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 towards Islamabad scheduled for October 4. Originally set for September 27, the demonstration was postponed by a week by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. The march aims to demand the release of the former prime minister, who is currently imprisoned. Security around the capital has been heightened with thousands of personnel deployed and shipping containers placed along major routes.
Suleiman Khan, aged 29, has condemned the detention of three of his father’s sisters and other relatives in the lead-up to the protest. He explained that 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 voiced by Khan’s family and political supporters. The Pakistani government, however, has denied allegations of mistreatment against the former prime minister.
On September 20, Aleema Khan was detained in Lahore under Punjab’s Maintenance of Public Order law. Following her, authorities also took into custody her sisters Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi, along with other relatives and PTI activists. Officials cited concerns over public order for these arrests. Amnesty International has called for the release of Khan’s relatives and PTI workers, stating that authorities have targeted individuals based on family ties, political association, and protest plans. The government asserts that these security actions are necessary to maintain order.
Detentions Heighten Dispute Over Planned Demonstration
Following the deployment of extensive security forces around Islamabad and key routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI decided to postpone the march. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the protest would now start from Peshawar on October 4. Leaders of PTI emphasized that the demonstration would still focus on demanding Imran Khan’s release and safeguarding constitutional rights. Before the original date, authorities had prepared over 22,000 security personnel, including forces in Attock, a strategic link between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
Barriers such as shipping containers remain along roads heading toward Islamabad’s Red Zone, home to Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies. Some of these barriers have reduced traffic lanes, forcing motorists 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 characterization of the protest as a threat, asserting that PTI plans to hold a peaceful rally. The ongoing dispute centers on maintaining public order and protecting the right to protest.
Accusations of Tyranny Draw International Attention
Imran Khan, aged 73, has been in custody since 2023, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He has described himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims that the prosecutions are politically motivated. The government, however, denies these allegations. Concerns about Khan’s health and prison conditions have been raised by his family. Authorities have refuted mistreatment accusations, and Khan underwent medical examinations following court proceedings concerning his well-being. His detention remains the key issue fueling PTI’s mobilization planned for October 4.
The use of the terms “tyrants” and “tyranny” by Suleiman Khan has brought renewed international focus onto his family’s criticisms of Pakistani authorities. His brother Kasim has publicly called for international scrutiny of their father’s detention. PTI affirms that the October 4 march will continue, while authorities maintain their security measures around Islamabad. The core of the dispute involves confirmed detentions, restrictions around the capital, and demands for Imran Khan’s release. Both sides continue to present contrasting narratives regarding these measures.