Peshawar (The COW News Digital)Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has reiterated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will continue its political movement while announcing that the party’s detailed strategy for the Islamabad march would be finalised after consultations with its leadership.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar on Friday, Afridi said the planned protest would remain peaceful and claimed that attempts to block routes with containers or other measures would not stop PTI workers from participating.
“Our long march will take place under all circumstances,” Afridi said, adding that the party’s political committee was still holding consultations. He said he would travel to Charsadda and announce the protest strategy after discussions with party leaders.
The chief minister also referred to a video shown during the press conference that appeared to show spikes placed near Attock Bridge, a major route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab. Afridi questioned the restrictions and asked whether the measures amounted to isolating the province from the rest of the country.
The PTI had originally announced September 27 for the Islamabad march, with the party linking the protest to demands including the release of its founder, Imran Khan. In recent days, however, PTI leaders have been discussing whether to change the schedule amid extensive security arrangements and road closures in Islamabad and surrounding areas.
Reports on Friday indicated that the PTI political committee had decided to postpone the march. Geo News reported, citing party sources, that the event initially planned for September 27 had been moved to October 5. The Express Tribune separately reported that the political committee agreed to defer the march after consultations, although reports had previously mentioned a wider October 5–10 window under discussion.
The development came as authorities intensified security measures ahead of the previously scheduled protest. Rangers have been authorised for deployment in Islamabad and several Punjab districts, while major routes linking Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have faced restrictions.
Afridi also criticised statements made by Punjab officials concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and alleged that political tensions were being aggravated through such remarks. He said Pakistan would not be allowed to break apart, while presenting his concerns about what he described as the intentions of his political opponents.
The chief minister further alleged that authorities were focusing on PTI ministers and leaders through arrests and other measures in an attempt to create uncertainty within the party. He maintained that such actions would not force the PTI to abandon its political objectives.
Earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other opposition leaders met Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Aain Pakistan, to discuss preparations for the march, coordination among opposition parties and the broader political strategy. Reports said the meeting also reviewed possible cooperation and future consultations among opposition groups.
The PTI’s revised schedule and final protest plan are therefore expected to shape the next phase of its political campaign, as authorities continue security preparations across Islamabad and key routes connecting the capital with other parts of the country.
