The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march is set to begin from Lakki Marwat today after government-opposition talks ended without an agreement.
The political deadlock centres on counterterrorism cooperation between the federal government and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Meanwhile, the PTI has moved ahead with its planned march towards Islamabad.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has warned that the procession will not be allowed to enter the federal capital. He also said any attempt to create disorder would be dealt with according to the law.
Why Did Government-PTI Talks Fail?
Sanaullah said negotiations failed mainly because the KP government did not assure cooperation in counterterrorism operations.
“The long march will not be allowed to enter the limits of Islamabad,” Sanaullah said, adding that any attempt to create disorder would be stopped using the force of law.
According to Sanaullah, the government amended the draft agreement two or three times. However, differences remained over the provincial government’s role in counterterrorism.
“The provincial government must fulfil its constitutional and legal responsibility against terrorism,” Sanaullah said.
“The refusal to cooperate against terrorism is not acceptable in any way. That is why an agreement could not be reached,” he said.
He added that the government could not compromise on cooperation against terrorism. However, he said talks could resume if the PTI and KP government were willing to cooperate.
“If they are ready to play their role in the fight against terrorism, they can come today, tomorrow or the day after,” he said.
PTI Long March Route From Lakki Marwat
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the first phase would begin from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm today.
Participants from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat are expected to join the convoy.
The march will camp near Karak on Sunday night. On Monday, participants from Karak will join before the convoy moves towards Kohat.
The route will then continue towards Peshawar and Charsadda. PTI supporters from across KP are expected to gather at Khairabad on October 8.
Afridi said the party would announce its further course of action there.
Imran Khan’s Meetings Also Discussed
Sanaullah said negotiations also covered meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan and his medical treatment. However, he described these matters as minor compared with the counterterrorism dispute.
He said the government had assured the opposition that meetings with Imran Khan and his treatment would continue according to law and jail rules.
“If you do not use the meetings for political purposes, we will not create any hurdle,” Sanaullah said.
Talks Collapse After Near-Agreement
The negotiations had appeared close to a settlement, with around 95% of the issues reportedly resolved. However, one or two remaining differences prevented a final agreement.
The government delegation included Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Amir Muqam, Talal Chaudhry, Rana Sanaullah, Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman and Ejaz Jakhrani.
The opposition delegation included Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Raja Nasir Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Aamir Dogar and Haleem Adil Sheikh. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq chaired the negotiations.
The PTI had also sought the release of Imran Khan’s sisters, party parliamentarians and workers. However, the talks ultimately stalled over counterterrorism cooperation.
With no agreement reached, the PTI is proceeding with its planned march. At the same time, the federal government has made clear that Islamabad entry remains a red line.
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