ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Suleiman Khan, the son of former prime minister Imran Khan who is currently incarcerated, has accused Pakistan’s leadership of behaving like “tyrants” amidst preparations by supporters for a march scheduled for October 4 in Islamabad. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf postponed its planned demonstration from September 27 after a series of arrests and road closures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced on Tuesday that the march would proceed from Peshawar, with participants expected to reach Swabi during the initial phase.
Authorities detained Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan in Lahore on September 20 under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order law, followed by the detention of his sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi the next day under the same legal framework. Additionally, officials detained PTI activists before the originally scheduled protest date. Suleiman described these family arrests as part of a broader campaign of intimidation, and his use of the term “tyranny” reflects the family’s expressed view rather than any established legal ruling.
Amnesty International condemned the detentions as arbitrary and called on Pakistani authorities to release Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, emphasizing that these actions violated fundamental rights to liberty, expression, association, and peaceful assembly. While authorities at both federal and provincial levels have cited concerns over public order in justifying restrictions around the planned protest, the government has dismissed claims of mistreatment against Imran Khan in detention. This dispute has brought issues of detention conditions, protest rights, and access to the capital to the forefront of the ongoing confrontation.
Security measures remain in place around Islamabad
Ahead of the initial march date, authorities installed shipping containers on roads surrounding Islamabad and restricted routes connecting the city to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Large police and paramilitary forces were also deployed across Islamabad and nearby areas. After PTI delayed the demonstration, some major roads reopened, but barriers persisted near sensitive locations, including Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. The capital administration also imposed restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144.
Since August 2023, Imran Khan has been in prison serving a 14-year sentence related to a corruption case and an additional 17-year sentence in a separate case involving state gifts. PTI claims that the cases against their leader are politically motivated, a stance rejected by the government. His family has repeatedly expressed concerns about his health, medical care, and limited access to relatives and legal counsel, although authorities deny allegations of abuse. His continued detention remains the central issue fueling PTI’s planned nationwide protests.
Suleiman Khan characterizes arrests as a form of tyranny
PTI asserts that their October 4 rally aims to secure Imran Khan’s release and uphold constitutional rights, with Afridi stating the march will originate from Peshawar and opposition groups like Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan confirming their participation. The rescheduling of the march followed the party’s decision to delay the initial September 27 protest by one week. Meanwhile, authorities continue preparations around Islamabad as PTI leaders insist the demonstration will proceed, with the government pledging to enforce public order restrictions and safeguard access to the capital.
Suleiman Khan has called on Western governments to respond to what he appropriately refers to as rule by “tyrants” in Pakistan, linking this criticism to the detention of his aunts and other PTI supporters. Authorities maintain that their measures are driven by security and public order concerns. As the October 4 march approaches, the confirmed facts remain centered on the arrests, security measures, and PTI’s demand for Imran Khan’s release.