Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces political unrest amid planned long march

Political tensions are escalating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced the first phase of a ‘Ghayer Pakistani Long March’ starting October 4. The march is scheduled to move through various districts, including Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Peshawar, eventually gathering in Khairabad.

The federal government is reportedly considering constitutional options, such as imposing Governor’s Rule or declaring an emergency, citing the province's security situation. This follows a period of significant militant activity; data indicates that in July and August, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and its former tribal districts recorded 165 attacks and 183 deaths. In comparison, Balochistan saw 172 attacks and 238 deaths during the same period.

In response to the potential protests, authorities are considering implementing Section 144 to restrict public gatherings and may arrest over 1,000 individuals or place key political figures under house arrest. Meanwhile, internal political shifts are being discussed within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including potential leadership changes and consultations between Sohail Afridi and former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.