march continues for 5th day

On Thursday evening, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi led a convoy of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that entered the city of Peshawar. The long march, initiated to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan, has experienced several alterations in its route. Although the party had initially intended to march towards Islamabad, the final destination remains uncertain, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi has not yet disclosed the plan for the trek after October 8.

The PTI’s official X account announced that Afridi's convoy reached Hayatabad Toll Plaza in Peshawar shortly after 6 PM, accompanied by pictures of hundreds of supporters eagerly welcoming the KP CM. The party claims that this caravan would become the largest long march in Pakistan's history once it reaches Swabi. As the protesters approached Peshawar, there were unreported disruptions in mobile and cellular internet services in various parts of the provincial capital.

The PTI’s march commenced from Lakki Marwat on October 4, proceeded to Kohat on the second day, and camped in Mattani, located on the outskirts of Peshawar, on October 6. It then reached Khyber on October 7. The central government had warned the party against any protests or gatherings in Islamabad. However, after failing to reach an agreement with the federal government, PTI decided to embark on the march.

The march was part of the PTI's nationwide protest, which was initially planned for September 27 but postponed to October 4. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan emphasized the need to review counterterrorism policy in the light of changing circumstances. Gohar expressed concern over the alleged disappearances of KP Public Health Engineering Minister Fazal Shakoor and MNA Fazal Mohammad Khan, urging the authorities to ensure their safe recovery.

He warned that such enforced disappearances could potentially occur in other provinces if the rule of law is not upheld. Gohar rejected the idea of imposing governor's rule or emergency, as some federal ministers have suggested, citing terrorism. The PTI emphasized that political issues should be resolved through constitutional and democratic means and called for respect for the public mandate and elected governments.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan also defended CM Afridi, refuting claims that he supported terrorism and criticized attempts by some federal ministers to portray the PTI as a supporter of terrorism. He expressed hope for a constructive role from JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and thanked JUI-F, Awami National Party, and Jamaat-i-Islami for opposing the imposition of governor's rule.

The PTI long march will continue as per the decided schedule, with gatherings planned in Mardan on October 10 and Swabi on October 11, after which the future course of action will be decided by the party leadership.