October 5, 2026 — Update to our October 4 story. The opposition PTI convoy led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister left Karak for Kohat on Monday. Mobile phone and mobile internet service was suspended in Karak, the Rangers deployment in Islamabad was extended to October 15, and federal officials openly discussed imposing governor’s rule in the province. No airport closure was reported.
What changed
- Route: the convoy overnighted in Karak on Sunday and set out for Kohat on Monday afternoon, Dawn reported. Its arrival there was not confirmed in the reports we opened.
- Communications: mobile phone and mobile internet services were suspended across Karak and nearby areas, the Pakistan Observer reported. End time: TBA. No suspension was reported in Islamabad or Rawalpindi.
- Islamabad: Geo News reported that the Rangers deployment in Islamabad and parts of Punjab was extended to October 15. The federal government has said the march will not be allowed into the capital.
- Governor’s rule: the interior minister and the provincial governor agreed to back governor’s rule or emergency measures if the president and prime minister decide on them. Nothing had been imposed as of Monday evening.
- Karachi: police broke up PTI protests at several sites on Sunday and sealed the Press Club and Red Zone. PTI says more than 75 people were detained in the city.
- Gathering bans: Section 144 orders remain in several Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts.
The published schedule
| Date | Plan |
|---|---|
| October 5 | Overnight in Kohat |
| October 6 | Move toward Peshawar; overnight near Mattani |
| October 7 | Leave Budh Bair, Peshawar; overnight near Charsadda Interchange |
| October 8 | Overnight at Khairabad; next phase to be announced there |
| Islamabad arrival | TBA |
Also ahead
A goods transporters’ association announced on October 2 a countrywide wheel-jam strike from October 10 if its demands are not met. It covers freight, not passenger transport, and we could not confirm it is still on.
What it means for airline travelers
- Islamabad’s entry points still have container barriers in place, including near the motorway entry on the airport side. Allow several extra hours to reach Islamabad International Airport from October 7 onward, and watch for sudden road closures.
- Expect mobile data cuts to follow the march. Download boarding passes, hotel details and offline maps before you travel.
- Standby travelers should avoid tight connections through Islamabad or Peshawar this week. If roads close, you may miss the flight and the next one may be full.
- Stay away from rallies and convoy routes. US citizens can enroll in STEP and Canadians in Registration of Canadians Abroad for alerts.
Sources
- Dawn — PTI long march: After Karak address, KP CM’s convoy departs for Kohat
- Dawn — Naqvi, Kundi mull governor’s rule in KP
- Dawn — Authorities break up several PTI protests in Karachi
- Pakistan Observer — PTI Long March: Mobile phone, internet services shut down in parts of KP
- Express Tribune — Afridi-led PTI convoy to head towards Kohat after overnight stay in Karak
- Geo News — Live updates: PTI’s Islamabad long march
- ARY News — Goods transporters announce countrywide strike from October 10
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