ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Imran Khan’s son Suleiman Khan has firmly 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 by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The party states the march aims to demand the release of the former prime minister who is currently in custody. Authorities have heightened security around the capital by deploying thousands of personnel and placing shipping containers along major routes.
Suleiman Khan, aged 29, has condemned the detention of three of his father’s sisters and other relatives ahead of the protest. He said these arrests are part of a crackdown targeting Imran Khan’s family and political allies. Suleiman called on Western governments to respond to what he characterized as rule by “tyrants.” His accusations of tyranny echo claims frequently made by Khan’s family and political supporters. The Pakistani government has dismissed allegations that authorities are mistreating the former prime minister.
On September 20, Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore under Punjab’s Maintenance of Public Order law. Following her, 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 as the reason for these detentions. Amnesty International has called for the release of Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, stating that authorities are targeting individuals based on family ties, political affiliation, and protest plans. The government insists these security measures are necessary to maintain order.
Detention actions escalate tensions over upcoming demonstration
PTI postponed the march after authorities established extensive security measures around Islamabad and key routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the march would now commence from Peshawar on October 4. PTI leaders emphasized the demonstration’s focus on demanding Imran Khan’s release and safeguarding constitutional rights. Before the original date, over 22,000 security personnel were deployed in Islamabad. Additional forces were stationed in Attock, a vital corridor connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab.
Roadblocks and shipping containers remain along routes leading into Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. Some barriers have constricted traffic lanes, forcing vehicles to take alternate routes. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that PTI supporters would not be permitted to disrupt the capital. Afridi rejected the government’s characterization of the protest as a threat and affirmed PTI’s intention to hold a peaceful rally. The ongoing dispute centers on maintaining public order and safeguarding protest rights.
International attention grows over accusations of tyranny
Imran Khan, 73, has remained in detention since 2023, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He has described himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims the charges against him are politically motivated. The government denies these allegations. Khan’s family has raised concerns about his health and prison conditions, but authorities have denied mistreatment. After court proceedings, Khan underwent medical examinations. His detention continues to be the central issue motivating PTI’s October 4 mobilization.
The use of the terms “tyrants” and “tyranny” by Suleiman Khan has drawn renewed international focus to his family’s criticism of Pakistani authorities. His brother Kasim has also publicly called for global scrutiny of their father’s detention. PTI affirms the march will go ahead, while authorities maintain their security measures around Islamabad. The core issues now involve confirmed detentions, restrictions around the capital, and demands for Imran Khan’s release. Both the government and PTI continue to present sharply contrasting accounts of these actions.