The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched its long march towards Islamabad after negotiations with the federal government failed to resolve their differences.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi led the march from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4. The protest seeks the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and follows unsuccessful talks between the government and opposition.
The dispute intensified after Afridi shared a seven-point draft outlining conditions for ending the protest. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, however, accused the KP government of backing away from commitments made during the negotiations.
Sohail Afridi Shares Seven-Point Draft
Afridi proposed regular meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leaders from both houses of parliament.
He also called for a joint political committee representing the government alliance and opposition parties. The committee would work on political disagreements and seek progress within one month.
The KP chief minister further demanded legal and medical facilities for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi according to prison rules and relevant laws.
He also called for family and lawyer meetings for the couple. Moreover, he proposed that legal applications filed by Imran, Bushra and other prisoners be reviewed within 10 days, where legally possible.
Security Issues Feature in Proposals
Afridi also focused on counterterrorism cooperation between the federal and KP governments. He proposed continuous consultations to address terrorism and protect lives and property. He also called for a meeting within 72 hours of any major terrorism incident.
According to the draft, PTI would cancel the march only after receiving written assurances that the proposals would be implemented.
However, PTI would retain the right to peaceful protest if the government failed to honour those assurances.
Naqvi Accuses KP Government of Backtracking
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rejected Afridi’s account of the negotiations.
Naqvi said the KP government had previously agreed to a separate written agreement covering counterterrorism measures. He claimed the agreement included reviewing the Police Act 2026 and preventing militant groups from establishing safe havens in the province.
He also said the KP government had agreed to condemn TTP, TTA and other militant groups.
According to Naqvi, the provincial government had further agreed to strengthen cooperation with the Pakistan Army on counterterrorism and support the federal policy concerning Afghan refugees.
Naqvi accused the KP government of backing away from these commitments during the final stage of negotiations.
PTI March Moves Towards Islamabad
With the talks failing, PTI proceeded with its planned protest. The convoy began its journey from Lakki Marwat and is scheduled to travel through several parts of KP before moving towards the federal capital. Authorities have also imposed restrictions on movement along some routes.
Meanwhile, the federal government has warned that protesters will not be allowed to violate court orders or enter restricted areas.
The collapse of negotiations has therefore added another layer to Pakistan’s ongoing political tensions, with both sides continuing to defend their positions.
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