PTI protest poor turnout; leaders disappear from scene

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest long march towards Islamabad entered its third day, but a noticeable decline in protest activity during the overnight stay in Lachi, Kohat, has raised questions about the presence of party leadership alongside workers.
The PTI convoy reached Kohat from Karak yesterday and was scheduled to spend the night in Lachi. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also addressed the workers gathered there. Describing the protest as a prolonged struggle, he advised workers to avoid exhausting themselves. According to the schedule announced by the party, the convoy will leave Kohat for Peshawar today.
However, according to sources, only a limited number of workers remained at the protest site late at night, while questions were raised among them about who would lead the next phase of the protest.
Sources claimed that the prominent parliamentary leadership expected to be present during a major political protest was not visible at the site during the night.
According to sources, some workers remained at the protest venue, but several key party leaders and lawmakers were not seen alongside them. The situation led to discussions among workers about the leadership’s approach and the party’s protest strategy.
According to PTI’s announced schedule, additional participants from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai will join the convoy today before it heads towards Peshawar. From Peshawar, the convoy is planned to proceed towards Charsadda and Khairabad, where the party will announce the next phase of its strategy on October 8.
The key question on the third day of the march is whether the PTI leadership will succeed in mobilising a large number of workers during the Kohat and Peshawar stages or whether the limited turnout witnessed during last night’s stay will continue.
Politically, this phase is also significant because the party has already announced that it will unveil its future course of action upon reaching Khairabad.
Meanwhile, traders in Peshawar have also staged a protest against the march. The traders argue that road closures and protest activities are disrupting business operations.
The PTI long march is therefore moving from Kohat towards Peshawar on its third day, but the presence of workers and parliamentary leadership during the overnight stay has emerged as a significant political question for the party as it moves into the next phase of the protest.