ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Suleiman Khan, the son of former prime minister Imran Khan currently behind bars, has accused Pakistan’s leadership of behaving like “tyrants” as supporters gear up for a march on Islamabad scheduled for October 4. The protest organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was moved from September 27 following days of arrests and road closures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced Tuesday that the march would proceed from Peshawar, with participants expected to reach Swabi during the initial phase.
Lahore police detained Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan on September 20 under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order law. The following day, authorities also detained his sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi under the same legislation. Additionally, officials apprehended PTI activists prior to the original protest date. Suleiman characterized these family arrests as part of a broader intimidation campaign. His reference to “tyranny” reflects his family’s perspective rather than an official legal verdict.
Amnesty International condemned the detentions as arbitrary and called on Pakistani authorities to free Khan’s relatives and PTI workers. The organization stated that such actions violated fundamental rights to liberty, expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Authorities at both federal and provincial levels justified the restrictions by citing concerns over public order. The government also dismissed allegations of mistreatment of Imran Khan in prison. The ongoing dispute has brought issues of detention conditions, protest rights, and access to Islamabad into the forefront of the confrontation.
Security measures remain in place around Islamabad
Before the original march date, authorities placed shipping containers on roads surrounding Islamabad and restricted routes connecting the capital to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Large police and paramilitary forces were deployed across Islamabad and nearby areas. Although some major roads reopened after PTI postponed the demonstration, barriers persisted near sensitive sites. The Red Zone of Islamabad, home to Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies, remains under strict security. Under Section 144, restrictions on public gatherings have also been imposed by the capital administration.
Imran Khan has been detained since August 2023, serving a 14-year sentence for a corruption case and an additional 17-year sentence related to a state-gifts case. PTI claims the charges are politically motivated, while the government denies such allegations. His family has repeatedly expressed concerns over his health, medical care, and access to relatives and lawyers. Authorities have rejected claims of mistreatment. His detention remains the core issue fueling PTI’s planned nationwide protests.
Suleiman Khan labels family arrests as tyranny
PTI emphasizes that the October 4 rally aims to demand Imran Khan’s release and the protection of constitutional rights. Afridi confirmed that the march would start from Peshawar, while the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan announced its participation. The new date follows PTI’s decision to delay the initial September 27 protest by one week. Authorities continue preparations around Islamabad as PTI leaders insist the demonstration will go ahead. The government has pledged to enforce public order restrictions and safeguard access to the capital.
Suleiman Khan has called on Western governments to respond to what he describes as rule by “tyrants” in Pakistan. He linked this criticism to the detention of his aunts and other PTI supporters. Officials maintain that their actions are driven by security and public order concerns. With the march scheduled for October 4, the confirmed facts center on the detentions, security measures, and PTI’s demand for Imran Khan’s release.