LAKKI MARWAT (Kashmir English): The PTI long march has so far failed to attract a large crowd in Lakki Marwat, with around 1,500 to 2,000 people reportedly joining the gathering as of 6:30 pm on October 4, according to sources.
Sources said the turnout includes workers accompanying former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur and participants arriving from southern districts. The limited participation has reportedly raised concerns within the PTI leadership.
According to sources, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who was scheduled to reach Lakki Marwat around noon, however Chief Minister was compelled to arrive there around 4 o’clock, as the helicopter would not have been able to land after that time due to weather conditions and darkness.
Sources said the PTI leadership is facing difficulty translating its claims of a major long march into a substantial turnout on the ground.
Following a lack of numbers and persistent delays, there is a possibility that a dramatic move might be made to garner some attention and preserve political credibility and public appeal.
The march is expected to proceed towards Karak on October 5. Sources also indicated that PTI may attempt to create additional political momentum or public attention as the march continues.
