Lakki Marwat: PTI is set to begin its march towards Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday after negotiations between the federal government and opposition failed to resolve their differences.

The march is being held to demand the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. The party had initially announced the mobilisation for September 27 before postponing it to October 4.

PTI workers began gathering at Gandi Chowk on the Peshawar Karachi Highway near Serai Naurang, where party flags and banners were displayed ahead of the departure.

Security arrangements have been put in place at the gathering point, with police, armoured personnel carriers and Bomb Disposal Squad personnel deployed.

Tariq Saad, special assistant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister for home and tribal affairs, said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi would reach Gandi Chowk at 1pm to lead the march.

According to Saad, workers from Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan are expected to join the convoy. Those unable to participate because of curfews or other security restrictions could join as the march moves towards Peshawar.

The march is proceeding despite a deadlock in negotiations between PTI and the federal government. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said protesters will not be allowed to enter Islamabad.

Federal ministers have also raised the possibility of constitutional measures, including an emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing security conditions and the protest. PTI has opposed such measures.

Under the plan shared by Chief Minister Afridi, the convoy will travel in stages through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before moving towards Islamabad.

The march is scheduled to spend its first night near Karak before leaving at 12:30pm on October 5 and stopping near Kohat.

Supporters from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai are expected to join on October 6 before the convoy travels towards Peshawar and stays near Mattani.

The caravan is scheduled to leave Budh Bair in Peshawar on October 7, with additional supporters joining at Kohat Road Bridge and the Motorway Toll Plaza before an overnight stop near Charsadda Interchange.

On October 8, supporters from Charsadda and Mohmand are expected to join before the convoy proceeds towards Khairabad. Afridi has said the next stage of the march will be announced there.

Authorities have imposed restrictions on movement on several roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Section 144 ahead of the mobilisation.