PTI Protest March To Start From Lakki Marwat Amid Deadlock

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf is set to begin its protest march from Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa today after talks between the federal government and the opposition failed to produce a breakthrough. The march is linked to the party’s demand for the release of its jailed founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, while the federal government has warned that protesters will not be allowed to enter Islamabad.

The planned protest has become the latest flashpoint between PTI and the Centre. The party had earlier announced a long march to Islamabad for September 27, but later postponed it to October 4. Federal ministers have warned of possible governor’s rule or emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing the province’s security situation and the protest call, while PTI has warned against any such move.

PTI workers have started gathering at Gandi Chowk on the Peshawar-Karachi Highway near Serai Naurang, where party flags and banners have been displayed. Drummers have also been arranged at the venue as supporters prepare for the start of the march.

Security arrangements have been tightened in the area, with a heavy police presence deployed at the venue. Armoured personnel carriers and Bomb Disposal Squad personnel have also been placed on duty as authorities prepare for the movement of party workers and convoys.

Tariq Saad, special assistant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister for Home and Tribal Affairs, told journalists that the march would begin from Gandi Chowk in line with the party leadership’s decision. He said convoys from the southern districts would join the protest, including workers from Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan.

Saad said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was expected to arrive at Gandi Chowk to lead the march. He said the protest remained on schedule despite the deadlock in talks between PTI and the federal government, adding that negotiations were still continuing and that the party considered its demands legitimate.

The PTI official said the march was not intended as an offensive against anyone, describing it as an exercise of the party’s constitutional and democratic right. He also demanded that cases against Imran Khan be heard, that he be provided medical treatment and other lawful rights, and that his sisters be released immediately.

Separate security arrangements were reviewed in Karak, where District Police Officer Imran Khan chaired a meeting on the chief minister’s visit and convoy movement. Police officers were directed to ensure security at key points, while traffic wardens were deployed to manage movement and reduce disruption for the public.

According to the march plan shared by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, supporters from multiple southern districts are expected to join the convoy in stages. The caravan is scheduled to halt near Karak, then move through Kohat and Peshawar before reaching Khairabad, where the next phase is expected to be announced.