By Dr Lubna Farah
Peshawar/Islamabad: Supporters and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued their protest march on Wednesday, calling for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan as the party’s convoy moved through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards Islamabad.
The protest, launched by PTI on Sunday, has kept political tensions between the government and opposition elevated. The party has identified Imran Khan’s release as its primary demand, while participants have also raised concerns over inflation, economic conditions, law and order, terrorism and governance.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and PTI leader Sohail Afridi addressed the protesters south of Peshawar, telling party workers that they remained united in support of Imran Khan.
He urged participants to remain prepared to continue towards Islamabad, drawing slogans from the crowd.
PTI’s red-and-green flags, national flags and portraits of Imran Khan were prominently displayed throughout the convoy. Supporters chanted slogans at several points along the route, while flower petals were thrown over vehicles as the procession passed through some areas.
A police intelligence official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, estimated that the convoy consisted of around 1,500 vehicles and between 5,000 and 6,000 people as it travelled through PTI strongholds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The figures could not be independently verified.
Participants said they were determined to continue the protest until Imran Khan was released. Several protesters also cited rising prices, security concerns, terrorism and dissatisfaction with governance as reasons for joining the march.
Political and Legal Background
Imran Khan has remained in custody since August 2023 and faces several cases, including corruption-related charges. Khan, PTI and his legal team have rejected the allegations, maintaining that the cases are politically motivated.
The government, meanwhile, has stepped up security arrangements in anticipation of the possible arrival of protesters in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged PTI to call off the march and return to negotiations with the government.
The prime minister said political activities should not interfere with the country’s economy or the normal functioning of the government, while warning that violations of the law would be dealt with according to legal procedures.
Negotiations between the government and PTI broke down early Sunday, following which the opposition party proceeded with its protest march. As of Wednesday, the convoy had not moved beyond Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The government says political disputes should be resolved through constitutional and legal mechanisms and dialogue. PTI, however, has maintained that it will continue its protest campaign until its demand for Imran Khan’s release is addressed.
