PTI Long March Islamabad: Rawalpindi Roads, M-1, GT Road Closures & Security Update

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allotted 104 rooms in the Civil Secretariat-II Complex, formerly known as the FATA Secretariat, on Warsak Road in Peshawar for the establishment of the Area Development Secretariat (ADS). Several government departments have been directed to relocate to alternative premises by October 30.

The move comes amid the imposition of governor’s rule in the province and the declaration of an emergency in 12 designated districts, including eight tribal districts and four settled districts. The newly established ADS is intended to serve the administrative needs of these areas, with Additional Chief Secretary Yahya Akhunzada, a Grade-20 officer, serving as its administrator.

The complex, which previously served as the Governor’s Secretariat and later as the FATA Secretariat, was renamed Civil Secretariat-II following the merger of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in May 2018.

Gomal University has been plunged into another round of administrative uncertainty after Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal was sent on 90 days of compulsory leave for the second time this year, with Dr Shakeeb Ullah, Vice Chancellor of the University of Veterinary Sciences, Swat, assigned additional charge of the institution until further orders.

The decision has triggered concern among civil society representatives in Dera Ismail Khan, who have questioned repeated changes in the university’s leadership and demanded transparency, administrative stability and protection of students’ academic interests.
According to a notification issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Department on October 27, the provincial governor, exercising his powers as Chancellor of Gomal University, directed Dr Zafar Iqbal to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect. The order was issued under Section 12(8) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act, 2012, as amended, to facilitate the implementation of recommendations submitted by an inquiry committee.

The committee’s recommendations are to be placed before the university’s Senate for consideration. Under the same notification, Dr Shakeeb Ullah has been entrusted with additional responsibilities as Vice Chancellor of Gomal University while continuing to serve as head of the University of Veterinary Sciences, Swat.

A mortar shell was reportedly dropped by a quadcopter on Hassan Khel Police Station in the tribal subdivision of Peshawar district on Wednesday morning, but the attack caused no casualties or property damage, according to a police report.
According to the report, unidentified miscreants targeted Hassan Khel Police Station in the former Frontier Region (FR) Peshawar, now part of the tribal subdivision of Peshawar district, by dropping a mortar shell from a quadcopter. However, the shell became entangled in a protective safety net installed over the station’s rooftop, preventing it from reaching its intended target.
The safety net reportedly prevented the shell from causing an explosion or damage, while police personnel remained unharmed.
No casualties or damage to property were reported following the incident. The situation in the surrounding area was said to be normal.
Further details about the incident, including the identity of those responsible and the circumstances surrounding the attack, were not immediately available.

Three young siblings have died after reportedly consuming wild mushrooms collected from fields near their home in Garhi Ghulam Rasool, on the outskirts of Peshawar, prompting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to order a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and the medical treatment provided to the affected family.
The deceased children were identified as 11-year-old Arooj, 10-year-old Faryal and seven-year-old Azlan. Their parents and another daughter also reportedly fell ill after consuming the mushrooms and were taken to hospital for treatment.
According to initial reports, the children's father, Muhammad Zahir, had collected the mushrooms from fields near their home. After the mushrooms were cooked and consumed by family members, several of them reportedly developed health complications.
The family was taken to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar for medical assistance. However, Zahir alleged that they had to be transferred to a nearby private intensive care unit (ICU) because no ICU bed was available at the public hospital.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have integrated their drone unit and anti-drone system with the central control room of the Safe City project, enabling aerial surveillance alongside ground-level monitoring of the city.

According to police officials, the integration marks the first such initiative in the country, bringing drone surveillance and anti-drone technology under the Safe City monitoring system.
The modern system will enable authorities to monitor drone movements, while the control room will receive immediate alerts if a suspicious drone enters the radar’s coverage area.

Officials said the anti-drone system installed in Peshawar would provide surveillance coverage within a radius of five kilometres. The technology is expected to assist in round the clock aerial monitoring of sensitive locations, traffic conditions, criminal activities and suspicious movements.

Police officials further stated that drone surveillance systems would also be activated under the Safe City project in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.

