People have raised questions over the low turnout at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march after fewer supporters than expected gathered during the opening stage in Lakki Marwat.
Reportedly, around 1,500 to 2,000 people had gathered by 6:30pm on October 4, including workers arriving with former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy. The turnout was lower than expected and PTI leaders were concerned.
Social media footage has also circulated showing children among people gathered along the march route. Reportedly, children were present at the long march that were deliberately brought in to increase crowd numbers.
Sohail Afridi joins march as convoy advances
Previously, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi arrived in Lakki Marwat by helicopter and joined the march at Gandi Chowk. His arrival came later than the announced starting time.
The march is being held primarily to demand the release of imprisoned PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.
PTI supporters from Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and the Waziristan districts were expected to join the first stage.
Meanwhile, Gandapur’s convoy returned towards Dera Ismail Khan.
Long march to continue through KP
PTI has planned the protest as a multi-day march rather than a direct journey to Islamabad.
The convoy has left Karak on October 5 (today) and heads towards Kohat. Supporters from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai are expected to join on October 6 before the march proceeds towards Peshawar.
The convoy is then scheduled to move through Peshawar and Charsadda before reaching Khairabad on October 8, where PTI says the plan for the next phase will be announced.
The march is taking place amid heightened political and security tensions. Section 144 and movement restrictions have been imposed on several routes in KP. Additionally, the federal government has said protesters will not be allowed to enter Islamabad in violation of restrictions.