Punjab and Sindh Send Police to Islamabad Ahead of PTI March

Police sources have reported that thousands of officers from Punjab and Sindh are travelling to Islamabad to support security measures before the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for September 27. The federal government has increased security in the federal capital in anticipation of the march, organized by PTI to demand the release of its founder Imran Khan and for constitutional supremacy.

According to police sources, approximately 1,950 officers from Sindh are expected to arrive in Islamabad by Tuesday night, while Punjab is providing 19,000 personnel over the next two days. The federal government earlier requested assistance from Punjab for the deployment of 23,000 officers. Arrangements have also been completed for the accommodation of personnel from Sindh, Punjab, and the Frontier Corps.

The Islamabad High Court has issued instructions that public roads and facilities should remain unobstructed during the protest. Despite the increased security, the PTI has stated its intention to proceed, describing protest as its democratic right.

Authorities in Islamabad have started placing containers at key entry points and roads, welding them together to restrict movement. The police have also detained PTI MNA Adil Bazai, raising the number of arrested PTI lawmakers in the capital to six, according to officials. Among those detained are Senator Saifullah Niazi, and MNAs Sanaullah Masti Khel, Mian Ahsan Jamal, Dawar Kundi, Ghaus Muhammad, and Adil Bazai. They have been moved to Jhelum Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.

Imran Khan’s sisters, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan, have also been detained for 30 days, following the detention of their sister Aleema Khan. A petition contesting Aleema Khan’s detention has been filed in the Lahore High Court.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated that a permanent strategy will be adopted to avoid prolonged disruptions in the capital due to protests. He indicated that government actions are focused on maintaining order and will comply with court orders if the PTI march takes place. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have called for dialogue and called on the government to form a committee for talks, emphasizing the need for empowered representatives.