The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched the first phase of its planned long march from Lakki Marwat to Swabi, as negotiations with the federal government failed to break a political deadlock.

The march began on Sunday from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat, with caravans from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South and North Waziristan, and Bannu and Lakki Marwat joining the procession, according to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

The PTI had initially planned the march for September 27 but postponed it to October 4. Two rounds of talks between the government and opposition, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, failed to produce an agreement. The government wanted PTI to call off the march, while the opposition sought a meeting between PTI leaders and jailed party founder Imran Khan before withdrawing the protest.

According to Afridi, the march will continue through Karak, Kohat, and Peshawar before reaching Khairabad, where the next phase will be announced.

The development comes amid heightened political tensions and increased security concerns in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The federal government has cited security risks and a rise in militant activity while urging PTI to reconsider the protest.