Security Tightened in Islamabad, Punjab Ahead of PTI March

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Authorities have stepped up security preparations in Islamabad and Punjab ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's planned September 27 march on the federal capital, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has indicated changes to his Punjab mobilisation tour following the death of a party worker. The developments have intensified political activity as both the government and opposition prepare for the coming protest campaign.

PTI had announced a tour covering 13 cities in Punjab as part of efforts to mobilise supporters for what the party has described as a peaceful and decisive march on Islamabad. Afridi's caravan was expected to travel through several cities before reaching Lahore, but the chief minister said he would first visit the family of deceased party worker Ishtiaq Ahmad and then announce the next phase of the party's street movement from Lahore.

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province until September 17, restricting gatherings of five or more people at public places and prohibiting rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations during the period. The order also restricts the carrying or public display of weapons. Weddings, funerals, religious observances, courts, government offices and formally authorised events are among the activities exempted from the restrictions.

Provincial authorities have cited intelligence and law-enforcement assessments warning that large public gatherings could face terrorist threats. Officials say the restrictions are intended to protect lives, property and public order. Security agencies have specifically raised concerns about potential attacks on crowded political events, making the approaching opposition mobilisation a significant test for law-enforcement planning across Punjab and the federal capital.

Preparations in Islamabad are also expanding. The federal authorities have sought 23,500 additional police personnel from the provinces for security duties, including 15,000 officers from Punjab, 8,000 from Sindh and 500 from Balochistan. The requested deployment is expected to be assembled ahead of the planned protest, while containers and other route-control measures have also begun appearing at strategic points in the capital.

In Rawalpindi, police leave has been restricted until October except in genuine emergencies as officials prepare for possible protest activity in the twin cities. Authorities have also identified PTI figures for monitoring and issued preventive detention orders against a number of party workers in parts of Punjab. PTI representatives, meanwhile, have accused the provincial administration of carrying out raids and detaining workers as the party organises its campaign. Those allegations remain contested between the opposition and provincial authorities.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has warned that violence must not be allowed during the planned mobilisation and has alleged that armed elements could attempt to join the protest. PTI continues to characterise its planned march as peaceful. The competing claims have increased political tension and placed added pressure on the authorities to balance public safety, security threats and the opposition's right to political activity.

The next several days are expected to determine whether PTI proceeds with its Punjab mobilisation according to its original schedule and how extensively the government deploys security personnel before September 27. Any escalation in arrests, road closures or restrictions could further heighten tensions, while both sides will face scrutiny over whether the confrontation remains peaceful as preparations for the Islamabad march continue.