Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to begin its long march towards Islamabad on Sunday after talks with the federal government failed to break the political deadlock.
The march, seeking the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, will begin from Gandi Chowk near Serai Naurang in Lakki Marwat. Supporters from Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan are expected to join the procession.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is scheduled to lead the march from Gandi Chowk. The caravan will travel through Karak, Kohat and Peshawar before reaching Khairabad on October 8, where the party plans to announce the next phase.
PTI leaders have described the march as a peaceful and constitutional protest, demanding Imran Khan’s legal rights, medical treatment and the release of his sisters.
The federal government, however, has warned that protesters will not be allowed to enter Islamabad, while ministers have raised the possibility of imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities have deployed heavy security along the planned route, while Section 144 restrictions have been imposed on movement along several roads in KP.
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