ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN / RankWire.AI / – Imran Khan’s son Suleiman Khan has strongly condemned Pakistan’s leadership, alleging they are behaving like “tyrants” as his father’s supporters gear up for a march toward Islamabad scheduled for October 4. Although originally set for September 27, the demonstration was postponed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf by one week. The party states the march’s purpose is to demand the release of the former prime minister, who is currently in custody. Security measures around the capital have been heightened, with thousands of personnel deployed and shipping containers placed along major routes.
At 29 years old, Suleiman Khan has criticized the detention of three of his father’s sisters and other relatives in connection with the planned protest. He claims these arrests are part of a crackdown targeting Imran Khan’s family and political supporters. Suleiman has called on Western governments to respond to what he describes as rule by “tyrants.” These accusations of tyranny echo claims made by Khan’s family and political allies, though the government of Pakistan has denied mistreatment of the former prime minister.
Authorities detained Aleema Khan in Lahore on September 20 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 justified these actions by citing concerns over public order. 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 affiliation, and protest plans. The government asserts that these security measures are necessary to maintain order.
Detentions escalate tensions surrounding the upcoming protest
Following the establishment of extensive security controls around Islamabad and key routes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PTI postponed the march. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the demonstration would now commence from Peshawar on October 4. PTI leaders emphasized that the protest would continue to focus on the release of Imran Khan and constitutional rights. Prior to the initial date, authorities had mobilized over 22,000 security personnel in Islamabad, with additional forces deployed in Attock, a strategic route connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab.
Roadblocks, including shipping containers along roads leading to Islamabad’s Red Zone—home to Parliament, government offices, and foreign embassies—have persisted. Some barriers have narrowed traffic lanes, forcing drivers to seek alternative routes. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has stated that PTI supporters will not be allowed to disrupt the capital’s stability. Meanwhile, Afridi dismissed the government’s characterization of the protest as a threat and affirmed that PTI plans to hold a peaceful gathering. The ongoing dispute centers on maintaining public order and safeguarding protest rights.
Accusations of tyranny draw international attention
Since 2023, Imran Khan, aged 73, has remained in detention, serving sentences related to corruption and state-gifts cases. He describes himself as a political prisoner, while PTI claims the charges are politically motivated. The government, however, has dismissed these allegations. Concerns about Khan’s health and prison conditions have been raised by his family, though authorities deny mistreatment and have arranged medical examinations following court proceedings related to his health. His imprisonment remains the central issue motivating PTI’s mobilization on October 4.
Suleiman Khan’s use of the words “tyrants” and “tyranny” has brought renewed international focus on his family’s criticism of Pakistani authorities. His brother Kasim has also publicly called for international scrutiny of their father’s detention. While PTI remains committed to proceeding with the October 4 march, authorities have maintained security arrangements around Islamabad. The core of the dispute involves confirmed detentions, restrictions around the capital, and demands for Imran Khan’s release. Both the government and PTI continue to present contrasting narratives regarding these measures.