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” amid preparations for an October 4 march on Islamabad. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf postponed its planned protest from September 27 following days marked by arrests and roadblocks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced on Tuesday that the march would proceed from Peshawar, with participants expected to reach Swabi during the first 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, officials arrested PTI activists prior to the original protest date. Suleiman described these family arrests as part of what he called a broader campaign of intimidation. His reference to “tyranny” reflects his family’s viewpoint, not an official legal conclusion.
Amnesty International condemned the detentions as arbitrary and called on Pakistani authorities to free Khan’s relatives and PTI workers. The organization argued that these actions infringed upon rights to liberty, expression, association, and peaceful assembly. While authorities at both federal and provincial levels cited concerns over public order, restrictions have been imposed around the planned demonstration. The government has also dismissed allegations that Imran Khan is mistreated in prison. The issue of detention conditions, protest rights, and access to the capital city has become central in the ongoing dispute.
Security measures remain in place around Islamabad
Ahead of the march, 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 across Islamabad and nearby areas. Although some major roads reopened after PTI delayed the demonstration, barriers still block access near sensitive sites. The Red Zone of Islamabad houses Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. Additionally, restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144 remain in effect in the capital.
Since August 2023, Imran Khan has been held in prison, serving a 14-year sentence related to a corruption case and an additional 17-year sentence for a case involving state gifts. PTI claims these charges are politically motivated, while the government denies such accusations. His family has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding his health, medical care, and access to relatives and legal counsel. Authorities have denied mistreatment allegations. The core issue motivating PTI’s planned nationwide protests is Khan’s continued detention.
Suleiman Khan describes arrests as acts of tyranny
PTI states that the October 4 rally aims to demand Imran Khan’s release and uphold constitutional rights. Afridi confirmed the march will originate from Peshawar, while the opposition coalition Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan announced its participation. The new date follows the party’s decision to delay the initial September 27 protest by a week. Authorities continue preparations around Islamabad as PTI leaders insist the demonstration will proceed. The government has pledged to enforce public order restrictions and ensure access to the capital.
Suleiman Khan has called upon Western governments to respond to what he rightly terms rule by “tyrants” in Pakistan. He linked this criticism to the detention of his aunts and other PTI supporters. Authorities maintain their actions are driven by security and public order concerns. With the march scheduled for October 4, the confirmed facts focus on the detentions, security measures, and PTI’s demand for Imran Khan’s release.