Web Desk: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest convoy entered its third day on Tuesday, heading from Kohat toward Peshawar, as questions emerged over the turnout and presence of senior party leaders during an overnight stop in Lachi.
The convoy reached Kohat after passing through Karak on Monday and was scheduled to spend the night in Lachi. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi addressed workers at the site and described the protest as a prolonged political struggle, while urging participants to avoid excessive fatigue.
However, sources said activity at the protest site remained limited late into the night. Some workers stayed at the location, but several senior parliamentary leaders and lawmakers were reportedly not visible alongside them.
The situation prompted discussion among some participants about who would lead the next phase of the protest and whether the party leadership would maintain a strong presence as the march moves toward major urban centres.
According to the PTI’s announced schedule, additional participants from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai are expected to join the convoy before it moves toward Peshawar.
From Peshawar, the march is planned to proceed toward Charsadda and Khairabad. The party has said it will announce its next course of action after reaching Khairabad on Oct. 8.
Therefore, the third day could prove important for the PTI as it seeks to build momentum and demonstrate stronger participation along the route.
The main political question now is whether PTI leaders can mobilise a significantly larger number of supporters during the Kohat-Peshawar phase or whether the relatively limited overnight gathering in Lachi will continue.
The party’s ability to maintain worker participation could become particularly significant as the march approaches Peshawar and prepares for its next announced stage.
At the same time, traders in Peshawar have voiced opposition to the march, saying road closures and protest-related disruptions are affecting commercial activity.
As the convoy moves toward Peshawar, PTI faces a dual challenge: sustaining the momentum of its supporters while demonstrating visible leadership at the ground level. The party’s performance over the next two days is likely to shape expectations ahead of its planned announcement at Khairabad.
Read more: Big claims, weak show? Sohail Afridi reaches Lachi
