PTI Long March Begins From Lakki Marwat For Imran Khan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Sohail Afridi launches PTI's long march from Lakki Marwat to demand the release of Imran Khan and other jailed leaders.
A massive political mobilization led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially commenced today, as a long march aimed at the federal government and military establishment begins its journey from Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The movement seeks the immediate release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with other high-profile jailed party leaders.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has spearheaded the mobilization, calling for a massive surge in civic participation to drive the campaign toward Islamabad. Addressing a crowd of supporters, Afridi framed the movement as a turning point for the nation, declaring, “This march will change Pakistan’s destiny.”
Demands for Legal Redress and Freedom
The primary objective of the multi-day provincial march is to exert relentless political pressure until PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, his spouse Bushra Bibi, and his sister Aleema Khan, are secured their freedom. Afridi urged participants to use the procession to demand legal accountability and redress for detained party cadres.
While emphasizing that the demonstrations would maintain a peaceful posture, the Chief Minister also issued a stern warning against civil disruptions. He directed his rhetoric toward the younger generation, asserting that “victory will belong to Imran Khan and Pakistan’s youth.” In a highly charged statement, Afridi further added that “stopping oppression is jihad.”
Critique of Federal Security Policies
The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on the federal government's management of security in the province. He accused Islamabad of imposing a failed security paradigm that has left Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vulnerable to violence.
“Terrorism has been imposed on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Afridi claimed. “Due to the federal government's failed policies, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has always remained engulfed in the lap of gunpowder and fire. Innocent people of my province are martyred in military operations and drone strikes, which are labeled as collateral damage, and the matter is brushed aside with a mere sorry.”
He maintained that the only viable path for the nation's welfare is the policy framework championed by Imran Khan.
The Route: A Phase-by-Phase Mobilization Plan
The Chief Minister outlined a detailed itinerary for the march, which will see various districts joining the caravan as it moves through the province:
- October 4: The march begins at 1:00 PM from Gandi Chawk, Lakki Marwat. Supporters from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat will join. The caravan will halt overnight near Karak.
- October 5: The Karak contingent will join at 12:00 PM, with departure at 12:30 PM toward Kohat for an overnight halt.
- October 6: At 12:00 PM, residents from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai will join. The procession will move toward Peshawar, staying overnight near Peshawar Matni.
- October 7: Departure from Budh Bair in Peshawar at 12:30 PM. Participants from the Khyber District, various Peshawar constituencies, and those at the Kohat Road Bridge and Motorway Toll Plaza will join. The night will be spent near the Charsadda Interchange.
- October 8: Departure from Charsadda Interchange at 12:30 PM, joined by Charsadda and Mohmand districts. The march will culminate in a massive gathering at Khairabad, where the next phase of the movement will be announced.
This mobilization follows a previously aborted attempt by the PTI to march on the capital in late September. The current movement represents a renewed and organized effort to challenge the existing political and security status quo in Pakistan.