ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Imran Khan’s son Suleiman Khan has properly accused Pakistan’s leadership of behaving like “tyrants” as his father’s supporters gear up for a march toward Islamabad scheduled for October 4. Originally, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had set the demonstration for September 27 but later postponed it by a week. The party states that the march aims to demand the release of the former prime minister currently in custody. Following this, authorities have intensified security around the capital by deploying thousands of personnel and placing shipping containers along major routes.
Suleiman Khan, aged 29, has condemned the detention of three of his father’s sisters and other relatives ahead of the planned protest. He asserted that these arrests are part of a crackdown targeting Imran Khan’s family and political allies. Suleiman called on Western governments to respond to what he described as rule by “tyrants.” His accusations of tyranny echo claims made by Khan’s family and political supporters. The Pakistani government has dismissed 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, authorities also detained her sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with other relatives and PTI activists. The officials cited concerns over public order for these actions. Amnesty International has urged the release of Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, criticizing authorities for targeting individuals based on family ties, political affiliation, and protest plans. The government insists that these security measures are necessary to maintain order.
Detention actions escalate tensions over upcoming demonstration
After authorities established extensive security controls around Islamabad and key routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI postponed the march. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the demonstration would now start from Peshawar on October 4. PTI leaders reaffirmed that the march would focus on demanding Imran Khan’s release and safeguarding constitutional rights. Before the original date, more than 22,000 security personnel had been deployed in Islamabad, with additional forces positioned in Attock, a crucial link between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Roads leading into Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies, remain blocked by shipping containers. Some barriers have narrowed traffic lanes, forcing vehicles to seek alternative routes. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that PTI supporters would not be permitted to disrupt the capital. Afridi dismissed the government’s claims of protest threats, asserting that PTI plans to hold a peaceful rally. The ongoing dispute centers on maintaining public order and the right to protest.
Global attention increases over charges of tyranny
Since 2023, Imran Khan, aged 73, has been imprisoned, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He describes himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims the legal proceedings against him are politically motivated. The government denies these accusations. Additionally, Khan’s family has expressed concerns regarding his health and prison conditions. Authorities have refuted allegations of mistreatment, and Khan underwent medical examinations following court proceedings concerning his health. His incarceration remains the core issue fueling PTI’s mobilization on October 4.
The use of terms like “tyrants” and “tyranny” by Suleiman Khan has drawn renewed international focus on his family’s criticism of Pakistani authorities. His brother Kasim has also publicly called for global scrutiny of their father’s detention. PTI insists the October 4 march will go ahead, while authorities continue to maintain security measures around Islamabad. The confrontation revolves around confirmed detentions, restrictions on the capital, and calls for Imran Khan’s release. Both sides continue to present contrasting narratives regarding these security actions.