Islamabad Locked Down as PTI Delays March
Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has been placed under a sweeping security lockdown as former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf prepares for a major protest demanding his release from prison. PTI has now postponed the start of its march from September 27 to October 4.
Islamabad Lockdown Ahead of PTI March
Authorities have deployed around 22,000 police and other security personnel across Islamabad while blocking major roads and entry points with more than 1,000 shipping containers, many reinforced with spikes.
Sandbags have been positioned on bridges, public gatherings have been banned and a key highway into the capital has been closed. Security has also been strengthened in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the main route connecting Peshawar with Islamabad has faced restrictions.
The measures have disrupted transport and supplies across the capital, with businesses reporting difficulties receiving goods.
PTI Postpones Imran Khan Protest to October 4
PTI leaders said on Friday that the planned march would now begin on October 4 instead of September 27. The party said the delay was intended to increase pressure on the government while preparations for the mobilisation continued.
The protest is centred on demands for the release of Imran Khan, who has remained imprisoned since August 2023 following convictions in multiple cases. Khan denies wrongdoing and maintains that the cases against him are politically motivated.
Imran Khan’s Sisters Detained Ahead of Protest
Political tensions have intensified further following the detention of Khan’s three sisters.
Aleema Khan was detained first, followed by Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi. They were ordered to remain in custody for 30 days under public-order provisions.
PTI has vowed to continue its mobilisation despite the arrests and extensive security restrictions surrounding Islamabad.
