Thousands of supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have begun a multiday march toward Islamabad, demanding his release after negotiations between his party and the government collapsed.
The convoy left Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, October 4. The province is governed by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, commonly known as PTI.
March follows failed negotiations
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi is leading the march, which is expected to stop in several cities before reaching the capital. Associated Press reported that more than 5,000 people were participating as the convoy set out, while Reuters described the crowd as numbering in the thousands.
The march had initially been planned for September 27 but was delayed when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government offered talks. Those negotiations broke down over the weekend.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the dispute involved PTI’s position on a government-backed counterterrorism policy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI rejected that explanation and accused the government of trying to force unfair political concessions. Those competing accounts have not been independently resolved.
Security tightened around the capital
Authorities have deployed police and paramilitary personnel around Islamabad and positioned shipping containers near the government district. The government says marchers will not be allowed to enter the capital.
Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 following several criminal cases. He and PTI describe the cases as politically motivated; the government and military deny that characterization and say the courts are independent. Most of Khan’s convictions have been suspended or overturned, Reuters reported, while one remains in force and appeals are pending.
Previous large PTI demonstrations ended in serious clashes, creating uncertainty about the march’s route and timing. AskNovus will avoid treating projected crowd sizes or arrival dates as confirmed until authorities or organizers provide verifiable updates.
More continuing coverage is available through Politics and World News.
Sources
- Reuters, October 5, 2026.
- Associated Press, October 4, 2026.
- Reuters security background, September 23, 2026.
- Reuters report via Internazionale, October 5, 2026.