KARACHI: A convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi entered Peshawar on Thursday evening as PTI continued its long march for a fifth consecutive day.
The route plan for the march, being carried out to demand the release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, has undergone multiple changes since its launch on Oct 4.
While the party initially vowed to march towards Islamabad, its final destination seemingly remains tentative as the KP CM has yet to announce the plan for the trek after Oct 8.
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A post by the PTI’s official X account shortly after 6pm said the Afridi-led convoy had reached Hayatabad Toll Plaza in Peshawar. It also shared pictures of hundreds of supporters gathered to welcome the KP CM.
“God-willing, by the time it reaches Swabi, this caravan will become the largest long march in Pakistan’s history,” the PTI asserted.
Addressing supporters at the toll plaza, CM Afridi urged them to maintain their determination for the “struggle for true freedom”.
“There might be some discomfort, but this pain is not greater than the pain Imran Khan sahib is enduring in jail for us,” he said.
The PTI leader went on to say, “We shall not hesitate to even sacrifice [our] life for Imran Khan sahib.”
While Afridi said he would announce the next plan of action after proceeding to other areas of Peshawar, he also said the public would be “thrilled” upon hearing his plan when he reaches Swabi.
In a video shared by the PTI, Afridi could be seen raising slogans of “Free Imran Khan”, with supporters chanting in harmony.
Ahead of the protesters’ arrival, an unannounced disruption of mobile and cellular internet services was reported since last night in several areas of the provincial capital.
The caravan seemed to be behind schedule as it was supposed to reach Hayatabad Toll Plaza by 2pm, according to the schedule for Oct 8 shared by Information Minister Shafi Jan in the morning.
It will pass by Bhana Mari Chungi, Kohati Chowk at Circular Road, Jameel Chowk, Pir Zakori Bridge, Kabootar Chowk, and then plans to reach Charsadda Road.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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