PTI March Begins From Lakki Marwat
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched the first phase of its planned long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa toward Islamabad after negotiations with the federal government ended without an agreement, adding to political tensions across Pakistan.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi formally launched the march from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4, 2026, where he addressed supporters before leading the procession. The protest is primarily focused on PTI's demand for the release of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

Government-PTI Talks End Without Agreement

The PTI mobilisation began after two rounds of talks between government representatives and opposition leaders failed to resolve their differences. PTI leaders said access to Imran Khan was among the major issues behind the deadlock, while government officials highlighted concerns involving security and counterterrorism policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi subsequently said the negotiations had collapsed and accused the KP leadership of contributing to the breakdown. PTI leaders have rejected the government's position and continued with their planned political campaign.

Sohail Afridi Leads the Main Convoy

Sohail Afridi led the main PTI convoy after addressing supporters at Gandi Chowk. Participants from several districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa joined the first stage of the mobilisation.

The chief minister has presented the movement as a political protest and said PTI will continue to pursue its demands. The party has also maintained that the demonstration should remain peaceful.

Convoy Enters Karak

After departing Lakki Marwat, the main convoy moved toward Karak district. By late October 4, the procession had reached Hamidan Chowk in Karak, where participants were scheduled to stay overnight before continuing the journey.

The published schedule calls for the caravan to move onward through Kohat and Peshawar before reaching the next major gathering point.

Five-Day Mobilisation Plan

PTI has announced a multi-day mobilisation plan involving caravans from different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Participants from areas including Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan and Bannu were scheduled to join the procession at the beginning of the march.

The plan calls for further participation from Karak, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Peshawar, Charsadda and Mohmand as the procession progresses.

October 8 Gathering at Khairabad

According to the announced schedule, the procession is expected to reach the Khairabad area on October 8, after passing through Peshawar and the Charsadda area.

Sohail Afridi has said that participants from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will gather at Khairabad, where the party will announce the next course of action. The final details of the movement toward Islamabad have not been fully disclosed.

Ali Amin Gandapur's Convoy

A separate PTI convoy led by former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur also attempted to join the mobilisation from Dera Ismail Khan.

According to reports, the convoy turned back near Yarik after encountering road blockades and security restrictions. The development highlighted the difficulties facing PTI supporters attempting to move between different parts of the province.

Islamabad Security Tightened

Authorities have increased security around Islamabad and other major routes amid concerns over the arrival of large numbers of protesters.

Security barriers and containers have been deployed at sensitive locations, while access to the capital's Red Zone has been restricted. The Red Zone contains Parliament, major government offices and diplomatic missions.

The federal government has warned that violence, disruption of public order and attacks on state property will not be tolerated.

Government Raises Security Concerns

The federal government has linked its concerns about the PTI march to the wider security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Officials have argued that the province is facing significant counterterrorism challenges and have questioned whether political mobilisation should take place under the present security conditions. PTI, however, maintains that its demands are political and constitutional.

Imran Khan's Release Remains Central Demand

The release of Imran Khan remains the central demand of the PTI mobilisation.

The party has also raised concerns about access to its founder, including meetings with family members and other authorised visitors. PTI leaders have argued that access to Khan is important for consultation and political decision-making.

Government officials have maintained their own position regarding the legal and security procedures surrounding Khan's detention.

Political Tensions Intensify

The launch of the march represents another major escalation in the political confrontation between PTI and the federal government.

PTI supporters are demanding action on the party's political concerns, while the government has emphasised security, public order and the responsibilities of the KP administration. The breakdown of negotiations has reduced the immediate possibility of a negotiated settlement.

Possibility of Further Talks

Although the latest negotiations ended in deadlock, political dialogue could still resume if both sides decide to return to the negotiating table.

The continuation of the march does not automatically rule out further discussions. However, the positions of PTI and the federal government remain significantly different, particularly on access to Imran Khan and issues concerning the KP government.

What Happens Next?

The next major development is expected as PTI caravans move through Kohat and Peshawar and eventually toward the Khairabad area.

The October 8 gathering will be particularly important because PTI leadership is expected to announce the next phase of the movement there. The government's security response and any developments in political negotiations could also influence the direction of the protest.

Current Situation

As of October 5, 2026, PTI's first phase of the long march has begun from Lakki Marwat and the main convoy has moved into the Karak area. The party plans to continue its mobilisation through other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before a further strategy is announced on October 8.

The federal government has maintained heightened security arrangements, while PTI continues to press its demands, particularly the release of Imran Khan.

PK-News.com Update

The PTI march has entered a new phase following the failure of government-opposition negotiations. With Sohail Afridi leading the main procession from Lakki Marwat, PTI supporters are moving through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the party prepares for a larger gathering later in the week.

The October 8 gathering at Khairabad is expected to be a key point in determining the next direction of the movement. Meanwhile, the federal government's security measures and the possibility of renewed political negotiations will remain important factors in the coming days.

This article was developed and researched by PK-News.com based on reports and statements available on October 5, 2026.

Key Points

Party: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

March launched: October 4, 2026

Starting point: Gandi Chowk, Lakki Marwat

PTI leader: KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi

Main demand: Release of Imran Khan

Talks: Government-PTI negotiations ended in deadlock

Latest reported location: Karak/Hamidan Chowk

Next major gathering: Khairabad area, October 8

Islamabad: Security measures and restrictions remain in place

Next phase: Expected to be announced by PTI leadership after the October 8 gathering