ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has begun moving ahead with a planned five-day march toward Islamabad after overnight negotiations with the government ended without an agreement.
The march, led by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is scheduled to begin from Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, October 4. The protesters are demanding Khan’s release and better access to him while he remains in prison.
Talks End After 11 Hours
Government and opposition representatives held their second round of negotiations at Pakistan’s Parliament House on Saturday.
The talks lasted about 11 hours before ending in the early hours of Sunday without a breakthrough. Key disagreements reportedly included access to Imran Khan, including meetings with his personal doctors, as well as differences over how security and militancy should be addressed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PTI Chairman Gohar Khan said the party’s planned march remained on course despite the failed negotiations.
Five-Day Journey Toward the Capital
According to the schedule announced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, supporters are expected to travel through the province before continuing toward Islamabad.
The march is expected to take several days, with participants planning stops along the route before reaching the capital. Press of Asia reported that the march is expected to run over five days.
The protest had initially been scheduled for September 27 but was postponed to October 4 as the opposition and government explored the possibility of reaching an agreement.
Islamabad Tightens Security
Authorities have prepared for the possibility of a large demonstration by placing shipping containers and roadblocks at strategic points around Islamabad.
The government has said the march will not be allowed to enter the capital, while officials have cited security concerns, including increased militant activity in the country’s northwest.
The government has also increased security arrangements around Islamabad, raising concerns about possible disruption to transport and normal activities in the capital.
Imran Khan Remains Central to the Protest
Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption and other charges, remains the central figure behind PTI’s mobilisation.
Khan and his party have repeatedly described the cases against him as politically motivated, while the government rejects that characterisation. His supporters are demanding his release, while also calling for greater access to him and his family.
Previous PTI demonstrations have sometimes ended in clashes between protesters and security forces, adding to concerns about the potential for tensions to escalate as the march approaches Islamabad.
For now, both sides remain divided, with negotiations failing to prevent the opposition from proceeding with its planned mobilisation.
OnPointGist will continue to monitor developments as the PTI march moves toward Islamabad and report any major developments from Pakistan.
