ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Suleiman Khan, the son of former prime minister Imran Khan, has accused Pakistan’s leadership of behaving like “tyrants,” as supporters prepare for a march on Islamabad scheduled for October 4. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf postponed their planned protest from September 27 after numerous 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.
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 legislation. Additionally, officials apprehended PTI activists before the original protest date. Suleiman described these family arrests as part of what he called a broader campaign of intimidation. His use of the term “tyranny” mirrors his family’s publicly expressed view, not an official legal determination.
Amnesty International characterized the detentions as arbitrary and called on Pakistani authorities to free Khan’s relatives and PTI workers. The organization argued that the measures infringed on rights to liberty, expression, association, and peaceful assembly. While authorities at federal and provincial levels cite concerns over public order, restrictions have been enforced around the planned demonstration. The government also dismissed claims of mistreatment of Imran Khan in custody. The controversy has centered on detention conditions, protest rights, and access to Islamabad, making these issues central to the ongoing confrontation.
Restrictions Persist in Islamabad Area
Before the original march date, authorities placed shipping containers on roads surrounding Islamabad and limited routes connecting the capital with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Large police and paramilitary units have been deployed across Islamabad and nearby regions. Although some main roads reopened after PTI decided to postpone the protest, barriers remain near sensitive sites. Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies, remains heavily guarded. Additionally, restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed on public gatherings in the city.
Since August 2023, Imran Khan has been in detention, serving a 14-year sentence for corruption and an additional 17-year sentence related to a case involving state gifts. PTI maintains that these charges are politically motivated, whereas the government dismisses such claims. His family has repeatedly expressed concerns over his health, medical treatment, and limited access to relatives and legal counsel. Authorities deny any mistreatment allegations. The core issue fueling PTI’s planned nationwide protest remains Khan’s detention.
Suleiman Khan Labels Family Arrests as Tyranny
PTI states that the October 4 rally aims to demand Imran Khan’s release and the restoration of constitutional rights. Afridi confirmed that the march will start from Peshawar, while the opposition coalition Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan has announced its participation. The new date follows PTI’s decision to delay their September 27 action by one week. Authorities continue preparations around Islamabad, with PTI leaders asserting that the demonstration will proceed as planned. The government has indicated it will enforce public order restrictions and safeguard access to the capital.
Suleiman Khan has called on Western governments to respond to what he correctly describes as rule by “tyrants” in Pakistan. He has linked this criticism to the detention of his aunts and other PTI supporters. Officials argue that their actions are driven by security and public order considerations. As the march approaches on October 4, the key facts remain centered on the detentions, security measures, and PTI’s demand for Imran Khan’s release.