The FATA Loya Jirga has expressed reservations over the exclusion of the former Frontier Regions (FRs) of Kohat and Peshawar from the 48-member Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC), demanding that both areas be given representation in the newly established council.
The concerns were raised at a meeting of the Supreme Council of the FATA Loya Jirga held on Tuesday at Shah Kas in Khyber district, chaired by Jirga President Malik Bismullah Afridi at his hujra. Malik Azam Mehsud, the Jirga’s general secretary, also attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed the composition of the newly established council, the representation of the former tribal areas, the exclusion of FR Kohat and FR Peshawar, and the Jirga’s longstanding demand for the restoration of FATA’s pre-merger constitutional and administrative status.
Those attending the meeting included Malik Israrullah, Malik Naib, Malik Muhammad Hussain, former MNA Malik Baz Gul, Principal Noor Zaman, Malik Alaf Khan, Malik Azam Mehsud, Malik Najeeb, Malik Tamash, Malik Waris Afridi, Dr Turab Aftab, Malik Younas, Malik Syed Raza, Malik Jafar and Malik Saeed Afridi. Haji Afrasiab Afridi, central president of the Qabailistan Tahafuz Movement, also attended, along with other tribal elders.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants pledged to continue consultations on tribal rights, peace and security, representation and the future administrative arrangements of the former tribal areas.
The Jirga decided that its Executive Committee would determine its position on the prevailing situation and the formation of the ARDC, and formulate a joint strategy at its forthcoming meeting.

hyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar has approached the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) over changes in the allocation of MBBS and BDS seats in public-sector medical and dental colleges across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, requesting that last year’s seat quotas be maintained in the interest of students.
In an official letter addressed to the PMDC president, KMU’s additional director of admissions highlighted changes in seat allocations for the 2026–27 academic session and urged the council to review the revised distribution to prevent adverse effects on students and the admission process.

The letter stated that KMU as the admitting university for public-sector medical and dental colleges in the province had initiated the admission process for the new academic session in accordance with the applicable PMDC rules and regulations.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initiated an inquiry into alleged corruption, financial irregularities, mismanagement and possible embezzlement of public funds allocated to the Sehat Sahulat Programme and Sehat Card Plus, summoning former chief executive officer and chairman Dr Muhammad Riaz Tanoli to appear before its investigation team later this month.
According to a notice issued on October 17, 2026, Dr Tanoli has been directed to appear before the bureau’s Combined Investigation Team (CIT–Medical Wing) at its Hayatabad office in Peshawar on October 29 at 11am in connection with the inquiry into the program’s financial affairs during the relevant period.
The notice states that a preliminary examination of official records, audit logs and fund disbursement details has revealed discrepancies in financial allocations and expenditures, raising concerns about the possible misuse of public funds.
According to the notice, approximately Rs12 billion was disbursed under the health insurance programme during the 2023–24 financial year. A further Rs9 billion was reportedly allocated and disbursed between July 2025 and July 2026. The two amounts total approximately Rs21 billion and are among the financial transactions being examined by the bureau.

KOHAT, October 13, 2026: Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST), Khushal Khan Khattak University (KKKU) Karak and FATA University remained closed for the second consecutive day on Tuesday due to the prevailing emergency and law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to an announcement issued by the concerned authorities, KUST's main campus and Hangu campus remained closed on Tuesday following the continuation of the prevailing emergency situation in the province.

In as separate notification, Khushal Khan Khattak Universit(KKKU) Karak also remained closed for the second consecutive day on Tuesday due to the prevailing emergency situation in the province.
Meanwhile, the Registrar of FATA University, located in Darra Adam Khel a tribal subdivision of Kohat announced the closure of the university on October 13 in compliance with verbal directions from the district administration in view of the prevailing law and order situation.

According to the notification, all scheduled examinations, tests, interviews, meetings and other academic and administrative activities have been postponed and will be rescheduled accordingly.

However, staff assigned to security, safety and other emergency duties will continue to perform their responsibilities, the notification added.

It is pertinent to mention that other educational institutions including Colleges and schools remain open in Kohat.

All eight Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISEs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have postponed the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Annual-II Examinations 2026 for the second time across the province, including the merged tribal districts in view of the prevailing situation.
The examinations were scheduled to commence simultaneously on Monday, October 12. However, amid the prevailing emergency situation, all eight boards issued separate notifications postponing the examinations until further orders.
According to the respective boards, a revised examination schedule will be announced later. Students, parents and educational institutions have been advised to follow official announcements issued by their respective boards for updates and further instructions.
Meanwhile, announcements regarding the closure of educational institutions varied across the province. The local administrations of Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshehra, Charsadda, Swat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu and Karak had announced the closure of public and private educational institutions, including universities, colleges and schools, on Monday.
In contrast, schools remained open in Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai and Kurram districts while Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) remained closed on Monday.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), questioning the party’s ability to mobilise a large crowd during its ongoing long march.

