PTI Sept 27 protest and JI march: Government prepares security measures as talks continue

With the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) preparing for its September 27 protest and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) also planning a march

ISLAMABAD: With the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) preparing for its September 27 protest and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) also planning a march towards Islamabad, the government has intensified security preparations and political contacts ahead of the two developments.

Sources told Minute Mirror that government officials are maintaining contact with JI leadership while backchannel communication with some PTI figures is also continuing. The developments come after the Islamabad High Court issued detailed directions concerning the proposed PTI march.

The IHC has ruled that political parties and leaders cannot occupy roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or other public places in a manner that obstructs citizens’ movement or access to essential services. The court also directed provincial governments to ensure that government resources, official vehicles, machinery and public funds are not used to facilitate political marches.

According to sources, the government is making extensive security arrangements in and around Islamabad. Police personnel are being mobilised from Punjab, with a substantial contingent expected to be deployed in Islamabad and adjoining areas.

Sources further claimed that authorities were considering additional measures along major routes leading towards the federal capital, including the GT Road, to prevent any large gathering from entering sensitive areas. However, details of any such arrangements could not be independently verified.

Backchannel contacts

Government contacts with JI leadership have reportedly intensified as authorities seek to avoid a confrontation over the proposed march. Sources said negotiations are continuing and that the government is considering some of the group’s demands.

Separately, sources claimed that contacts with PTI representatives through informal channels have also continued. One source alleged that some PTI office-bearers had discussed the possibility of postponing or modifying the September 27 mobilisation because of the IHC directions and the prevailing security situation.

PTI has publicly maintained its intention to hold the September 27 protest, which the party has described as a mobilisation for constitutional supremacy and the release of party founder Imran Khan.

Security concerns

The government’s preparations are being shaped by concerns about maintaining public order while complying with the court’s directions. The IHC’s detailed judgment emphasised the need to balance the right to peaceful assembly with citizens’ rights to free movement, access to hospitals, educational institutions, workplaces and businesses.

Sources said JI was being engaged through negotiations rather than an immediate confrontation. One source claimed that authorities had warned that failure to reach an understanding could result in restrictions on the march similar to measures previously adopted during other major protests.

The situation remains fluid, with political negotiations and security planning continuing ahead of September 27.

The key question now is whether political contacts can produce an agreement that allows demonstrations while preventing disruption of public life and ensuring compliance with the Islamabad High Court’s directions.

Minute Mirror will continue to monitor developments surrounding the PTI protest, JI march, government negotiations and security arrangements.