Islamabad in lockdown while Khan supporters postpone march on capital

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

Authorities in Islamabad have enforced strict security measures, including deploying over 22,000 personnel and blocking major routes, to halt a postponed nationwide protest organized by Imran Khan's PTI party. The government's heavy-handed response underscores fears of mass unrest amid Khan's continued imprisonment and the party's threat to mobilize large-scale demonstrations challenging the current administration.

Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, remains on high alert as authorities have imposed stringent security measures to prevent a planned nationwide protest in support of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, announced the postponement of a march originally scheduled to begin on Sunday and proceed towards the capital, rescheduling it for October 4.

The government deployed more than 22,000 police and security personnel, erected barricades using over 1,000 shipping containers fortified with spikes, and placed sandbags on key bridges to restrict movement into Islamabad. Public gatherings have been banned within the city, and major highways connecting the capital to other regions, including the main route from Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, have been shut down. These precautions come amid concerns that the demonstration could escalate into violence.

The heightened security presence follows a series of arrests and legal actions targeting PTI figures. Dozens of party leaders and ministers have either been detained or have arrest warrants issued against them. Khan’s three sisters were arrested on Monday and remain in custody on charges related to posing a “grave threat” to national security. Sohail Afridi, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province—Khan’s political stronghold—and other prominent PTI members face arrest as well.

Afridi emphasized the party’s resolve to proceed with the march unless there are improvements in Khan’s jail conditions and assurances of a fair trial. He accused the government of panicking in the face of growing PTI support, asserting that the scale of the security response signals fear of a mass public demonstration. “I know they can go to any extent to stop us by brute force,” Afridi said, “but if we have a large number of people, they can’t open fire at us. Our plan is to bring so many people that they surrender.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, appointed by the federal government, defended the security steps as necessary “precautionary” measures, accusing the PTI of attempting to foment “instability and violence.”

Public frustration is rising within Islamabad as residents experience significant disruptions amid the lockdown-like conditions. Retired businessman Shahid, 76, described the situation as unprecedented, criticizing the government’s handling of pressing issues such as unemployment and inflation while focusing on security “none of which benefits ordinary citizens.”

Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges, denies all accusations and claims his detention is politically motivated, designed to neutralize him as a threat to the current government and military leadership. His party asserts he is held in solitary confinement with restricted access to medical care, family, and lawyers. Notably, courts have overturned all but one of the rulings against him.

The military-backed government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif but widely perceived as subordinate to Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, appears intent on preventing the PTI’s mobilization. Analysts note that Khan remains a potent political figure with significant public support, posing an ongoing challenge to the administration’s authority and stability.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.