Islamabad: The PTI’s protest march reached Hamidan Chowk in Karak district late on Sunday, with the convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi scheduled to continue towards Kohat on Monday.
The procession departed from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on October 4. Under the announced itinerary, supporters from Karak will join before departure at 12:30pm on October 5, followed by an overnight stop near Kohat.
Participants from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai are scheduled to join on October 6 before the convoy moves towards Peshawar. It will then proceed towards the Charsadda Interchange area on October 7 and Khairabad in Nowshera on October 8.
Afridi has said the next phase will be announced at Khairabad. Although the protest’s stated destination is Islamabad, its arrival date in the capital remains unannounced.
Separately, former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy from Dera Ismail Khan turned back near Yarik because of roadblocks and security concerns. He described the return as temporary and urged workers to avoid damaging public property.
The mobilisation follows the breakdown of lengthy government and opposition negotiations early on Sunday.
PTI said immediate access to Imran Khan was the principal obstacle, arguing that leaders needed to consult him before deciding on the march and national issues. It also sought treatment at Shifa International Hospital and a panel of doctors including his personal physician.
According to PTI, the government agreed to restore family and lawyer meetings from Tuesday but declined its additional requests.
Counterterrorism policy also remained disputed. PTI proposed federal and provincial consultations within 72 hours rather than unconditional support for measures initiated by the Centre.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the KP government of failing to fulfil counterterrorism responsibilities, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi blamed Afridi for undermining the talks. PTI rejects those allegations.
