Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Accuses KP Chief Minister of Sabotaging Islamabad Long March Negotiations
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on October 4, 2026, that 99% of a proposed agreement between the federal government and the opposition had been settled before negotiations collapsed. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi accused Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi of sabotaging the talks just as a final deal on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march was taking shape.
The breakdown follows two rounds of high-stakes negotiations held on Friday and Saturday between the PML-N-led federal government and the Imran Khan-founded PTI. The talks aimed to avert a planned long march toward Islamabad. According to geo.tv, the discussions stalled over key disputes, including access to the jailed former prime minister and military operations in restive areas of KP.
Draft Revisions and Counterterrorism Commitments
Naqvi detailed that four separate drafts were prepared and amended during Saturday’s negotiations. After reviewing the terms, Naqvi took a copy of the agreement to President Asif Ali Zardari. Upon returning, the interior minister learned that the KP chief minister had altered the draft. Dawn reported that Naqvi claimed Afridi became active around 9:00 PM, repeatedly requesting changes until 12:30 AM, thereby invalidating terms that had already been locked down.
The interior minister maintained that the provincial government had initially agreed to sign a written accord and submit an implementation plan within 72 hours. According to The Associated Press Of Pakistan, these commitments included:
* Reconsidering the Police Act 2026 to keep security matters free from political interference.
* Preventing terrorists from operating freely or establishing safe havens anywhere in KP.
* Unequivocally condemning the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan (TTA), and all other militant groups.
* Supporting national policy on Afghan refugees, including repatriation and dismantling Afghan camps.
* Ensuring no contact with the interim Afghan regime, along with substantial funding for counterterrorism operations and full provincial ownership of security measures.
Business Recorder noted that the talks involved two separate tracks: a main agreement covering political demands and a counterterrorism framework. Naqvi argued that if the federal government had known the opposition committee lacked the authority to bind the KP government, those negotiations would not have proceeded in that format.
Legal Warnings and Islamabad High Court Orders
As the PTI’s long march got underway, Naqvi issued a strict warning regarding public order. He stated that the federal government would not permit any group to occupy roads, highways, interchanges, or public buildings in the capital, citing an Islamabad High Court order issued on September 14.
Dunya News reported that Naqvi ruled out any request from the federal side to postpone the march, clarifying that only the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, had publicly expressed a desire to reduce political temperatures and delay the demonstration.
“We will not spare anyone who violates the law,” Naqvi said, adding that participants in the sit-in would face a complete legal process and trial if they breached security orders. He placed direct responsibility for any potential casualties or escalation during the march onto the KP chief minister.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific issues caused the negotiations to fail?
According to Business Recorder, the deadlock occurred after the opposition refused to call off its October 4 long march unless its representatives were first granted permission to meet jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, alongside disagreements on military operations in KP.
What role did the Pakistan Peoples Party play in the talks?
Dawn reported that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for the long march to be postponed to lower political temperatures, though Interior Minister Naqvi clarified that the federal government itself made no such request.
What did the KP chief minister agree to before the collapse?
The Associated Press Of Pakistan noted that the provincial government initially agreed to a 72-hour implementation plan covering the National Action Plan, the dismantling of Afghan refugee camps, and explicit condemnation of the TTP before withdrawing from those terms late Saturday night.
The federal government and opposition leadership remain at an impasse as security forces enforce Islamabad High Court restrictions against unauthorized public gatherings.
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