Punjab and Sindh Deploy Police to Islamabad Ahead of PTI March

Thousands of police officers and personnel from Punjab and Sindh are being deployed to Islamabad to reinforce local forces as security measures are increased ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) scheduled march on September 27, according to police sources.

Police sources stated that Sindh is expected to send approximately 1,950 police personnel to Islamabad by Tuesday night. Punjab is also providing a contingent of 19,000 officers and personnel, with arrivals planned over the next two days. The federal government had requested assistance from Punjab for 23,000 personnel, the sources said.

Arrangements for accommodation have been completed for personnel from Sindh, Punjab, and the Frontier Corps. Authorities have begun placing containers at key locations in Islamabad, welding them overnight to block entry and exit points as part of security preparations.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Police have detained MNA Adil Bazai, raising the total number of detained PTI lawmakers in the capital to six. The lawmakers, including Senator Saifullah Niazi, MNAs Sanaullah Masti Khel, Mian Ahsan Jamal, Dawar Kundi, and Ghaus Muhammad, have reportedly been held under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance and transferred to Jhelum Jail.

PTI has maintained it will continue with its planned march, describing it as their democratic and constitutional right. Party Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, speaking in Peshawar, said the PTI had communicated concerns about the arrests to federal authorities and warned against actions that could further escalate tensions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi reiterated the party’s resolve to proceed with the march.

The situation has intensified following the detention of Imran Khan’s sisters, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, who, along with Aleema Khan, are being held for 30 days in Kot Lakhpat Jail. Aleema's detention is being contested in the Lahore High Court.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has indicated the government intends to implement a permanent approach to avoid long-term disruptions in Islamabad caused by such protests, emphasizing adherence to Islamabad High Court directions regarding public facilities. Opposition leaders and the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) have spoken against recent arrests and called for dialogue to resolve the political crisis.