Speaking about the political situation, Kundi said those who did not accept the Constitution and law should not be portrayed as deserving dialogue. He also accused PTI of damaging Pakistan’s image when the country was attempting to project a positive image internationally.

The governor claimed that the PTI march would not be able to proceed beyond Attock, questioning the party’s claim of mobilising a large number of supporters.

He also described PTI as lacking the characteristics of a conventional political party.

Kundi further criticised the KP government, alleging that the province’s governance had deteriorated and that the chief minister lacked effective control over the province.

He also referred to allegations concerning extortion and claimed that the provincial government was operating under the influence of former PTI leader Murad Saeed.

On the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province, Kundi said that if the president and prime minister decided to introduce such a measure, the provincial administration would implement it.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has said the party does not see a way forward in negotiations with the government unless its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, is allowed to meet with the party’s representatives.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday alongside other PTI leaders, Raja said two rounds of discussions with the government had failed to produce any concrete outcome.

He said disagreements had emerged particularly over an ongoing operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contributing to the continued impasse between the two sides.

Raja maintained that PTI remained committed to peace and political stability in the country. However, he criticized government ministers for making statements that, according to him, were unrelated to the substance of the negotiations.

The PTI leader indicated that meaningful progress in the dialogue would remain difficult without direct engagement with Imran Khan, who is currently in jail.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja has rejected Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s allegation that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi attempted to sabotage negotiations between the government and the opposition.

Talking to private news channel,, Raja said Afridi was not responsible for the failure of the talks, arguing that the government had other intentions.

Raja claimed that the government had proposed imposing emergency measures in five districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 72 hours. He said PTI had made it clear that it could not accept such a move.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reached Karak after setting out from Lakki Marwat.

Sohail Afridi had earlier travelled by helicopter from Peshawar to Lakki Marwat, where PTI workers welcomed him at the helipad.

Addressing party workers, the chief minister said his government would not accept policies decided behind closed doors if they were against the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Afridi also criticised the federal government’s approach to security, claiming that terrorism had increased rather than declined under its current policies. He contrasted the situation with the period when PTI was in power at the federal level, saying the country had experienced greater peace at that time.

The KP chief minister further claimed that the policy proposed by his government could help establish peace in the province within 100 days.

Afridi said the march would leave Karak the following day and that a plan for each day of the campaign would be announced as it progresses.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amid heightened political tensions and speculation over a possible long A delegation of the federal government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold talks with march, emergency or imposition of governor’s rule.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan said the party had received a message from the government regarding a meeting.

Government and opposition delegations are expected to meet at noon at the office of the National Assembly speaker.

A new rift emerged within opposition camp over PTI’s planned September 27 long march, with Mahmood Khan Achakzai refusing a proposal to postpone the movement until October.

PTI leadership contacted National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and conveyed a proposal discussed at the PTI parliamentary party meeting to defer the long march. However, Achakzai reportedly rejected the proposal and maintained that the September 27 movement would go ahead, according to the sources.

The opposition leader said the March 27? No, the September 27 movement would not be postponed and that a nationwide campaign would begin in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces, gradually moving towards Islamabad.

The disagreement means consultations over the timing of the protest remain ongoing, with PTI leaders continuing efforts to persuade Achakzai to accept a delay.
Sources said differences between PTI leadership and Mahmood Achakzai over postponing the long march remain unresolved, while discussions with other opposition leaders over a possible new date are also continuing.

The latest development adds uncertainty to plans for the September 27 protest, as opposition leaders remain divided over whether the movement should proceed on the announced date or be shifted to October.

Fresh update over possible suspension of mobile and internet services in Punjab and Islamabad amid the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march.
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima said no decision had yet been taken to shut down mobile or internet services in Punjab or Islamabad.

