ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Imran Khan’s son Suleiman Khan has sharply criticized Pakistan’s leadership, describing their actions as “tyrants” as supporters prepare for a march towards Islamabad scheduled for October 4. The protest, initially set for September 27, was postponed by a week by PTI. The rally aims to demand the release of the former prime minister, who is currently jailed. Security measures around the capital have been heightened, with thousands of personnel deployed and shipping containers placed along major routes.
Suleiman Khan, 29, has condemned the detention of three of his father’s sisters and other relatives ahead of the demonstration. He claims these arrests are part of a crackdown on Imran Khan’s family and political backers. Suleiman called on Western governments to respond to what he described as rule by “tyrants,” echoing claims made by Khan’s family and allies. Pakistan’s government has dismissed allegations of mistreatment against the former prime minister.
On September 20, police in Lahore detained Aleema Khan under Punjab’s Maintenance of Public Order law. Subsequently, her sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with other relatives and PTI activists, were also taken into custody. Officials cited concerns over public order for these actions. Amnesty International urged the release of Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, accusing authorities of targeting individuals based on family ties, political affiliation, and protest plans. The government maintains that the security measures are necessary to maintain order.
Detentions escalate tensions surrounding the planned demonstration
PTI delayed the march after authorities established a heavy security presence around Islamabad and key routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the rally would now start from Peshawar on October 4. PTI officials emphasized that the march remains focused on Imran Khan’s release and constitutional rights. Before the initial date, over 22,000 security personnel were deployed in Islamabad, with additional forces stationed in Attock, a vital link between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Barriers, including shipping containers, continue to block roads leading into Islamabad’s Red Zone, home to Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. Traffic lanes have been narrowed, forcing drivers 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 concerns about the protest, asserting PTI plans a peaceful rally. The ongoing dispute centers on public order and the right to protest.
Accusations of tyranny draw international attention
Imran Khan, 73, has been in custody since 2023, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He describes himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims the charges are politically motivated. The government rejects these assertions. Concerns over his health and prison conditions have been raised by Khan’s family, but authorities deny mistreatment and have conducted medical evaluations following court proceedings. His detention remains the key issue fueling PTI’s mobilization for October 4.
Suleiman Khan’s use of the terms “tyrants” and “tyranny” has brought renewed international focus on his family’s criticism of Pakistani authorities. His brother Kasim has also called for global scrutiny of their father’s detention. PTI insists the October 4 march will go ahead, while authorities continue security operations around Islamabad. The situation now revolves around confirmed detentions, restrictions around the capital, and demands for Imran Khan’s release. Both sides present starkly contrasting narratives regarding these measures.