Karak, 5 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday resumed the PTI march, addressing supporters at Jail Chowk in Karak before his convoy moved towards Kohat. The march is being held to demand the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, despite warnings from the federal government against gatherings in Islamabad. The PTI decided to proceed with the march after weekend talks with the federal government ended in a deadlock, with differences reportedly remaining over several issues, particularly the federal government’s counterterrorism policy. Addressing supporters, Chief Minister Afridi criticised the Centre’s counterterrorism policy and questioned past military operations and drone attacks. He also responded to remarks by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who had described him as “immature,” saying that speaking about the concerns of his province and its people should not be considered immaturity. Afridi said policies made behind closed doors were affecting national institutions and stressed that decisions should be taken in the national interest and in accordance with the wishes of the people and youth. He said PTI was presenting its demands through democratic means and warned that if the situation crossed all limits, controlling public sentiment would become difficult.
Afridi said the party would not accept any decision taken behind closed doors against his province or Pakistan. He also said Imran Khan was remaining behind bars for what he described as the nation’s freedom. The convoy is scheduled to spend the night in Kohat before continuing towards Peshawar on October 6, with further stops planned near Mattani, Charsadda Interchange and Khairabad. Afridi has said the final phase of the march towards Islamabad would be announced at Khairabad. Meanwhile, restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed in several districts, while former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur temporarily turned back from Yarik due to road blockades and the prevailing law and order situation. PTI workers and leaders were also detained in Karachi as police blocked roads and disrupted planned protest activities. The weekend negotiations between the opposition delegation, comprising PTI and Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan, and the government-PPP team ended without agreement. PTI said access to Imran Khan, his medical treatment and the federal government’s counterterrorism policy were among the key issues behind the deadlock.