Imran khan supporters begin long march to islamabad after government talks fail
The protesters are demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, who has remained in prison since 2023 following corruption convictions
Thousands of supporters of jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have begun a long march from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa toward Islamabad, demanding his release after negotiations between his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the government ended without an agreement.
The march began on Sunday from Lakki Marwat in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a province governed by PTI, and is being led by provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Supporters are travelling through several districts before heading toward the federal capital.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Afridi would be held responsible for any loss of life during the march and warned that the government would not allow protesters to enter Islamabad.
Why Are Imran Khan Supporters Marching?
The main demand of the protesters is the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023.
PTI has also demanded greater access to Khan so party leaders can consult him on political and national matters. His health and access to medical care have become additional concerns for the party and his family.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said access to Khan was a central issue in the failed negotiations.
Khan has rejected the cases against him as politically motivated. The government and military deny that he is being held as a political prisoner and point to Pakistan's judicial process.
Talks Between PTI and Government End in Deadlock
The long march was originally scheduled for September 27 but was postponed to allow negotiations between PTI and the federal government.
The talks ended without an agreement after both sides failed to resolve their differences. PTI said access to Khan and disagreements over counterterrorism policy in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were among the key obstacles.
Government officials gave a different account, saying the negotiations broke down over PTI's position on cooperation with a counterterrorism policy for the province.
With the talks stalled, PTI proceeded with its planned march.
Sohail Afridi Leads the March
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, a PTI leader, is leading the mobilisation.
The convoy began from Lakki Marwat and stopped overnight in Karak before continuing toward Kohat. Supporters from other districts are also expected to join the procession.
The route announced by PTI includes areas such as Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda and Mohmand, before reaching Khairabad. The party has said further plans for the next phase will be announced as the march progresses.
The march is expected to continue through several stops before reaching the Islamabad area.
Security Tightened Around Islamabad
The federal government has imposed extensive security measures as the PTI long march moves forward.
Authorities have placed shipping containers at key routes around Islamabad and deployed police and paramilitary personnel. The government has said it will not allow the protesters to enter the capital.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the negotiations failed partly because of PTI's position on cooperation with a counterterrorism policy for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
PTI has rejected that explanation, saying the government sought to pressure the party into concessions.
Government officials have also suggested that legal and constitutional measures could be considered against the PTI-led provincial government if it does not follow the federal counterterrorism policy.
PTI Says Imran Khan's Health Is a Major Concern
Alongside the demand for his release, Khan's health has become an important issue for PTI and his family.
His family and party have raised concerns about his eyesight and access to specialist medical treatment. PTI has also demanded access to his personal physician.
In August, Khan was briefly transferred from prison to a government hospital for medical examination and treatment following complaints about his health. Doctors later deemed him medically fit, according to reports. His party and family, however, continued to raise concerns about his medical care.
The health issue also became part of the wider dispute between PTI and the government.
A New Test for Pakistan's Political Stability
The latest Imran Khan release protests come after years of political confrontation between Khan's PTI and Pakistan's political leadership.
Khan was removed as prime minister by parliament in 2022. His arrest in 2023 was followed by protests, attacks on military installations and a nationwide crackdown on PTI supporters.
Khan has been convicted in several cases, but Reuters reported that all but one of his convictions have since been suspended or overturned, with appeals pending.
