ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Imran Khan’s son Suleiman Khan has strongly accused Pakistan’s leadership of behaving like “tyrants” as his father’s supporters gear up for a march toward Islamabad scheduled for October 4. The demonstration, initially planned for September 27, was later postponed by a week. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf states the march aims to demand the release of the former prime minister who is currently detained. Authorities have heightened security around the capital by deploying thousands of personnel and placing shipping containers along major routes.
Suleiman Khan, 29, has criticized the arrests of three of his father’s sisters and other relatives in the lead-up to the protest. He claimed these arrests are part of a crackdown targeting Imran Khan’s family and political supporters. Suleiman called on Western governments to respond to what he described as rule by “tyrants.” His accusations of tyranny echo claims made by Khan’s family and political allies. The Pakistani government has dismissed allegations that authorities are mistreating the former prime minister.
On September 20, police detained Aleema Khan in Lahore 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 for public order to justify these detentions. Amnesty International has urged the release of Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, stating that authorities targeted individuals based on family ties, political loyalties, and protest plans. The government insists that these security measures are necessary to maintain order.
Detention of supporters escalates tensions over the scheduled protest
PTI postponed the march after security forces established extensive controls around Islamabad and key routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the demonstration would now commence from Peshawar on October 4. PTI leaders emphasized that the march would still focus on demanding Imran Khan’s release and upholding constitutional rights. Before the original date, more than 22,000 security personnel were deployed in Islamabad. Additional forces were also stationed in Attock, an important link between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Shipping containers remain placed along roads leading into Islamabad’s Red Zone, where Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies are located. Some barriers have narrowed traffic lanes, forcing drivers to take alternative routes. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has stated that PTI supporters would not be allowed to disrupt the capital. Afridi, however, dismissed the government’s description of the protest threat and affirmed that PTI plans to hold a peaceful rally. The ongoing dispute centers on maintaining public order and the right to protest.
International attention grows as accusations of tyranny intensify
Imran Khan, aged 73, has been in detention since 2023, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He describes himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims the charges against him are politically motivated. The government denies these allegations. Khan’s family has expressed concerns about his health and prison conditions, but authorities deny mistreatment. After court proceedings, Khan underwent medical examinations. His imprisonment remains the focal point of PTI’s call for mobilization on October 4.
Suleiman Khan’s pointed use of the words “tyrants” and “tyranny” has drawn renewed international scrutiny of his family’s criticisms of Pakistani authorities. His brother Kasim has also publicly called for international oversight of their father’s detention. PTI affirms that the march on October 4 will proceed as planned, while authorities continue to enforce security measures around Islamabad. The core issues now involve confirmed detentions, restrictions on the capital, and demands for Imran Khan’s release. Both the government and PTI present contrasting narratives regarding these security actions.