PTI to march on Islamabad October 4 after government seals capital

September 26, 2026 at 03:12 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan plan a nationwide march on Islamabad on October 4 to demand his release. The government has sealed the capital with over 1,000 shipping containers and deployed 22,000 police and security personnel. The march was postponed from September 27 to increase pressure on the government.

Key Facts

The PTI march demanding Imran Khan's release is scheduled for October 4, postponed from September 27.
Islamabad has been sealed with over 1,000 shipping containers and 22,000 police and security personnel deployed.
Khan's three sisters were arrested on Monday on charges of posing a security threat.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi said the march will proceed unless the government makes concessions on Khan's prison conditions and fair trial.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi accused PTI of trying to create instability and violence.

March Postponement

PTI leaders announced the march was postponed from September 27 to October 4 to increase pressure on the government. The party is demanding the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges. Analysts say the protest could pose a serious challenge to the coalition led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the military under Army Chief General Asim Munir.

Government Crackdown

Dozens of PTI leaders and ministers were detained or had arrest warrants issued this week. Khan's three sisters were arrested on Monday and sent to jail on charges of posing a security threat. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi, who is among those with arrest warrants, said the government is in a panic and has besieged Islamabad. Afridi said security forces might use brute force but could not open fire on a mass turnout. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said the measures are preventive and accused PTI of trying to create instability and violence.

Capital Lockdown

More than 1,000 shipping containers reinforced with nails were used to block roads, sandbags were placed on bridges, and public gatherings were banned in Islamabad. 22,000 police and security personnel were deployed across the capital, disrupting trade. A 76-year-old retired businessman named Shahid said the whole city is suffering and the government has shut down the entire city.