ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Suleiman Khan, whose father is the former prime minister Imran Khan currently imprisoned, has accused Pakistan’s leadership of acting 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 restrictions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi confirmed Tuesday that the march would proceed from Peshawar, with participants expected to reach Swabi during the initial 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 public-order framework. PTI activists were detained prior to the original protest date as well. Suleiman described these family arrests as part of what he called a broader campaign of intimidation. His use of the word “tyranny” reflects his family’s expressed view, not a legal ruling.
Amnesty International criticized the detentions as arbitrary and called on Pakistani authorities to release Khan’s relatives and PTI workers. The organization stated that these actions violated fundamental rights to liberty, expression, association, and peaceful assembly. Authorities at both federal and provincial levels have cited concerns over public order while implementing restrictions around the planned demonstration. The government has also denied allegations of mistreatment of Imran Khan in prison. The issue of detention conditions, protest rights, and access to the capital has become central to this confrontation.
Security Measures Persist Around Islamabad
Prior to the original march date, authorities installed shipping containers on roads surrounding Islamabad and restricted routes connecting the capital with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Large police and paramilitary forces were deployed across Islamabad and nearby areas. While some major roads reopened after PTI postponed the protest, barriers still remain near sensitive locations. The Red Zone of Islamabad houses Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. Additionally, restrictions on public gatherings under Section 144 have been imposed by the city administration.
Since August 2023, Imran Khan has been in detention, serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case and a separate 17-year sentence related to a state-gifts case. PTI claims the charges against its leader are politically motivated, a stance the government denies. Concerns over Khan’s health, medical care, and access to family and legal representatives have been repeatedly raised by his family, while authorities deny any mistreatment. His detention remains the main issue fueling PTI’s planned nationwide protests.
Suleiman Khan Labels Detentions as Tyranny
PTI emphasizes that the October 4 rally aims to demand Imran Khan’s release and uphold constitutional rights. Afridi stated that the march would originate from Peshawar, with the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan also indicating participation. The new date follows the party’s decision to delay the initial September 27 action by one week. Authorities continue preparations around Islamabad as PTI leaders reaffirm their intent for the demonstration to proceed. The government has declared its intention to enforce public-order restrictions and ensure access to the capital.
Suleiman Khan has called on Western governments to respond to what he describes as rule by “tyrants” in Pakistan. His criticism is linked to the detention of his aunts and other PTI supporters. Authorities maintain that their actions are driven by security and public-order concerns. With the march scheduled for October 4, the key facts remain the detentions, security measures, and PTI’s demand for Imran Khan’s release.