A protest march is continuing in Pakistan towards the capital Islamabad, demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, amid stalled dialogue between the federal government and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, and growing disagreement over counter-terrorism policy in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
March route and plans to reach Swabi
The march is being led by provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, while the party plans to reach the city of Swabi on Sunday before deciding its next step towards the capital. This follows repeated changes by protest organisers to the route, while the date on which participants will enter Islamabad remains unclear. Parliament’s media official Daniel Chaudhry accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party of mobilising its supporters by stoking hostility towards the federal government and state institutions.
The party was also accused of failing to address the escalating violence carried out by armed groups in opposition-run Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The party rejects accusations of sympathising with militants and insists that counter-terrorism measures should be approved in consultation with the provincial government, rather than imposed by the federal authorities.
Rejection of military operations and prospects of federal intervention
Addressing march participants, Afridi announced his opposition to carrying out further military operations in the province, affirming the protest’s commitment to peaceful action within constitutional frameworks. The political escalation has prompted discussion of possible federal intervention in the administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with officials considering options including imposing governor’s rule, which would temporarily place the province under the direct administration of the federal authority, or taking emergency measures.
No decision on the matter has been announced. Provincial Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said any decision on intervention rested with the president and prime minister, referring to recent armed attacks targeting security forces and civilians. At the same time, a mediation effort has emerged to contain the political crisis and reopen channels of dialogue.
Shaukat Yousafzai, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf media official in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said in press comments that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman was leading mediation efforts. He also denied that there was direct contact between the government and opposition, after two rounds of talks collapsed over disagreements about allowing contact with Khan and counter-terrorism policy. The party insists on Khan’s participation before any serious dialogue can begin.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that the protests could turn violent, affirming that the government would protect the capital’s residents’ ability to access education and healthcare and conduct their business activities. The current march has revived memories of the November 2024 protests, which ended in clashes between Khan’s supporters and security forces amid disagreement over the circumstances and death toll.
