The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has not yet finalized a comprehensive plan for its march scheduled on September 27 towards Islamabad. Uncertainty persists regarding the route, convoy movements, and participant arrangements. A recent parliamentary party meeting failed to produce a formal strategy for the event.
Central PTI leadership has instructed parliamentarians to mobilize at least 1,000 workers from their constituencies. Members of the National Assembly, Senate, and provincial assemblies have been directed to accompany the workers and lead the march. However, district office-bearers and grassroots workers have yet to receive a detailed schedule.
Discussions are ongoing about whether the convoys should arrive in Islamabad in phases rather than all on the same day. Additionally, a contingency plan to establish a camp in Swabi is under consideration should roadblocks be encountered along the route. Preparations for this are underway, with a finalized plan expected by September 25, covering the march route, convoy departures, accommodation, and other logistics.
PTI’s march coincides with other planned protests in Islamabad, including those announced by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Kissan Ittehad on different dates.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified preparations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of the demonstrations. Islamabad police confirmed that all entry and exit points to the capital remain open, with traffic flowing normally. However, decisions on road closures will depend on evolving circumstances and public safety considerations. Citizens have been urged to disregard rumors and follow updates from official police social media channels and FM radio.
More than 22,000 security personnel are slated for deployment in Islamabad, supplemented by approximately 30,000 additional forces summoned to Attock, a critical junction between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Rawalpindi police have requested an extra 9,000 personnel, including units from various Punjab districts, the Punjab Constabulary, and Riot Management Police. Leave for Rawalpindi police officers has been suspended until October 1, except for emergencies.
To accommodate the influx of security personnel, authorities have closed 24 public schools in Islamabad starting Tuesday. These schools are spread across sectors such as G-6, F-6, F-7, G-7, G-8, G-9, G-10, G-13, I-9, I-10, as well as areas like Bari Imam, Malpur, Tarnol, Sihala, and Rawal Dam. While principals and non-teaching staff will continue to work, teachers and students will stay away from these campuses.
Accommodation arrangements have been made for hundreds of officers arriving from outside Islamabad, with 362 police officials housed in 132 rooms across 13 hotels and guest houses. Additional personnel from police and Frontier Constabulary are being lodged in government buildings, educational institutions, sports complexes, marriage halls, and police stations.
Security measures also include the placement of containers at strategic locations such as Faizabad, Chungi No 26, Rawat, Chakri, Adiala Road, Pirwadhai, Bharakahu, and 17 Meel to control movement and maintain order.
In a significant development, the government has issued warnings against violent protests. PTI’s march aims to demand the release of its founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan. JI is organizing a separate march focused on the petroleum levy, while Kissan Ittehad seeks relief for farmers.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that the government will not permit violent demonstrations to reach Islamabad, stating that individuals carrying weapons or harmful objects will be stopped. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged PTI to reconsider the protest, highlighting that the government will enforce Islamabad High Court directives to ensure public roads remain accessible. He also stressed that PTI will not be allowed to shut down the capital for an extended period and that legal measures will be taken in consultation with the prime minister and law ministry.
Despite the heightened security, police confirmed that Islamabad’s entry and exit routes remain open and traffic within the city is normal.
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