Pakistan has tightened security and restricted access to Islamabad ahead of a planned September 27 march by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, deploying thousands of additional police and paramilitary personnel and blocking major roads leading into the capital. Authorities say the measures are aimed at maintaining public order as political tensions remain high.
The demonstration has been announced by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which is calling for his release. PTI Chairman Gohar Khan has said the march will proceed despite the road closures and security restrictions.
Security Measures Intensify
According to Reuters, nearly 35,000 additional police and paramilitary personnel have been stationed in and around Islamabad, while further deployments have been made in other areas where supporters could gather.
Authorities have also blocked major highways connecting Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI governs. Shipping containers have been positioned around Islamabad’s government district, including areas near Parliament, the prime minister’s residence and foreign embassies.
AFP reported on September 24 that about 22,000 security personnel had been deployed in Islamabad and that key entry points, highways and intersections had been blocked with containers. The differing figures reflect separate reports and deployment counts as security preparations continue.
Arrests and Restrictions
The security measures follow the detention of hundreds of PTI activists in recent days, according to Reuters. Authorities have cited public-order concerns for the detentions.
Three of Imran Khan’s sisters have also been detained ahead of the planned demonstration. Earlier, Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore under public-order provisions, according to Reuters reporting.
The government has warned that security forces will respond if the protest becomes violent. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said police had been instructed to take action in the event of violence, according to Reuters.
Political Background
Imran Khan, a former international cricket star, was removed as prime minister through a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2022 and has remained imprisoned following a series of legal cases. Khan has described himself as a political prisoner and denies wrongdoing.
Reuters reported that several of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, while appeals remain pending. The military has denied Khan’s allegations concerning its role in political developments.
The planned march also comes amid broader political and economic tensions, including public concerns over inflation and fuel prices. PTI has continued to mobilize supporters despite restrictions and arrests.
What’s Next
The September 27 march will test the ability of PTI supporters to reach Islamabad amid extensive security restrictions and road closures. Authorities are expected to maintain heightened security around government buildings and major transport routes.
The government has emphasized public order, while PTI says its demonstration will continue. The developments could determine whether the protest proceeds peacefully or leads to further confrontation between demonstrators and security forces.
