Talks between Pakistan’s government and the opposition party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan failed to break a deadlock on Sunday, as supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said they would proceed with a planned protest.
Authorities have spent weeks preparing for the possible arrival of demonstrators in Islamabad. The PTI-backed march was initially scheduled for September 27 but was postponed until Sunday amid efforts to reach an agreement with the government.
Sohail Afridi, chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is governed by the PTI, said early on Sunday that the planned “long march” in support of Khan would go ahead.
The announcement followed unsuccessful last-minute negotiations between government officials and PTI representatives. Opposition politician Allama Raja Nasir Abbas told Geo TV that the talks had reached a deadlock, with disagreements including the party’s demand that Khan be allowed access to his doctor.
Tensions have increased in recent months over Khan’s imprisonment and concerns about his medical treatment and access to healthcare. The PTI has also demanded the release of Khan’s three sisters, who were arrested last month, adding to tensions between the opposition and authorities.
Khan, 73, has been in prison since August 2023. The former international cricket star faces numerous charges, including corruption, treason and inciting violence, following widespread anti-government and anti-establishment unrest in May 2023.
Khan and his legal team have rejected the allegations, saying the cases against him are politically motivated and intended to weaken his political influence.
Afridi said the protest would begin in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday and proceed towards Khairabad, about 80 kilometres west of Islamabad, with the march expected to reach the area by Thursday. He said the next stage of the demonstration would be announced in Khairabad, but did not give a date for when protesters could move towards the capital.
Islamabad authorities have taken security measures ahead of the planned demonstration, including blocking major roads leading into the capital with shipping containers. The barriers have disrupted traffic and public transport in several areas.
The dispute over Khan’s medical care remains a key issue in the negotiations. Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled in August that he should be transferred to a civilian hospital for treatment. Khan was briefly taken to a government-run hospital but was subsequently returned to prison.
The failed talks raise the prospect of renewed political tensions as PTI supporters prepare for the next phase of their protest. The government has yet to indicate whether further negotiations with the party will take place before demonstrators move closer to Islamabad.
