Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, supported by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), withdrew from its security commitments during the concluding phase of negotiations with the federal government. The provincial administration had initially agreed to sign a formal agreement and provide an implementation plan within 72 hours, focusing on security and counterterrorism efforts.
Naqvi noted that the KP government had consented to reconsider the Police Act 2026 in light of the prevailing security situation, aiming to shield security operations from political interference. The PTI-backed provincial government had also agreed to take concrete steps to prevent terrorist groups from operating freely or finding refuge within KP.
In a significant development, the PTI and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government engaged in two rounds of talks on Friday and Saturday to avert PTI’s planned long march towards Islamabad. Previously, the protest had been postponed from September 27 to October 4, with government officials repeatedly warning that the march would not be permitted to enter the capital.
Despite these discussions, the talks ended without an agreement due to disagreements over crucial matters, including access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan and military operations in KP’s volatile areas. Naqvi, who participated in the talks, stated that the KP government had agreed to unequivocally condemn the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and all other terrorist organizations.
Furthermore, the provincial government had committed to supporting national policies concerning Afghan refugees, including their repatriation and the dismantling of Afghan camps within KP. They had also agreed to avoid any contact with the Afghan Taliban regime, secure substantial funding for counterterrorism and police forces, maintain full provincial control over counterterrorism measures, and enhance cooperation with the armed forces.
Naqvi added that the KP government had pledged to make decisions regarding counterterrorism in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and merged districts, as well as implement the National Action Plan. However, he lamented that the KP government backed out of these commitments during the final negotiation stage, emphasizing that security should not be politicized while the province remains engaged in conflict.
Following the breakdown in talks on Saturday, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja acknowledged that consensus on key issues could not be reached. Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas highlighted ongoing disagreements concerning a meeting with jailed PTI founder Imran Khan and access to his personal doctor. Abbas also pointed out concerns about military operations in areas hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The government indicated it was currently unable to arrange a meeting with Khan, although visits by his sisters and lawyers would be permitted. The stalemate ensued after multiple revisions to a draft agreement. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman noted that the draft had been amended four times and the government had addressed PTI’s concerns, but stressed that terrorism remained a non-negotiable issue.
She added that the PTI refused to agree on terms regarding the long march and other matters, with the government’s stance focusing heavily on counterterrorism and the role of the KP government. Earlier in the day, a member of the negotiating committee had expressed optimism that about 95% of issues were resolved, anticipating closure on the remaining points overnight. However, subsequent statements revealed persistent fundamental disagreements.
In response to the failed talks, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the commencement of PTI’s long march towards Islamabad. Afridi stated in a social media post that the first phase of the march would start from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat at 1pm on Sunday, with participants joining from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat.
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