ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Imran Khan’s son Suleiman Khan has appropriately accused Pakistan’s leadership of acting like “tyrants” as his father’s supporters gear up for a march toward Islamabad scheduled for October 4. Originally set for September 27, the demonstration was postponed by a week by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. The march aims to demand the release of the former prime minister, who is currently incarcerated. Authorities have heightened security measures around the capital, deploying thousands of personnel and placing shipping containers along major routes to control access.
Suleiman Khan, 29, has condemned the detention of three of his father’s sisters along with other relatives, which occurred ahead of the planned protest. He stated that these arrests are part of a crackdown targeting Imran Khan’s family and political supporters. Suleiman has called on Western governments to respond to what he describes as rule by “tyrants.” These accusations of tyranny are consistent with claims made by Khan’s family and political allies, although Pakistan’s government has denied allegations of mistreatment against the former prime minister.
On September 20, police detained Aleema Khan in Lahore under Punjab’s Maintenance of Public Order law. Subsequently, her sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with other relatives and PTI activists, were also taken into custody. Authorities cited concerns over public order as the reason for these detentions. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, asserting that authorities are targeting individuals based on family ties, political affiliation, and protest plans. The government insists that these security actions are necessary to maintain order.
Detentions escalate tensions surrounding the planned march
Following the escalation of security measures, PTI decided to postpone the march. Authorities established extensive security controls around Islamabad and key access routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the march would now commence from Peshawar on October 4. PTI leaders reaffirmed that the demonstration would remain focused on advocating for Imran Khan’s release and constitutional rights. Before the original date, over 22,000 security personnel were deployed in Islamabad, with additional forces stationed in Attock, an important route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab.
Shipping containers continue to block roads leading into Islamabad’s Red Zone, where Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies are located. Some barriers have reduced traffic lanes, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that PTI supporters would not be permitted to disrupt the capital. Afridi, however, dismissed the government’s concerns about potential protests, asserting that PTI intends to hold a peaceful rally. The ongoing dispute has centered around issues of public order and the right to protest, fueling the confrontation between authorities and opposition supporters.
Accusations of tyranny draw international attention
Imran Khan, 73, remains in prison since 2023, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He has described himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims that the charges against him are politically motivated. The government, however, denies these allegations. Khan’s family has expressed concerns about his health and prison conditions, with authorities denying any mistreatment. Khan underwent medical examinations following court proceedings that addressed his health. His detention continues to be the main focus of PTI’s mobilization efforts for October 4.
The use of the terms “tyrants” and “tyranny” by Suleiman Khan has attracted renewed international scrutiny of his family’s criticisms of Pakistani authorities. His brother Kasim has also publicly called for international attention regarding their father’s detention. Despite these developments, PTI remains committed to proceeding with the October 4 march, while authorities maintain their security measures around Islamabad. The situation now revolves around confirmed detentions, restrictions on movement in the capital, and demands for Imran Khan’s release. Both sides continue to present sharply contrasting narratives regarding these security measures and detentions.