Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced nationwide protests and a march to Islamabad to demand the release of the former Prime Minister.
To halt this march, the administration has implemented stringent security measures in the capital, Islamabad, effectively sealing off the city.
Authorities have deployed over 1,000 shipping containers—many fitted with sharp spikes—to block all major routes leading to the capital. Sandbags have been placed on bridges, and main highways entering the city have been obstructed. A ban has been imposed on public gatherings and the assembly of crowds within the capital. To maintain order, 22,000 police and security personnel have been deployed across the city.
**Hardship for the public and business community**
The government has also deployed security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and closed the main highway connecting the provincial capital, Peshawar, to Islamabad.
These strict restrictions and blockades have sparked significant resentment among local residents. Business owners and ordinary citizens are facing severe difficulties due to the disruption in the supply of essential daily commodities. **Demand for Imran Khan’s release**
The protest is being held to demand Imran Khan’s release. He has been imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions in multiple cases. His party and supporters allege that he is not being treated properly in prison, a matter that has caused growing concern. On Friday, PTI announced that the march would now commence on October 4 instead of September 27. Party leaders say that postponing the date by a week will further increase political pressure on the government.
Imran Khan’s three sisters detained
Just ahead of this proposed protest, the legal net has also tightened around Imran Khan’s family. His sister Aleema Khan was detained first, followed by the detention of Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi.
Orders have been issued to detain all three sisters for 30 days under the Punjab Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
