PTI Postpones Islamabad Long March to 4 October

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced on Friday that it has postponed its anticipated long march to Islamabad from the previously set date of 27 September to 4 October. The announcement followed a meeting of the party’s senior leadership, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi attending via video link from Peshawar. Consultations also included input from the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a coalition of opposition parties.

Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi clarified, "The Long March will depart from Peshawar to Islamabad on Sunday, October 4. This is the unanimous decision of the political committee."

PTI sources described the change in timing as a strategic move rather than a retreat. Individuals familiar with the party's internal discussions explained that PTI remains committed to holding the protest but aims to maximise its political impact by carefully timing its mobilisation and execution.

Party strategists have indicated plans to maintain the protest on the roads for an extended period to increase pressure on authorities. The rescheduled date is expected to offer the party more time to rally supporters and respond to the heightened security measures implemented by the Punjab and federal governments, which include the deployment of security personnel and shipping containers at several locations, notably near Attock Bridge.

PTI leadership has publicly rebutted rumours of internal disagreement, emphasising that the decision to postpone the march was reached through wide consultation. Acting PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Khan stated that senior opposition leaders, including TTAP Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai and opposition leader in Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, had been kept informed. Gohar also added that the party’s jailed founding chairman has given Afridi responsibility for leading the march and reiterated PTI's determination to continue its mobilisation until its demands are fulfilled.