ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has tightened security around the capital ahead of a planned march by supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
Authorities blocked major highways with shipping containers and deployed thousands of additional security personnel in and around Islamabad on Wednesday.
The security measures come ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march scheduled for Sunday, September 27.
An Interior Ministry official said nearly 35,000 additional police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed in and around the capital. More security personnel were also sent to other areas where protesters could gather.
Two major highways linking Islamabad with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been closed until further notice, according to the National Highway Authority.
Authorities have placed shipping containers at several points around Islamabad’s government district. The area includes Parliament, the prime minister’s residence and foreign embassies.
PTI Says March Will Proceed
PTI Chairman Gohar Khan said the party would proceed with the planned march despite the security restrictions.
Authorities have detained several PTI activists in recent days. Three of Imran Khan’s sisters have also been detained ahead of the planned protest, with authorities citing public-order concerns.
The government has warned that security forces will respond if the march turns violent.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that police had been instructed to respond forcefully if protesters resorted to violence.
The PTI has organised the march to demand the release of Imran Khan, who has remained in jail since his arrest in 2023.
Restrictions Expand Across Punjab
Punjab authorities have also imposed restrictions ahead of the PTI march.
The provincial government imposed Section 144 across Punjab from September 23 to October 5. The order bans public gatherings, rallies and assemblies in public places, highways and open spaces.
The Punjab government has also sought additional Rangers personnel for Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali.
Several sections of the M-1, M-14 and GT Road have been closed or restricted as part of the security arrangements.
The authorities said the measures aim to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
PTI-Government Tensions
The latest security measures reflect continuing tensions between the PTI and the government.
Imran Khan, a former international cricket star, was removed as prime minister in a 2022 no-confidence vote. He later fell out with Pakistan’s military leadership, which denies his claim that he is a political prisoner.
The PTI’s previous major protest in 2024 ended in clashes with security forces.
Khan’s 2023 arrest also triggered nationwide unrest, including attacks on military installations.
Khan faces several legal cases and denies wrongdoing. Most of his convictions have since been suspended or overturned, while appeals remain pending.
The September 27 march is expected to put further pressure on authorities as the government prepares extensive security arrangements across Islamabad and parts of Punjab.
