PTI Long March Enters Seventh Day as KP Chief Minister Defies Federal Warnings

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf long march from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4, demanding the release of jailed party founder Imran Khan. The march began after weekend talks with the federal government collapsed over counterterrorism policy disagreements. Afridi arrived by helicopter to lead the convoy, which has since traversed Karak, Kohat, Mattani, Peshawar, Charsadda, and Mardan over seven days.

Afridi declared that only Imran Khan's policy would prevail in the province, rejecting federal directives as against the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pashtuns. He criticized military operations and drone attacks, claiming they kill innocent people dismissed as collateral damage, and vowed to eradicate terrorism within 100 days if his policy is implemented. The chief minister also denounced potential governor's rule or emergency as illegal moves he would not accept.

“We are not 'yes-men'; we are soldiers of Imran Khan, and we will carry forward his policies.”

A separate convoy led by former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur departed Dera Ismail Khan on October 4, urging peaceful discipline and a "live and let live" approach. Gandapur's convoy was to merge with Afridi's at Gandi Chowk. Thousands of PTI workers carrying red and green flags have joined the march at various points, with a billboard reading "release Imran Khan" displayed on a truck.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi accused Afridi of violating Islamabad High Court orders by using a state helicopter for political purposes. Kundi warned the march would not be allowed beyond Attock in Punjab, claiming PTI lacks the capacity to proceed further. He also questioned PTI's screening mechanisms for march participants from southern districts.

The route plan has changed repeatedly since the October 4 launch. While Islamabad was initially announced as the final destination, Afridi has not confirmed plans beyond Swabi, where he invited nationwide supporters to gather at the Swabi Interchange on October 11. He stated the next course of action would be announced on October 13, with convoys from multiple divisions converging there. Mobile and internet services were reportedly disrupted in Peshawar ahead of the convoy's arrival.