The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to postpone its planned long march to Islamabad, initially scheduled for September 27, until October 5. This decision was made during a meeting of the PTI political committee held in Peshawar on Friday. The party is gearing up for a major protest demanding the release of its imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, and the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Before the postponement is formally announced, PTI plans to consult with key opposition figures, including Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) leader and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi spoke by phone with Achakzai, seeking his input on the march. Afridi conveyed that PTI leaders favored delaying the protest, but Achakzai recommended maintaining the original September 27 date. He indicated that a final decision would follow further discussions.
In response to these developments, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai denied reports suggesting the march had been canceled. He emphasized that the party remains fully prepared for the demonstration and that any decision to postpone would depend on whether the federal government agrees to engage in talks with PTI. Yousafzai assured that the planned march would be peaceful and would not involve government resources. He also accused the federal government of violating a court ruling by obstructing roads with containers.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi revealed that consultations have taken place regarding the potential imposition of governor’s rule in the province. Speaking in Peshawar, Kundi noted that the Constitution allows for such a measure, especially as opposition parties intensify preparations for nationwide protests and the Islamabad march. Ahead of the scheduled demonstration, major highways and motorways leading to Islamabad have been closed or restricted.
The federal government has authorized the deployment of Rangers in the federal capital and several districts of Punjab to maintain public order during the political events. Governor Kundi claimed that PTI members are surrendering themselves for arrest and suggested the party is seeking an exit strategy. He further accused the provincial government of attempting to transform the police into a “tiger force” under political control, referencing similar efforts by a former chief minister.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai for talks, including a meeting to discuss appointments to the Election Commission. TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai confirmed receipt of the letter, expressing skepticism about the government’s commitment given previous unmet promises. He urged government officials like Rana Sanaullah to honor their words.
In a strong rebuttal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar challenged the opposition to proceed with their sit-in or long march in Islamabad if they have the resolve. He accused PTI of failing to condemn terrorist attacks on political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and labeled the party as sympathetic to terrorists. Tarar further alleged that the KP government is facilitating groups like the Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claiming illegal mining activities are being used to finance terrorism.
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