She said the decision regarding any suspension or restriction of telecom and internet services in response to the protest would fall under the Ministry of Interior, which would assess the security situation in consultation with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The clarification comes after the Punjab Home Department reportedly sought restrictions on mobile and internet services in selected areas of Rawalpindi and Attock amid preparations for the PTI protest. The request included possible downgrading or suspension of 2G, 3G and 4G services in specified locations.
However, reports indicate that the government has not authorised an immediate shutdown. A high-level meeting on September 25 discussed the issue, with officials deciding that the

PTA should take no action unless explicit instructions are issued by the Interior Ministry.

PTI on Friday postponed its planned long march, with October 5 emerging as the new date following consultations within the party’s political leadership.
Sources said the decision to defer the protest was taken during a high-level meeting, while the party leadership is expected to issue further instructions regarding the new date and its future political and organisational strategy.

The development comes as authorities have already stepped up security preparations around Islamabad and adjoining areas. The Punjab government has also sought Rangers’ deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali amid concerns over the potential law-and-order situation.
For now, mobile and internet services remain a matter for the Interior Ministry to decide, with any restrictions expected to depend on the security situation and consultation with the PTA.

Islamabad–Peshawar routes remain partially closed at several points, with the M-1 motorway and N-5 GT Road continuing to face restrictions amid security arrangements linked to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.
The Islamabad–Peshawar M-1 has remained closed since September 23, with both sides blocked to all traffic between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange.
According to the Motorway Police spokesperson, several interchanges along the route are also closed, including Islamabad Toll Plaza, Fateh Jang/Tarnol Interchange, Sangjani Interchange, Brahma Bahter Interchange, Burhan Interchange, Hazara Motorway Interchange, Ghazi Interchange and Chachh Interchange.
The M-14 motorway from Hakla to Kundal is likewise closed in both directions for all types of traffic.
The N-5 GT Road at Attock Khurd has also been blocked in both directions with containers, according to the Motorway Police.
When asked when the affected motorway and GT Road sections would reopen, the Motorway Police spokesperson said that no definite timeline could currently be given and that reopening would depend on the situation.
Meanwhile, the M-2 motorway between Islamabad and Lahore remains open in both directions for light traffic (LTV). However, heavy vehicles heading towards Islamabad are being diverted onto the GT Road.
The continued closures come as authorities maintain security arrangements in and around Islamabad amid uncertainty over PTI's planned protest activities.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar challenged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to go ahead with its planned long march, claiming the party has backed away from its protest plans.

Taking aim at PTI’s proposed sit-in and long march, Tarar said the party had made no preparations for the demonstration and challenged its leadership to follow through with its plans.
“If you have the courage, come and hold the long march,” Tarar said, while claiming that PTI had retreated from its announced protest.
The federal minister’s remarks came as PTI’s planned protest movement remained a major point of political confrontation between the federal government and the opposition party.
Tarar also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over the province’s security situation, accusing it of failing to take adequate action against terrorism. He further alleged that the provincial administration was attempting to politicise the police and was involved in irregularities in government contracts.
According to Tarar, Pakistan recorded 2,456 terrorist attacks over a one-year period, averaging nearly 10 attacks a day. He said 472 personnel from the police, Rangers, Frontier Corps and armed forces were killed, while more than 1,500 others were injured.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned September 27 long march to Islamabad, with the protest now scheduled to leave Peshawar on October 4. A senior PTI leader said the decision came amid extensive government security measures, road closures and large-scale deployment of law enforcement personnel.

The party continues to demand the release of Imran Khan while PTI leader Naeem Panjutha had earlier linked any possible postponement to three conditions: elections within six to eight months, release of Imran Khan and other political prisoners, and investigations into the May 9 and November 26 crackdowns.

PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram denied that such a proposal was formally under discussion and said only Imran Khan could make the final decision.

PTI also said its decision was not connected to Jamaat-i-Islami’s postponed protest and maintained that it could organise the march independently.

Meanwhile, security restrictions remain in place. Punjab has banned public gatherings for 13 days, Section 144 remains imposed in Islamabad for two months, and the Punjab government has requested restrictions on mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock. The federal government has also approved Rangers deployment in Islamabad and several Punjab districts until October 5.

The federal police have requested Rs1 billion from the Ministry of Interior to meet expenses related to security arrangements for political long marches and sit-ins in the capital.

Islamabad has remained surrounded by security containers for the past week as authorities prepare to deal with possible protests and demonstrations by political parties.

