Four cops deployed for PTI long march die, including snake-bite victim

Four police personnel deployed for security during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ongoing long march have reportedly died in separate incidents according to police sources.

Four police personnel deployed for security during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ongoing long march have reportedly died in separate incidents according to police sources.

One of the latest fatalities occurred in Attock where a police officer assigned to the long march security detail reportedly died after being bitten by a snake.

In another incident a police driver deployed for security duties reportedly suffered a heart attack and died.

Police sources said that so far four personnel assigned to provide security for the PTI procession have lost their lives in different incidents during the ongoing deployment.

The deaths have occurred as thousands of PTI supporters continue their long march from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding the release of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. The procession is being led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.

Thousands of supporters of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have launched a long march to the capital, Islamabad, demanding his release. Initiated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, governed by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party the march is led by provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The protest stems from Khan’s 2022 parliamentary ouster which he attributes to the military—a claim the army denies. Tensions escalated after his 2023 arrest triggered violent riots, military site attacks, and a subsequent crackdown, including mass detentions and military court trials.

Despite multiple convictions, most of Khan’s sentences have been overturned or suspended.The protest was postponed from September 27 after failed negotiations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government. Talks collapsed as both sides accused each other of acting in bad faith particularly over cooperation on a counter-terrorism plan in the militancy-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The government has deployed heavy security around Islamabad and declared that marchers will not be permitted to enter the city with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vowing to end the protests decisively. The situation remains tense with the government considering legal steps against the PTI-led provincial government if it does not adhere to federal counter-terrorism measures.

The march began from Lakki Marwat on October 4 and has since moved through parts of the province. The convoy reached Kohat and has continued its journey as the party pursues its stated political demands.

Security arrangements have been significantly increased along the march route as authorities prepare for the possibility of the procession moving towards Punjab and eventually Islamabad. The federal government has warned that the march will not be allowed to enter the capital while PTI has maintained its demand for Imran Khan’s release.

The latest reported deaths highlight the risks faced by police personnel deployed for extended security operations. Officers assigned to such duties may remain stationed for long periods along roads, checkpoints and temporary security posts.

Meanwhile, political tensions surrounding the march remain high. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for the PTI to end the march and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue while PTI leadership has continued with the protest campaign.

The situation is still developing as the procession moves on and authorities maintain heightened security along its route.