Security tightened across Islamabad, Rawalpindi ahead of PTI Sept 27 protest

Authorities have intensified security arrangements in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI)

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have intensified security arrangements in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned September 27 protest, with preventive detentions, police mobilisation and restrictions being imposed in several areas.

The latest development came on Sunday when Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, was detained in Lahore for 30 days under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ijaz issued the detention order, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan condemned the move and said it could increase tensions ahead of the protest.

The detention follows reports of preventive action against PTI workers in Punjab and Islamabad as authorities prepare for the September 27 mobilisation, which PTI says is aimed at demanding the release of Imran Khan.

Security preparations have also intensified around the federal capital. Police and administration officials have placed containers at entry points, while additional personnel are being mobilised to deal with possible gatherings and traffic disruptions.

In Rawalpindi, authorities have announced extensive restrictions and closures ahead of the protest. Details of the restrictions are being implemented by the local administration as part of broader security arrangements.

The Islamabad High Court has also issued directions concerning the planned PTI protest. In its detailed judgment, the court held that political parties do not have a lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or buildings in a manner that infringes citizens’ fundamental rights. The court also directed provincial governments to ensure that government resources and official machinery are not used to facilitate the protest.

Following the court’s directions, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government instructed its officials not to comply with orders requiring them to facilitate a march towards Islamabad. KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah directed officials to report any such instructions, while IGP Zulfiqar Hameed separately directed police officers not to facilitate Islamabad-bound rallies that violate the court’s directions.

Meanwhile, political contacts are reportedly continuing regarding the proposed PTI protest as well as Jamaat-e-Islami’s planned activities in Islamabad. Sources claim the government is particularly focused on avoiding simultaneous confrontations and is engaging with JI leadership through negotiations.

Some sources have also claimed that backchannel contacts with PTI figures are continuing and that discussions have taken place over the possibility of modifying or postponing the September 27 mobilisation. These claims could not be independently verified.

The government’s security preparations, court directions and political negotiations have created a tense environment ahead of September 27.

The immediate focus remains on whether the protest proceeds as announced, how authorities implement the court’s directions and whether political negotiations can prevent major disruption in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.