Authorities have placed metal nails across Attock Bridge ahead of a planned PTI protest on September 27, as security measures are being tightened along the key route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

The Daud Khel Interchange on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) motorays has been blocked by placing containers ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.

The road closure is part of security and traffic arrangements being made ahead of the planned PTI march.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said consultations were made over the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in the province.

Speaking to the media in Peshawar ahead of the PTI long march, Kundi criticised the provincial government over its handling of the police and said KP police personnel receive the lowest salaries.

He alleged that the provincial government wanted greater control over the police and sought to make the force a “Tiger Force”.

He also opposed moves under which the provincial government would seek control over the appointments of the inspector general, deputy inspector generals and district police officers.

Kundi said he would oppose such legislation and described himself as a barrier against measures of this nature.

The governor also alleged that the province was facing corruption, lawlessness and terrorism. He maintained that imposing governor’s rule would not be unconstitutional and confirmed that consultations on the matter had taken place.

Asked about the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s proposed long march, Kundi questioned the party’s preparations and said its lawmakers were currently in Islamabad.

He claimed that PTI had not made adequate preparations for the march and suggested that some party members were seeking to avoid participation.

The federal capital has been sealed at several entry points with containers ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march on September 27, while movement within the city continues.

Traffic problems have emerged on routes leading into Islamabad. Containers have been placed at the M-1 Motorway toll plaza, which has been closed to all types of traffic. Traffic has been diverted towards the GT Road, while rest areas along the M-1 have also been closed.

Containers filled with soil have been placed at the 26 Number Chungi, blocking the road. Containers have also been positioned on the route from Taxila towards Islamabad.

Inside the capital, walls of containers have been erected at entry points to the Red Zone, with multiple checkpoints established at various locations.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General’s Office has issued a letter approving a special daily duty allowance of Rs1,000 for personnel of the Punjab Constabulary deployed for security duties.

In Rawalpindi, authorities have also taken measures ahead of the anticipated PTI long march. According to police sources, hotels around Faizabad have been closed.

Restaurants and shopkeepers in the area have reportedly been instructed to shut their businesses by this evening. Police sources said guest houses and transport terminals at Faizabad have also been directed to close by tonight.

The government has reportedly decided that internet services would not be suspended for the time being.

It comes after reports emerged that the authorities are mulling over suspending the internet services in parts of the country as part of security measures ahead of the PTI’s September 27 long march.

Officials noted that shutting down mobile services before the march could cause difficulties for ordinary citizens.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority was therefore instructed not to take any action regarding an internet shutdown until it receives directions from the Ministry of Interior, according to reports.

The government has decided to strengthen its administrative, legal and security preparations ahead of PTI’s planned long march on September 27 while keeping the option of political dialogue open.

A high-level meeting reviewed measures aimed at managing the planned march. Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Officials were briefed on security and administrative preparations. Reports said the possibility of keeping negotiations open with PTI, similar to the approach taken with Jamaat-e-Islami, was also discussed.

The N-5 GT Road has also been closed at Attock Khurd.

Other affected routes include the Rawalpindi-Kohat Road at Khushal Garh and the Abbottabad-Hassanabdal Road at Jhari Kas Checkpost. The restrictions took effect from 11pm on September 23 and are to remain until further notice, according to the Islamabad Traffic Police advisory.

The M-1 Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway has been closed at designated points, affecting traffic travelling between Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the traffic advisory, the closure is in place in both directions between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange and will continue until further notice.

Travellers planning to use the M-1 have therefore been advised to check the latest traffic position before starting their journey.

Authorities have positioned a large number of shipping containers at strategic locations across Islamabad and on roads leading towards the capital.

Reports indicate that containers have been placed around major roads and entry points, including areas around Faizabad, Islamabad Expressway, Murree Road, Srinagar Highway, Ninth Avenue, Margalla Road, Jinnah Avenue, I.J.P. Road and other important corridors.

The Red Zone has also been secured with containers as part of the wider security arrangements.

According to the latest situation update shared early Thursday, major roads within Islamabad and Rawalpindi were open, while Metrobus services in the twin cities were also reported operational.

The situation, however, is different on routes connecting the twin cities with KP, where several highways and motorways have been closed.

This means commuters travelling within Islamabad and Rawalpindi may face a different situation from those planning longer journeys towards Attock, KP or northern areas.