ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans for a march on Islamabad scheduled for October 4, amid accusations from Suleiman Khan, son of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan. Suleiman has accused Pakistan’s authorities of behaving like “tyrants,” as supporters gear up for the protest. The PTI moved the demonstration date from September 27 following a series of arrests and road restrictions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi confirmed Tuesday that the march will proceed from Peshawar, with participants expected to reach Swabi during the initial phase.
On September 20, police detained Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan in Lahore under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order law. The following day, authorities also detained his sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi under the same legal framework. Additionally, PTI activists were taken into custody before the original protest date. Suleiman described these family arrests as part of a broader campaign of intimidation, using the term “tyranny” to reflect his family’s perspective, not an official legal judgment.
Amnesty International condemned the detentions as arbitrary and called on Pakistani authorities to free Khan’s relatives and PTI workers. The organization stated that these actions violated rights to liberty, expression, association, and peaceful assembly. While public order concerns have been cited by federal and provincial officials to justify restrictions around the planned protest, the government has denied allegations of mistreating Imran Khan in custody. The ongoing dispute has brought issues of detention conditions, protest rights, and access to the capital into the forefront of the confrontation.
Security measures remain in place around Islamabad
Ahead of the original march date, authorities installed shipping containers on roads surrounding Islamabad and limited routes connecting the city with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Large police and paramilitary forces have been deployed throughout Islamabad and nearby areas. Some major roads reopened after PTI postponed the protest, but barriers still block access to sensitive locations. The Red Zone of Islamabad houses Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. Additionally, restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144 have been imposed by the city administration.
Since August 2023, Imran Khan has been in prison serving a 14-year sentence related to a corruption case and a separate 17-year sentence in a case involving state gifts. PTI claims the charges against its leader are politically motivated, a stance the government refutes. His family has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding his health, medical care, and access to relatives and legal representatives. Authorities deny any mistreatment allegations. Khan’s detention remains the primary issue fueling PTI’s planned nationwide protests.
Suleiman Khan describes arrests as acts of tyranny
PTI emphasizes that the October 4 rally aims to demand Imran Khan’s release and the safeguarding of constitutional rights. Afridi confirmed the march will originate from Peshawar, while the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan has announced its participation. The new date follows PTI’s decision to delay the initial September 27 protest by a week. Authorities continue preparations around Islamabad, with PTI leaders maintaining that the demonstration will proceed. The government has pledged to uphold public order and ensure access to the capital during the event.
Suleiman Khan has called on Western governments to respond to what he characterizes as rule by “tyrants” in Pakistan. He has linked this criticism to the detention of his aunts and other PTI supporters. Officials state their actions are driven by security and public order concerns. As the October 4 march approaches, the main facts remain the detentions, security measures, and PTI’s demand for the release of Imran Khan.