Thousands of PTI Supporters Launch March in Pakistan After Government Talks Collapse

Supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have launched a major protest march from Pakistan's northwest following the breakdown of negotiations with the government. Over 5,000 demonstrators set off on Sunday after two rounds of weekend talks failed to resolve the political deadlock.

The demonstration is part of an ongoing effort to pressure authorities into releasing Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. Although most convictions against the former prime minister have been suspended or overturned on appeal, his party continues to demand his freedom amid growing concerns over his health, particularly an eye condition requiring specialist treatment.

Videos shared on official PTI social media channels showed convoys of supporters joining the march across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. Regional Chief Minister Sohail Afridi confirmed that the demonstration would proceed toward Khairabad, located 80 kilometers west of Islamabad, where the next phase of the protest will be announced by Thursday.

Meanwhile, the government has taken strict security measures, using shipping containers to block major access routes into Islamabad. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi blamed Sohail Afridi for sabotaging the talks and warned that authorities would strictly enforce an Islamabad High Court order prohibiting the occupation of public roads and highways.