ISLAMABAD: Islamabad is gearing up for a big political rally on September 27 as supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plan a march on the capital demanding the release of jailed party founder Imran Khan.

The planned protest has already triggered heightened security measures, road closures and a series of detentions, turning the days ahead into a closely watched political moment for Pakistan.

About 35,000 extra police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in and around Islamabad, an Interior Ministry official told Reuters. The main routes connecting the capital with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been closed and shipping containers placed at strategic points.

PTI supporters have also faced a growing government crackdown. Ahead of the planned mobilization, Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan, Dr Uzma Khan and Noreen Niazi have been detained under the Maintenance of Public Order law.

PTI leadership meanwhile has maintained that the march would remain peaceful and has reiterated its demands over Khan’s release and what the party describes as constitutional supremacy.

But the government has said the protest will not be allowed to disturb public order, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar saying PTI will not be allowed to march into Islamabad on September 27.

With the capital under heightened security and both sides dug in, the focus now shifts to Sept. 27.

The question is, will the proposed march be peaceful? What could be its impact on Pakistan’s politics?

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)