Imran Khan’s PTI Long March Reaches Peshawar, Shehbaz Sharif Government Prepares to Stop It

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s protest march continues in Pakistan demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The march led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reached Peshawar on Thursday evening. Even on Friday, October 9, there was intense political activity regarding this movement. The party has planned meetings and demonstrations in different areas to increase pressure on the government. However, the final destination of the march and the plan to advance towards Islamabad is not yet clear. 

Where did the march for Imran Khan's release start?

This long march of PTI started from Lakki Marwat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 4th October. Its objective is to put pressure on the government to demand the release of jailed party founder Imran Khan. Initially the party had talked about taking the march to Islamabad, but the route and programme were changed several times. Supporters from different districts are joining the march. 

What did Sohail Afridi say after reaching Peshawar?

Sohail Afridi's convoy reached Hayatabad Toll Plaza in Peshawar on Thursday evening, where he was welcomed by supporters. He appealed to the workers to continue the struggle for the release of Imran Khan. Afridi said that the detailed strategy for the next phase of the march will be told upon reaching Swabi. He also indicated that an important announcement can be made for the supporters regarding further plans. 

Where will PTI convoy go now?

According to the report, Charsadda will be the next stop of the march after Peshawar. After this, plans have been made to organise meetings in Mardan on 10 October and Swabi on 11 October. According to PTI President Barrister Gohar Khan, after these programmes the party leadership will decide on the further strategy. At present it is not clear when and by which route the march will reach Islamabad.

What is the status of talks between the government and the opposition?

Amidst PTI's march, efforts are also underway to resolve the deadlock through talks between Pakistan's government and the opposition. In the earlier talks, both sides could not reach any concrete agreement. According to reports, informal contacts remain between the PTI leadership and government representatives. At the same time, some leaders of the opposition alliance are in favour of including senior political leaders for the role of mediator in the talks. In such a situation, the next step of both the movement and talks is being monitored. 

How did problems increase due to disruption in mobile services?

Before the march reached Peshawar, there were reports of disruption of mobile and internet services in some areas of the city. Due to this, there was a fear that the movement and communication system of common people and protesters would be affected. However, available reports have not clearly confirmed any official reason behind the disruption. 

PTI's agitation demanding the release of Imran Khan is now spreading to many districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The strategy to be announced in Swabi in the coming days may make it clear in which direction the party wants to take the movement forward and whether there is any new possibility of talks with the government or not.