Sohail Afridi-led PTI convoy reaches Peshawar as long march enters fifth day
A convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reached Peshawar on Thursday evening as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continued its long march for the fifth consecutive day.
The PTI launched the march on October 4 to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan, who remains in jail. The party’s route and plans have changed several times since the start of the campaign.
The convoy reached the Hayatabad Toll Plaza in Peshawar, where a large number of PTI supporters gathered to welcome Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
The PTI said on social media that the convoy would grow further as it moved towards Swabi and claimed it could become one of the largest political marches in the country.
Addressing supporters at the toll plaza, Afridi urged participants to remain committed to what he described as a struggle for “true freedom”.
He acknowledged that the march could cause difficulties for participants but said supporters should remain determined.
Afridi also said he would announce the next phase of the march after moving through other parts of Peshawar. He indicated that more details about the future course of the campaign would be shared when the convoy reaches Swabi.
During the gathering, the chief minister led chants calling for Imran Khan’s release, while supporters responded with slogans.
PTI march route faces changes
The long march was initially planned as a journey towards Islamabad, but the final destination has not been clearly confirmed.
The PTI leadership has made several changes to the route since the march began, while the next phase of the journey after October 8 remains unclear.
According to the schedule shared earlier by KP Information Minister Shafi Jan, the convoy was expected to reach the Hayatabad Toll Plaza around 2pm. However, it arrived later in the evening.
The planned route included Bhana Mari Chungi, Kohati Chowk on Circular Road, Jameel Chowk, Pir Zakori Bridge and Kabootar Chowk before proceeding towards Charsadda Road.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that mobile and cellular internet services were disrupted in several parts of Peshawar ahead of the convoy’s arrival. The disruption was reported to have started on Wednesday night.
The PTI’s long march is now entering its fifth day, with the party expected to announce further details about its route and next steps as the convoy moves towards Swabi.
