ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Imran Khan’s son Suleiman Khan has firmly accused Pakistan’s leadership of behaving like “tyrants” as supporters of his father prepare for a march toward Islamabad scheduled for October 4. Originally set for September 27, the protest was later postponed by one week by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The party states that the march aims to secure the release of the former prime minister who is currently incarcerated. To ensure security, authorities have deployed thousands of personnel and placed shipping containers along key routes around the capital.
Suleiman Khan, aged 29, has condemned the detention of three of his father’s sisters and other relatives in the lead-up to the planned demonstration. He asserts that these arrests are part of a broader crackdown targeting Imran Khan’s family and political supporters. Calling on Western governments, he described the situation as rule by “tyrants.” His accusations of tyranny echo the claims repeatedly voiced by Khan’s family and political allies. The Pakistani government, however, has dismissed allegations of mistreatment against 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. Authorities justified these actions citing concerns over public order. Amnesty International has called for the release of Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, criticizing the government for targeting individuals based on family ties, political affiliations, and protest plans. The government maintains that these security measures are necessary to maintain order.
Detention actions deepen the conflict over the planned demonstration
Following the deployment of extensive security forces around Islamabad and key routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI decided to delay the march. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the protest would now commence from Peshawar on October 4. PTI officials emphasized that the rally would still focus on demanding Imran Khan’s release and safeguarding constitutional rights. Before the original date, authorities had mobilized over 22,000 security personnel and positioned forces in Attock, a vital corridor linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab.
Shipping containers remain placed along roads leading into Islamabad’s Red Zone, which houses Parliament, government buildings, and foreign embassies. Some barriers have narrowed traffic lanes, forcing drivers to seek alternative routes. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that PTI supporters would not be permitted to disturb the capital’s peace. Afridi dismissed the government’s characterization of the protest threat, asserting that PTI plans to hold a peaceful rally. The ongoing dispute centers on maintaining public order and the right to protest, with both sides offering contrasting narratives about the security measures.
Accusations of tyranny draw increased international attention
Imran Khan, 73, has remained in detention since 2023, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He describes himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims that the prosecutions against him are politically motivated. The government dismisses these accusations. Concerns about his health and prison conditions have been raised by Khan’s family, though authorities deny any mistreatment, and Khan has undergone medical examinations following court proceedings concerning his health. His incarceration remains the central issue fueling PTI’s mobilization efforts for October 4.
Suleiman Khan’s use of the terms “tyrants” and “tyranny” has brought 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. While PTI insists the October 4 march will go ahead, authorities continue to enforce security arrangements around Islamabad. The confrontation revolves around confirmed detentions, restrictions on the capital, and demands for Imran Khan’s release. Both the government and PTI are presenting sharply contrasting accounts of the measures in place.