Mobile phone and internet services have been suspended in Karak and nearby areas as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march continues through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards Kohat.
The march is being led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. Thousands of supporters began the protest march from the southern districts of KP.
The first phase started from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on Sunday. The convoy travelled around 80 kilometres before reaching Karak.
However, 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.
Mobile and internet services suspended
Mobile phone and mobile internet services were completely suspended in Karak and surrounding areas as part of security and administrative measures.
Restrictions under Section 144 have also been imposed on several routes in KP amid concerns about law and order. Movement on roads in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Hangu and parts of South Waziristan has been restricted for different periods.
According to PTI’s announced schedule, supporters from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai will join the march on October 6. The procession will then move towards Peshawar and stay near Matani.
On October 7, supporters from different areas of Peshawar are expected to join the march before the convoy proceeds towards Charsadda. The party plans to gather its convoys from across KP at Khairabad on October 8.
Security tightened along march route
Security arrangements have also been strengthened on routes leading towards Islamabad.
Containers and other barriers have been placed at different locations around Attock and Taxila.
The federal government has maintained that protesters will not be allowed to enter Islamabad in violation of restrictions.
The march began after negotiations between the government and PTI failed to produce an agreement.