Sohail Afridi Says PTI Long March Will Go Ahead Amid October 5 Reports
PESHAWAR, September 25, 2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will proceed with its planned long march, while announcing that the detailed roadmap would be unveiled after consultations with the party’s political committee.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Friday, Afridi said the proposed march would remain peaceful and maintained that PTI would not abandon its plans because of measures aimed at restricting the movement of protesters.
“We will come out this time,” Afridi said, adding that the party would announce its next course of action after consultations with its political committee.
During the press conference, a video clip was also shown purportedly depicting nails placed across the Attock Bridge, a key route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Referring to the footage, Afridi questioned whether blocking the bridge was an attempt to isolate KP from other parts of Pakistan. He also criticised statements by Punjab officials concerning security threats and people from neighbouring provinces, saying such remarks could contribute to tensions between the provinces.
The KP chief minister further accused Punjab authorities of interfering in his province and alleged that PTI ministers and leaders were being targeted through arrests to create uncertainty within the party.
Afridi said PTI would continue pursuing its political objectives despite what he described as pressure tactics.
Conflicting reports over march date
Afridi’s remarks came amid reports that the PTI leadership had decided to postpone the long march, initially expected to move towards Islamabad on September 27.
According to party sources cited in media reports, the leadership has discussed delaying the march until October 5, with an announcement expected after consultations. However, the KP chief minister’s public comments indicated that preparations and political discussions surrounding the mobilisation were continuing.
Earlier on Friday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and other opposition leaders met Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
The meeting focused on preparations and arrangements for the planned mobilisation as well as PTI and its allies’ broader political strategy.
The developments come amid heightened political tensions and security measures ahead of the proposed protest. PTI has repeatedly linked its protest campaign to demands including the release of party founder Imran Khan.
The final date, route and arrangements for the long march are expected to become clearer once PTI formally announces its post-consultation strategy.