According to sources, the decision was taken during a meeting of the PTI political committee, where members discussed roadblocks, particularly those placed on motorways, as well as consultations with other opposition parties.
Several members supported a proposal to postpone the march, arguing that involving other opposition parties could make the protest more effective. Another party leader suggested postponing the march without announcing a new date, but other members opposed the idea, saying it could create frustration among workers.
The meeting subsequently agreed on October 5 as the new date, with plans for party workers to leave for Swabi on October 4 and proceed from Swabi towards Islamabad on October 5.
However, sources said the formal announcement would only be made after National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas were taken into confidence.
According to sources, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was asked to contact the two opposition leaders. Afridi agreed to speak to them directly, after which the postponement would be formally announced and a party statement issued.
The issue has also exposed differences within the opposition alliance. Sources said PTI leadership contacted Mahmood Khan Achakzai regarding the proposal to postpone the September 27 march, but he rejected the proposal and maintained that the movement should begin on September 27.
Achakzai has reportedly maintained that the September 27 movement would begin in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces before gradually moving towards Islamabad.
Meanwhile, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Secretary Shaukat Yousafzai denied reports that the march had been called off. Speaking to Geo News, he said no final decision had been made and that the party was fully prepared for the march.
Yousafzai said a decision could be made if the federal government entered into negotiations with PTI, adding that the march would remain peaceful and that government resources would not be used.
Sources also said PTI is facing financial difficulties, which have emerged as another challenge for organising the march. PTI leader Junaid Akbar had previously called for financial contributions from lawmakers to support the party.
The party has been holding meetings over the past several days to discuss the march, with the possibility of changing its date also raised during earlier consultations.
PTI sources said consultations with Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Raja Nasir Abbas and other opposition leaders are continuing. A final announcement regarding the date and strategy of the long march is expected after these consultations.
